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***Podfest Global Free Ticket The ticket link is here, giving you free access to the live event ($49 value) - be sure to enter your promo code NOFEAR first BEFORE Checkout: https://podfestexpo.com/tickets/ Website: https://www.dscottsmith.co/contactscott Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessnetworkingtips Business Networking Fundamentals Course: https://rebrand.ly/NetworkingFundamentals Global Tea Break: https://globalteabreak.com/ Podfest Global: https://podfestglobal.online/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

I spoke to students (online) about business networking. I covered: 1. Understand they have value to offer 2. Provide structure to examine what network they already have 3. Refine their presentation (online and in person) 4. Steps to grow and nurture their network I am glad to be giving back to the community and building our future. Most of us solo entrepreneurs, freelance professionals, and small business owners don’t need thousands or even hundreds of customers. We just need a handful each month. The best way to grow your business and get more customers is through your professional network. Feb 8-11 I am running a Networking Bootcamp. Where I will show you the: ROI of networking (vs. paid ads) How to gather your network connections Finding the gold in your network Steps to strategically build your network to improve      referrals Join me in Bootcamp during February 8-11 at 2-2:30pm PST. Register at https://rebrand.ly/NetworkingBootcamp https://rebrand.ly/NetworkingBootcamp --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

I came home after school to a surprise - a new clubhouse. Today, there is a new place to meet and build our professional networks: Clubhouse. Learn more. This week it’s the January edition of the Virtual Global Tea Break – a global networking opportunity. It’s 90 minutes of connecting with remarkable people. We have added a teaching portion. This month we are fortunate to have Jim Fuhs (Fuhsion Marketing, “Marketing the Marine Corps Way”) to share about Clubhouse. If you'd like to connect with me, find me at https://www.dscottsmith.co/contactscott.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

What we learn Octavius (Caesar Augustus). His world had changed and at 18 years old was given the newly formed Roman Empire. I recorded “Threnody” for Audible. You can hear a sample here: https://smile.amazon.com/Threnody-Century-Sensibility-Proves-Changed/dp/B07R7NNV7B/ Perhaps you’d like to try out the Independent Planner for free. That’s a great idea! Here’s a link to download a weekly version of the planner: https://buff.ly/3kVTwzR. It’s a Google Form. Complete the form and an undated copy of the planner will be emailed to you within 15 minutes. I am a huge fan of collaboration - don't try to "go it on your own". We need each other. Request to get on my calendar. Let's chat about your planning and future goals. Go to dscottsmith.com/contactscott - you'll find my calendar there. Let's chat (no obligation or expense). --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

Why is New Orleans called, "The Big Easy"? The best encapsulation I read was over at cuturetrip.com where they said, “it defines how folks in New Orleans embrace life; and that people here do things their own way, without ever fearing judgement.” If you are entrepreneurial, you find novel solutions to problems. You are remarkable! Links: Independent Planner: http://independent-planner.com/ (for those in the US) https://writenotes.uk/product/independent-planner-2021-tempesta/ (for those in Europe) Virtual Global Tea Break networking community: https://globalteabreak.com/ I am planning my 2021 business year - you may want to "do more and be more" in 2021 and could use assistance. Request time on my calendar and let's chat about what it will take to define your dreams, set your goals and plans. Visit https://www.dscottsmith.co/contactscott and schedule time now. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

The year of the pandemic is passing and we look to 2021 and beyond. There are five areas of focus for your personal and professional life and each of those five needs to have three things. In this episode we look at what is required to be successful in the coming year. SPOILER ALERT: Goals are not enough. You must have systems in place. You may be like me and are looking for tools to keep focus. I use a digital calendar for my appointments, but this did not help me define or track progress to my goals. That's why I created the Independent Planner. It's a system to supplement my online calendar with a Goal Tracking. I get immediate feedback each day on meeting my goals. Learn more at Independent-Planner.com.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

