2010 off to a slow start?

I don't want to admit it, but I'm behind this year. As the organizer of many-a-things, I am disappointed with how long it is taking me to get going this year on planning our first event. So....please accept my apologies.

In result, I figure that there should be some type of resolution for this situation, and that's where this blog comes into play. Resolutions are things that can be made at any time of year, because they are essential like a to-do list. So how do we make effective resolutions? ..Well, I'm glad you asked, as I write (or maybe a few minutes after I complete this blog) I will be writing a list of resolutions for TheCircleLA.

There are definitely some key tricks to writing good resolutions, so I thought I would share with you all; so that you can make 2010 your BEST year yet.

1. Figure out what you want to accomplish! - Ok, this may be self-explanatory but it has to be said. Take some time for yourself one day, sit down and really think about where you would like to be by the end of the year or even in the next three months.

Don't think about where you are today - that will just throw wrenches in your plan. Plan like everything is possible.

2. Be realistic - It may sound good to say you're going to make $250K this year, but are you really going to do that? Make sure that your resolutions are something that you can stick with and really give effort to. If you think that $100K is a reasonable number then go for it; only YOU know your limits. If your goal is too ridiculous in any area, you'll be more likely to forget it or give up.

3. Having measurable goals - Be sure that you are setting some expectation for yourself. Saying to yourself "I'm going to start a business this year" doesn't really say much at all. Remember, these are for yourself for the most part.

Put numbers and details on your goals like; I'm going to develop my business plan by February 28th or I'm going to find a business partner by March. Putting dates and numbers on your goals gives you some feasible motivation to work towards. You don't have to make it ridiculous, its not a competition.

4. Tell people about your plans - Does a tree make a sound when it falls in the woods if no one hears it? Tell someone about your goals/plans, this is probably someone close to you or maybe even a friend that you're writing resolutions with. That way, someone is a witness and possibly may ask you how your getting along at certain points. If you have someone to share it with, it's easier to keep your resolutions throughout the year.

5. Keep them visible - Have your resolutions handy. I generally have mine on a half sheet of paper in my planner. Sometimes when i'm flipping through to check something else I run across and re-read them. This is a great reminder of what you have to accomplish and keeps them in your head. It's not surprising that you won't have them memorized. Another good place is your wallet.

6. Check-in mid year! - Right before summer hits, check in with yourself. If you check-in mid year and you kind of put some of the items by the way side, you still have about 6 months to accomplish some of your goals. Most of our goals won't take a whole year to get to, but we give ourselves that much because we've gotta live life. This is a great time to check things off your list (my favorite) so you can see what you have left and how much progress you have made!

7. Celebrate yourself - There's never a bad time to celebrate. I generally see new year's as a time of celebrating the past year and really seeing all that I have accomplished. But along the way, have small celebrations when you accomplish each smaller goal so that you continue to feel good and have something to look forward to.

8. Keep it short! - Last but not least. Having 100 resolutions for the year is a little out of range. Create as many as you think is important to really get to that year. I generally have about 10 main goals for the year, other stuff comes up; both those 10 I make sure to keep top of mind.

Good luck and let's get going! TheCircleLA is going to try a lot of new things in the new year and we are excited to share our plans with you. See YOU in TheCircle!

The 1-minute Pitch!

So you get to the networking event, you grab a drink and begin to mingle with folks. Most conversations at networking cocktails give very few minutes for you to make your official networking information. Do you have a 1-minute pitch?

Well if you don't have it down, then you should. Here are six simple steps to developing your 1-minute pitch, so that you're ready for any event in the future.

1) Give your name and your company's name (or your profession/industry if you're 'freelance').

2) "Set the stage", give a brief overview of all that your business has to offer. (We're talking a one sentenct " I do XX.")

3) Give the location of your business and the area that you cover. (Many times this is a region, I travel from East to West coast a lot, I work in the LA-area, I do business in California/So.Cal...whatever)

4) Highlight one part of your business (What part of your professional background do you want to focus on, picking one is more memorable than saying "I do everything")

5) "Call to action", talk about what type of business you are looking for by focusing your efforts. (If you're an actor its "I'm looking for more comedic roles" if you're a businessman "I'm picking up some technology work", yadda yadda.)

6) "Close" use your company's motto or tag line before you move forward. ("I'm lovin' it!")

This pitch really applies to any and every industry with slight adjustments here and there to really fit what you're trying to accomplish out of the event. Go with a goal and use that goal to pitch yourself more effectively.

To be most effective you'll want to revise your pitch every week or two to be sure that your messages are in line with what you are looking for as a professional. This may be a very small part of your networking experience, but your pitch is something that can leave a lasting impression. Be sure when you follow up you mention something memorable from your conversation.

While every conversation can't be a winner, you can use your one minute to make the most of it. First impressions are all it takes!

Welcome to Netropolis!

We are finally here The beginning of Netropolis. "What is Netropolis?" you may ask. Netropolis is the juncture at which form meets fashion and where need meets purpose. Let's face it, we are all trying to gain something from this universe and leave some kind of stain to prove that we were here. Whether it be family,legacy, wealth or all of the above. So what will your mark on this life be?

Don't know yet? Perhaps we can figure it out together. TheCircleLA is a networking group formed to attract a unique group of intelligent, fresh, creative thinkers to share knowledge, ideas, services, contacts and more. Netropolis has been created as a message board for these blossoming minds and as platform to post, think out loud, comment, argue and resolve many of questions/issues that people have today in becoming successful in both their professional and social lives.

It doesn't matter what industry you are in because it's likely we share one common goal that may be abosolutely different in every way...success! Networking is an integral part of business and social life when you are passionate about what you do. Netropolis is here as a guide and tool to learn, teach and share.

Keep your mind busy, bring your thoughts to the table and WELCOME TO NETROPOLIS!