Cultivating Prosperous Business Relationships through Dynamic Networking

Thursday July 8th 2010 was the 695th all time and 2nd meeting of the 2010 - 2011 Rotary year of the Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise.

Special thanks to Trish, John, Kaylnn and Carl for volunteering and assisting with our Pledge, 4 Way Test, Prayer and Greeting all in attendance.

This morning it was our pleasure to have Rebecca Monson, PHsD join us. She is the Founder of Networking's the Secret the fastest growing business professional networking group in Southern Utah. Her presentation about the Forgotten Art of Listening and Creating Your Elevator Pitch had everyone in attendance sitting on the edge of their seats.

Some of Her Listening Tips included:

1. Develop the desire to listen


2. Always let the other person to most of the talking


3. Don't interrupt


4. Learn active listening


5. Ask for clarification if needed


6. Get used to listening for nonverbal messages


7. Ask a question.....then SHUT UP and wait for a response

Some of Her Tips for Asking Questions:

1. Ask open-ended questions


2. Don't ask questions that put them on the defensive


3. Ask "What if?"


4. Ask for their advice


5. Offer alternatives


6. Ask about their feelings


7. Repeat back what they said

Rebecca also challenged us all to create an Elevator Pitch. We were instructed to create a brief statement that gives just enough information to our target audience to create curiosity but not enough to satisfy their hunger. We want them to ask us more about what we do and then engage them in a dialog/conversation.

Dr. Gooch was brave enough to share his Elevator Pitch which created quite a laugh. Perhaps next week we should take a few minutes of Horseplay and pitch ourselves to each other.

I'll be in SLC next week and have asked Past President Marla to conduct on my behalf.

Many thanks to you for your service above self.

Yours in Rotary,

-Mark