This is not a sales push – you won’t find any links or “immediate action discounts”. The only “call-to-action” part of this episode is my admonition that you take a serious look at what’s happened in 2020 and decide who you want to be twelve months from now. There are five areas of you life where you need intentional focus. If you want to grow and develop with intention, then each of these three areas must have a metric, target, and initiative. Listen to the episode to learn more. James Clear (author of Atomic Habits) reminds us that we do not rise to the level of our goals - we sink to the level of our systems. It's great the you want "stretch goals" for 2021 or are planning some BHAG (big hairy audacious goal), but you will only be successful if you have a system in place that will help you reach your goals. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

If you don't like the way things are - make something different. It's not enough to have goals, you must have a system that will help you meet your goals. That is why I created the Independent Planner (TM). It is a paper calendar system designed to complement your digital calendar.  The 2021 Independent Planner is handmade in England and a limited number are available at independent-planner.com.  Many people had plans and goals for 2020 that were completely derailed by the response to the pandemic. Others were able to keep their focus and made 2020 a great year. The Independent Planner gives you easy-to-use tools to capture your dreams, create the steps you need to accomplish to make your dreams real, and goals to mark progress. Each day the Goal Tracking provides feedback. Every minute of each hour of each day is fully used in your life. The Independent Planner is a system that helps you optimize your time to meet your goals.  The Independent Planner is a full 12-month planner in one handmade book. There are no quotes or platitudes on the pages. I love what I do and that is motivation enough. I am fully confident that you love what you do - that you solve problems for your customers. The Independent Planner allows your to do more of what you do. The Goal Tracking for each day helps you ensure your time is used to move your closer to your goals then provides instant feedback and motivation. Do more and be more. Make 2021 your best year ever. The 2021 Independent Planner is available on a first-come, first served basis. Visit independent-planner.com and order now. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

On November 11th at 8am Pacific Standard Time, I will be holding my review of the third quarter with an eye to those businesses that have adapted well during this pandemic. I want to look to the positive outcomes for inspiration as we close out 2020 and prepare for the future. Join me November 11th at 8am PST for my third quarter review. Let’s prepare for 2021 and beyond. The event is free. I will be hosting this on Zoom. Find the registration link in the show notes. Register (free) at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsfu-pqDguGNzPvLt-rUUJi2kYKpfdNXKE See the videos of my previous quarterly reviews: Q1 2020 - I Want a Refund: 2020 is Broken. This includes my 6-step process to evaluate and review your business: https://www.dscottsmith.co/advice/2020/10/28/i-want-a-refund-2020-is-broken Q2 2020 - 2020: An Unexpected Year. We can't predict the future, but there is an amount of "knowability" learn what you can do: https://www.dscottsmith.co/advice/2020/7/7/2020-an-unexpected More opportunities to improve your business networking skills: Download my free networking events cheat sheet: buff.ly/2K6rvpJ Purchase my book on Amazon - Motivational Listener: Be Interesting by Being Interested https://www.amazon.com/Motivational-Listener-Interesting-Interested-Successful-ebook/dp/B07JYX99G5 Enroll in my online course: Business Networking Fundamentals https://coursecraft.net/courses/z91H8 Information on my coaching for business networking is available at https://www.dscottsmith.com  Ask to join my free Facebook group focused on education for business networking as a marketing tool: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessnetworkingtips Request a free chat with me. We'll chat for 45 minutes about your business networking needs and the steps you need to best use this powerful tool: https://www.dscottsmith.com/contactscott  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

Walt and Roy launched their company the same year the Great Depression started. Today the company is worth about $130 Billion. I observed that Disney was being deliberate about learning what it takes to open in a pre-vaccine world. Here are the five things I observed them doing: Start with the guest Take a measured approach Live your values Make it fun Find the new business opportunities Each Monday at 8am Pacific, I host a Networking Question and Answer session on Zoom. It is 30 minutes of learning how to connect (network) even in this crazy world.  Register for free: https://buff.ly/2OKCFCc. I also co-host the Global Virtual Tea Break each month. Check the show notes for the next one coming this Friday, October 23rd https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkd-Crpz0tE9ApqZ3f_PiMrz4SfL771n68 And In November, 2020: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqceyhqzosG9fHbbB6mvXIIQ6iigbLl9tq Request to join my free Facebook Group where we focus on learning to best use our professional networks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessnetworkingtips/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

