Bruce Dorskind is a long time friend and colleague with whom I breakfast regularly. We are both in the ‘idea’ business and we enjoy helping one another.
Bruce’s reminders this morning was that a few minutes of extra preparation can make ‘a world of difference when you travel out of market.
*Two or three days before you travel,spend five minutes on the website of the local market newspaper. Learn a bit about the important local political, social and economic issues. If possible, focus on areas that you expect will be of interest to the organization that you are visiting.
* On the day of arrival, buy the local newspaper and focus on a topic that will be of interest to the people you are about to visit. You will be surprised what you might learn that may help you and you may also uncover a new prospect or a way to reconnect with one.
Just last week, I was visiting Montreal over the Thanksgiving holiday and reading the paper, I saw a quote and interview of a prospective client of mine in Canada. I pulled out my blackberry and sent off a quick note to her and also cc’d my client in New York who had referred me and who is from the parent company.
Both emailed back right away and it helped put our discussion back on the radar screen.
Even as you begin to plan your holiday vacation and may find yourself in another city–have what I call my 24/7 networking eye and ears open and aware. You never know what you may learn.
This is a great tip!
I really like how simple the action is, but how big of an impact it could have in the long run when it comes to building a business.
Very nice article, exactly what I needed.