Kelly McCormick's Business Tips

How to Quickly Build LinkedIn and Facebook Connections

• Sep 22nd, 2011
• No Comments

There is an art to making connections in the virtual business world. As the term implies, ‘Social Networking’ is about building relationships. And the best place to start the process is at the ‘invitation’ stage.

From personal experience, the ‘Accept’ ratio increases when a personalized message is included in requests to connect.

BUT, it’s important that the ‘personalized’ message doesn’t sound phony or like a template. So let me show you what to do and say instead.

Are Your Clothes Selling YOU or Killing Sales?

• Aug 19th, 2011
• No Comments

“Casual Fridays have morphed into ‘Happy Hour’ Fridays, which can send the message, I’d rather be anywhere but here”, says Kelly Machbitz. Kelly is a Certified Image Consultant and author of, Wear This, Not That! Stylish Solutions to Flatter Your Figure. Wow, she got my attention!

As a business expert, who coaches and speaks to entrepreneurs, business owners, and companies, I know that your personal image is as important as your brand. For many people their personal image is their brand. Take a look at some of those scary avatar photos on Social Networking sites!

As fast as my fingers could punch in the numbers, I called Kelly Machbitz. I wanted to find out some of the worst mistakes people make when dressing to do business. I also needed to know what entrepreneurs, consultants, and business people should be wearing to “seal the deal”, so to speak. Here’s what I discovered…

3 Business Networking Tips From the Guru – Michael Hughes

• Jul 13th, 2011
• 2 Comments

Okay we all know that networking is a powerful business building tool. Many people, including myself, get a lot of our new business via referrals. So why is it that so many “professionals” do such a crappy job of connecting with others? From what I have observed, most people don’t really know what to say or do to make powerful and meaningful connections.

To break through any obstacles, I interviewed Michael Hughes, the guru of networking. Here are his valuable opinions, pointers, and tips; all of which are in total alignment with my process on how to ethically OutSell Yourself.

Kelly: What is the biggest mistake people make when networking?

Michael: The biggest (and most common) mistake professionals make when networking is…

10 Reasons Why Buyers Go Missing and How to Follow-up

• Jul 6th, 2011
• No Comments

If a company or individual didn’t buy immediately, missed a scheduled follow-up, or didn’t respond to your messages, it could be for many reasons. (FYI, the following excerpt is from my book, OutSell Yourself: Go From Hello to Sold with Ethical Business and Sales Techniques.)

Here are 10 reasons why buyers go missing and the actions you can take to reconnect.

1. They died. Unless you’re in the funeral business, this probably isn’t good news. Check in later to find out who is now looking after things.

2. Someone else died. Send a card.

3. They had a deadline of their own. Call and say, “I understand. Given the current situation, when would you like me to contact you?”

Why Not Ask “Why”?

• Jun 16th, 2011
• 1 Comment

“Why” questions can certainly provide you with important information. Unfortunately people tend to become defensive when asked “why.” They feel judged.

Imagine if someone were repeatedly asking you “why” you were thinking or feeling a certain way. Even if they had your best interest at heart, you’d probably feel challenged. For most people, their common reaction would be to withhold information or defend their position. Does this remind you of any relationships you’ve been in?

3 Tips to Build Profitable Connections through Social Networking

• May 13th, 2011
• 3 Comments

Upload the ‘Know You, Love You!’ Crowd

1. Upload your email database into Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Then invite people from your past jobs, school, etc. into those social networks.

We tend to do business with people we know and like. And if your friends aren’t potential clients for you, they may know someone who is!