I am breaking from my series on Lessons Learned from Disney to insert this episode because I am seeking your assistance. In this simple podcast episode, I only ask that you send me an email (scott@dscottsmith.com) in response to this episode with stories of business success amid the craziness. Feel free to pass on this message and my email address to those you know who have proven that entrepreneurs are greater than a virus. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

My dad used to tell me he knew too many people wishing their lives away. I wish it was 5 o’clock; I wish it was Friday; I wish I was on vacation; I wish I was retired. Is today not enough? This is a problem of culture. If you are a freelance professional, solo entrepreneur, or small business owner - you get to decide the culture of your business. Make it Fun! Here are ways to extend your professional network and improve your networking skills: · Participate in the Global Virtual Tea Break with me and Alan Hennessy for worldwide networking:  Register for October 2020: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkd-Crpz0tE9ApqZ3f_PiMrz4SfL771n68 Register for November 2020:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqceyhqzosG9fHbbB6mvXIIQ6iigbLl9tq · Get a copy of my book, Motivational Listener: Be Interesting by Being Interested (Practical Skills to Be Successful at Business Networking Events) on Amazon Kindle or Audible: https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 · Join in on one of my weekly free Networking Q&A Sessions: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcuf-6vrz8qH9YwGIpM11NHhCqIn-5VVEBG · Enroll in my course Business Networking Fundamentals: https://coursecraft.net/courses/z91H8 · Share this podcast with others: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith · Schedule a no obligation, no cost call with me to discuss your professional network: https://www.dscottsmith.co/contactscott --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

Business networking became harder - or did it? Five people for 7 days in 150 cubit feet and a visit to Disneyland provided valuable lessons. Many have been directly affected by COVID-19; all of us have been impacted by the response to this novel coronavirus discovered in 2019. Until there is an effective vaccine and inoculations are implemented on a global scale, this is our life. Here's a no-cost, no-obligation opportunity to learn how to use your business and professional network to grow your business. Join me Monday mornings at 8am Pacific for 30 minutes of Networking Questions and Answers. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcuf-6vrz8qH9YwGIpM11NHhCqIn-5VVEBG Business networking is the most effective marketing tool. Learn more at https://www.dscottsmith.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

How do I get in-front of potential clients in this pre-vaccine COVID world? Many small business owners, solo entrepreneurs, and freelance professionals I speak with get their clients through their networks by referral. This is particularly challenging when traditional networking events have moved online. How do we source clients? In this episode we continue the series of learning from the Disney Company about how to get back to business. Each week at 8am Pacific, I host a Networking Questions and Answer session. There is no charge for these 30 minutes of learning how to best use our business networks as an effective marketing tool and getting more customers through referrals.  Click here to register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcuf-6vrz8qH9YwGIpM11NHhCqIn-5VVEBG If you feel stuck and would like personal assistance, request to get on my calendar. We will spend 45 minutes and get clear on: •What you need from your network •Where you are and what type of network you need, what’s missing •AND, How  you will go about building your ideal network Grab a spot now at https://www.dscottsmith.co/contactscott. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

The world changed just as 2020 was getting started. We’re experiencing a culture-changing event. Businesses that were considered “non-essential” were closed. As weeks of shelter-in-place passed, businesses were allowed to start reopening. But how? In this episode we look closer at how the Disney Company is returning to business. Each week I hold a Networking Questions and Answer Session. Perhaps you’ll be able to join us at 8am Pacific in our Zoom Room. It’s free – register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcuf-6vrz8qH9YwGIpM11NHhCqIn-5VVEBG. Learn more about business networking: · Participate in the Global Virtual Tea Break with me and Alan Hennessy for worldwide networking: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6703365084351139840 · Get a copy of my book, Motivational Listener: Be Interesting by Being Interested (Practical Skills to Be Successful at Business Networking Events) on Amazon Kindle or Audible: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JYX99G5/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 · Enroll in my course Business Networking Fundamentals: https://coursecraft.net/courses/z91H8 · Schedule a no obligation, no cost call with me to discuss your professional network: https://www.dscottsmith.co/contactscott --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

