Archive for September 21, 2009

The Leadership Roller Coaster

Lately I have been on a real leadership roller coaster.  I have had high points and low points, quick turns and gravity defying, scream stealing leadership lessons.  There is no question that I love what I do, most leaders do however the life of a leader is not always praise and pats on the back.

The human dynamic in a military organization is sometimes marginalized for a macho bravado that spits bullets and drinks buckets of coffee like it’s cool aid.  The big question since the begining of time has been – how to inspire other people to reach for the best that they can be even though they do not see it in themselves?

Add into the equation a rank structure that spouts of superirors and subordinates, as well as rigid rules & regulations and you get a big mixing bowl of incredibly tumultous times to be had by all.

I would not trade being a leader for anything, I live for learning how to foster the human dynamic to thrive.  The reward of seeing the light bulb go on or observing the “ah-ha” moment when other people get it, is priceless.  There are dangerous double standards and other people’s egos that can impede progress however, and that really sucks.

All in all it’s what you make it so I choose the best; for those that I lead and those that I love, they are often one in the same.

Long Live Leadership,

Mark Edward Brown

“How – to” Networking by Mark Edward Brown

Do you know “how – to” promote your personal brand or business in these crucial times?  It is so important to your survival as a personality or business entity that you can no longer ignore it.  Building recipricoal relationships with as many people that are interested in you or your content & information is a must for online businessman and women.  It helps broaden the spectrum of your target market, it allows you to meet more potential clients and can lead to succesfully creating future joint ventures.  In order to last for any length of time in your target market you have to know the right people, which is whynetworking is so very important in any kind of online endeavor.

Networking however, can be stressful at times if you don’t feel confident about what you are doing.  You must know that confidence is an important tool for success in networking.  Without the proper approach however, your relationship with your clients can turn from profitable to not so profitable in a quick way. 

Here are 3 key components that you must know in order to properly network with other people and businesses: 

1) Know Your Market -

Before giving out your product or contact information, you must know if the people you are reaching out to belong in your market or social niche.  It is easier to reach out to people who are actually interested in you or your product or service.  Instead of convincing others to believe that what you offer is the best that is out there, why not develop your relationship with the folks that you are already involved with? 

2) Know the Right Approach -

When you are networking, you must have an introduction or brief descriptiona about you or your business.  It is vital to how to introduce yourself to a number of people, in the right way and at the right time.  You must be fun and interesting.  These chracteristics and attitudes help people notice you and your business and motivate them to want to learn more about you. 

3) Know the Right Etiquette -

Networking involves some etiquette to put it bluntly.  Like when people offer their hand, you should always be willing to offer yours for a handshake.  It is even advisable to offer your hand first in order to let people know how welcoming you are as a person.  When you receive a business card, be sure to read it and in return, don’t forget to give yours.

What are some networking tips that you would like to share?  Leave your comments below and be sure to join me in the social networks.

To Your Social Networking Success,

Mark Edward Brown

How to make social connections and successful networking work in your life

Making friends in todays socially influenced society is one of the most popular trends that people from all walks of life on the internet today.  In their quest to make new friends and at the same time connect with old friends many people are finding new reasons to stay online longer. 

Social networking sites are the new standard when it comes to socializing online.  Forums and bulletin boards are becoming less used then in current years.  FaceBook, Twitter and MySpace are three of the main social networking sites that are prominent at this time, however there are many others that are becoming popular as well.

Here are three recomendations:

1) Join me on FaceBook:  www.FaceBook.com/MarkEdwardBrown

2) Follow me on Twitter:  www.Twitter.com/MarkEdwardBrown

3) Join the Marketing-Mastermind community by clicking the image above

These are three great ways for you to connect and network with world class people who are real and interested in your life and success.

Always to your success,

Mark Edward Brown