JUNE
2004 ********************************************
IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome
Article: 10 Steps to Developing Deeper
Relationships With Board Members
News and Announcements
Contact Information
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WELCOME
Summer has begun. School is out, the days are long and many people
are going on vacation. It’s tempting during the summer weeks
to slow down and relax our pace. Although I certainly support
the idea of everyone getting away for some R&R during the
summer, don’t let that lazy summer feeling create an internal
inertia. Instead, take advantage of the fact that clients are
demanding a bit less and set a business development goal or two
for the summer.
For instance, maybe you can make it a goal to get your contact
system up-to-date. If you’ve been wanting to write a newsletter
or client update, now may be a perfect time to get started. The
summer is also a great time to build relationships. If you sit
on a board of directors, this month’s article may be just
the thing you need to get the most out of your involvement.
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10 STEPS TO DEVELOPING DEEPER RELATIONSHIPS
WITH BOARD MEMBERS
Many professionals know that the best way to
maximize the value of belonging to organizations
is to be in a leadership position. Chairing a
committee is one way to do that. Another is to sit
on the board of directors. Be sure, however, that
your involvement doesn’t stop there. Here are some
ways to get to know your fellow board members
and increase the potential of doing business
together or receiving referrals.
1. Be sure that your board service is excellent.
Fellow board members prefer building relationships
with others who are professional and committed.
2. Identify individual board members with
Whom you wish to develop a relationship. You
may wish to get to know all your fellow board
members or just a targeted few.
3. Approach one board member prior to or
Following the board meeting and suggest getting
Together for lunch or dinner. Articulating a
desire to deepen the relationship and learn more
about this member and her business will likely
lead to a positive response.
4. Call the person the next day and calendar the
Lunch. Prompt follow-up shows your sincerity.
5. Research your fellow board member’s
Business prior to the lunch. This type of prep-
aration will help you come up with appropriate
and pertinent questions to ask.
6. Discover the challenges this person is facing
In his business. Great listening skills are
essential to this part of the meeting.
7. Be a resource to this person. Perhaps you
can
provide a suggestion or solution to a problem or
perhaps you can provide a referral who can assist.
8. Create a logical next step towards another
get-together outside of the board room. This
may be an invitation to a sporting or theatre event
you found you both enjoy, or a meeting to discuss
potential business opportunities.
9. Follow-up. Periodically send articles of
interest
about the person’s company or industry, or send
case law updates that may be of interest.
10. Choose another board member and start
the process over again! Deepening relationships
with fellow board members not only helps develop
a strong, team-minded board, it may open the
door to business opportunities that may not have
otherwise come about.
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NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Speaking Engagements.
A week ago I gave a presentation on networking:
”Building Relationships that Bring Business”
to a group of senior executives. The talk was
a resounding success and I had such fun working
with this group. (You should’ve heard some of
the great 7-second self-introductions people came
up with during the breakout part of the program!)
If you have a professional, trade or work group
who could benefit from learning the secrets of
true networking, give me a call. Your group
will learn a lot while having a good time, and
you’ll look like a star – I promise!
The Business of Law Program.
Several of you sent emails following last month’s
newsletter wherein I announced the self-study
business development program I am creating,
entitled, The Business of Law. Thank you for
your inquiries and support! Although I don’t have
a launch date yet, I can assure you that I’ve made
it my goal this summer to complete the workbook
and begin the recording process. I’ve already
drafted much of the core workbook so I think
I’m well on my way to reaching my goal!
Booklet Details.
To purchase your copy of my booklet,
Business Development: 97 Quick & Easy
Tips For Lawyers, go to my web site
at www.rainmaker-strategies.com
or send me an email at
Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com
and I’ll be happy to process your order.
Cost is $5.00 for a single copy (plus
tax where applicable and shipping).
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Barbara Nichols Mencer
Rainmaker Strategies
Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com
www.rainmaker-strategies.com
If you’ve enjoyed this article and learned a valuable
business-building tip, please feel free to forward
this newsletter to your friends and colleagues.
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Copyright 2003, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