Over the years, Disney has been examined and case studies have been written. Many have tried to understand and replicate the magic. Since my focus is on business networking, and I want to share tips with you to improve your ability to use this tool to market your products and services and get more customers, let’s look at how Disney is handling this global pandemic and see what we can apply. In this episode I share five tips I observed from Disney to get back to business. If you are interested in learning how to get referrals from your business network and grow your business, request membership in my free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessnetworkingtips/. This is not a referrals group - we focus on learning and education to grow and use our professional networks. I also run a free Business Networking Question and Answer session every Monday at 8am Pacific. You can register for these free sessions by clicking on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcuf-6vrz8qH9YwGIpM11NHhCqIn-5VVEBG. Bring your networking questions and get practical answers to develop you network. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

2020: An Unexpected Year. Quarterly Review Session In March,  GDP was expected to grow this year...now we are looking at a decline.  Let's review the last quarter and plan for the second half of 2020. You are invited to a Zoom meeting I am hosting this Friday (July 3rd) at 7am Pacific. Registration for this free review and discussion is open, click here: https://buff.ly/2NNRBPD. Economic forecasts for 2020 (as late as March of this year) indicated GDP growth of 2.4%. Now we are looking at a decline of around 6% to 7.6%. Let's talk about planning/preparation. If you are looking to do a bit of homework beforehand – take a look at research by Dr. Gabriele Oettingen. She talks about positive thinking (but it’s not what you’re thinking). This podcast focuses on business networking - always lean into your network for support. If you'd like to learn more, visit dscottsmith.com or join my free Facebook Group to learn more about the power of your professional network: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessnetworkingtips/. This is not a leads or referral group, we are dedicated to educating each other to be master networkers.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

When I heard that the  South by Southwest (SxSW) conference was cancelled, I knew many businesses would be hurt by the response to the virus. When the National Basketball Association (NBA) cancelled, I thought it might be a publicity issue. When March Madness was called-off, I knew millions of dollars of revenue was lost. There were serious and long-term consequences coming. I hope you will join me on Tuesday 3.31.2020 at 9am PDT (11am EDT and 4pm GMT) for a 1-hour debrief of Q1 2020 and mastermind for the next 9 months. I am hosting this session via Zoom. If you are interested - I've got a Google Form for registration to RSVP and let me know what's on your brain. Here's the link:  https://buff.ly/2xqY26m. If you are interested in joining my Facebook Group to learn tips and stories to use Business Networking to get more customers, request access here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessnetworkingtips. Our best referrals come word-of-mouth, from our professional network. This is a great time to be intentional about building our networks and getting more clients. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

I often use the hashtag #todaysoffice in posts along with my signature tag #motivationallistener. I’ve been asked “why” because it doesn’t seem linked to my primary topic of using business networking as a marketing tool. Marvelous question…that’s the topic I’ll cover today. In this episode we talk about the three things you need for a business and the four components you need in your business network. If this resonates with you, let's chat. Apply to get on my calendar at: http://www.dscottsmith.co/contactscott.  Learn more about my business networking method to use your professional network as your primary marketing tool: http://www.dscottsmith.co/coach-scott. Download my Six-Step Cheat Sheet to be successful at business networking events: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddJlYUGz3hGjLNEnz9FyKFLEMY49QZt56T_mGQFsHzSJVm9w/viewform. Have a fabulous day. Cheers! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support

Operating a business is a challenge – even more so when you are a solo entrepreneur, freelance professional, or even if you have just a couple employees. Not only do you design the products sold, but you also deliver, service, and market them. You have to account for the money: invoicing, collection, and paying all company bills. You are the C-everything: Chief Executive, Chief Financial, Chief Operating, and Chief Marketing Officer. Getting customers for your business is hard...there are plenty of opportunities presented to us that sound wonderfully simple. We can write a book, run Facebook ads, or promote a webinar. The truth is, the majority of your clients likely come from referrals, you get business from word-of-mouth. These clients come to you through your network. In this episode we talk about being effective in marketing your services by networking. If you would like assistance in optimizing your professional network or want to learn about the Motivational Listener Professional Network System, visit my website: dscottsmith.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dscottsmith/support