Afleveringen
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This week's episode of Making Waves at C-Level talks about building community. Sometimes it is the right thing to join your local or national trade associations, and other times it is the time to start your own informal community. Get with some like minded friends and spend time together. Relationships are build via shared experiences....so get with people.
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Welcome to another insightful episode of "Making Waves at C-Level." I'm Thom Singer, CSP, and in this episode we're exploring why it's essential for CEOs to encourage their employees to participate in industry trade groups and events. With over eight years of podcasting and a wealth of experience in the business world, I'm excited to share three compelling reasons why this strategy can lead to significant benefits for both your company and your employees.
In this episode, we cover:
Boosting Brand Visibility: Discover how your company's active participation in the industry can enhance its reputation and visibility. I'll explain why being seen as a committed industry player can positively impact your relationships with vendors, customers, and competitors.
Investing in Professional Development: Learn about the importance of fostering professional growth and development among your employees. I'll share insights on why providing opportunities for learning and career advancement can lead to higher job satisfaction and employee retention.
Attracting Top Talent: Understand how promoting a culture of industry engagement can make your company a magnet for top talent. I'll discuss how happy and engaged employees can become ambassadors for your brand, helping you attract and retain the best candidates.
We'll also delve into the evolving landscape of industry events in the post-pandemic era and why trade associations are more important now than ever before. This episode is packed with actionable advice and practical tips to help you lead by example and create a vibrant, engaged, and successful team.
Whether you're a CEO, a business leader, or an aspiring professional, this episode offers valuable insights that can help you leverage the power of industry involvement to drive your company's success. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to make waves in your industry.
Thank you for listening to "Making Waves at C-Level." Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes and share this podcast with your network. Together, we can create a culture of engagement and growth that benefits everyone involved.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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H.I. (Human Interaction)-- The Secret to Career Success
Welcome to another episode of Making Waves at C-Level, hosted by Thom Singer. In this episode, Thom explores the vital role of Human Interaction (HI) in our increasingly AI-driven world. With over 10 years of experience hosting the show and speaking at conferences, Thom emphasizes that meaningful human engagement is the key to achieving lasting success.
The episode delves into the true essence of HI—beyond just human intelligence, it's about forming genuine, impactful connections. Thom, a seasoned keynote speaker and author, shares his insights on why real human engagement is the ultimate secret weapon for outshining the competition and excelling in your career.
This episode is a must-watch for young professionals aiming to get ahead and for anyone seeking to understand the power of building authentic relationships. Thom highlights the importance of going beyond superficial digital connections and emphasizes that true career magic happens through meaningful, face-to-face interactions.
Listeners will learn why meeting someone once doesn’t equate to them being part of your network and the significance of cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Thom challenges the common misconceptions about networking and stresses that showing up and engaging with your community is what truly sets successful people apart.
The discussion also covers the difference between mentors and coaches, and the unique value of mentorship in building genuine relationships. Thom passionately advocates for the importance of HI in today's world, where people often seek shortcuts through digital means but miss out on the profound impact of real human connections.
Thom encourages viewers to embrace HI and reflect on who they will connect with meaningfully today. He emphasizes that the success of your career and organization hinges on understanding and prioritizing human interaction.
Don't miss this engaging episode that challenges the superficiality of digital connections and underscores the transformative power of HI in a world dominated by AI. Watch now to gain actionable advice on networking, build stronger relationships, and unlock new opportunities.
Keywords:
Human Interaction, AI World, Networking, Career Success, Relationship Building, Thom Singer, Keynote Speaker, Business Growth, Professional Development, Genuine Connections, Mentorship, Community Engagement, Young Professionals
Call to Action:
🌟 Watch Now and redefine how you connect in the modern world! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on making waves in your career.
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In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer dives into the power of connections and their crucial role in career success. Reflecting on the pandemic, Thom notes the significant disruption to networking and community engagement, which left many professionals isolated. While the world has reopened, enthusiasm for in-person networking hasn’t fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, and membership organizations and business nonprofits have struggled to regain their momentum.
Thom emphasizes that real career opportunities come from meaningful connections, not just from social media interactions like tweets, TikTok videos, or getting likes and shares. While digital engagement has its place, it cannot replace the value of personal relationships. He stresses that those who fail to re-engage in their industry and community may miss out on career advancements, inadvertently allowing these opportunities to go to others.
To maximize networking potential, Thom provides insights for both event planners and attendees. He advises event planners to actively create environments that foster networking:
Create Networking Opportunities: Design events to encourage networking during happy hours, breaks, meals, and other activities, making them exciting and conducive to meeting new people.
Engage Speakers: Encourage speakers to participate in the event beyond their presentations. Speakers should mingle with attendees, facilitating networking and contributing to a sense of community.
Interactive Sessions: Design breakout sessions where speakers ask questions and engage the audience, promoting discussions and connections among attendees.
Icebreaker Activities: Implement icebreaker activities to help attendees meet each other, especially at the beginning of the event and during key moments like breakfast.
Facilitated Learning Conversations: Set up areas for attendees to discuss what they have learned from keynotes and breakouts, sharing best practices and experiences.
Leverage Technology: Use technology before, during, and after the event to enable attendees to comment, share insights, and connect with each other.
For event attendees, Thom offers practical advice on making the most of networking opportunities:
Be Open and Approachable: Stand around, smile, and start conversations. Avoid isolating yourself by being engrossed in your phone.
Ask Questions: Engage with speakers and fellow attendees by asking questions about their experiences and what they hope to gain from the event. This sparks meaningful conversations.
Follow Up: After meeting someone, follow up with them. Adding them on LinkedIn or to your email list is not enough. Schedule one-on-one conversations to build a genuine relationship.
Thom underscores that building connections requires intentional effort and engagement. Meeting someone once does not equate to forming a network. Instead, it’s about cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. He concludes by calling for a movement towards more deliberate and meaningful connections, highlighting that those who actively facilitate networking and community-building will see significant benefits in their careers.
This episode serves as a reminder of the profound impact that connections can have on professional success and the importance of re-engaging with our communities as we move forward from the disruptions of the pandemic.
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There is often advice given to leaders that they need to "protect their time" and that they should only attend "curated events" as to not have to be bombarded by people wanting advice, etc...
Sometimes people ask if they can "pick your brain" and many people get mad as they see it as someone just wanting "free consulting". But instead of being up off when someone wants your advice... how about reframing their request into a giant compliment. Think about it, if you find someone mediocre (or worse)....do you ask them for advice? We only ask to "pick the brain" of someone we admire.
Plus, if you are a leader, you have to be active in your community. A community can be geographic or an industry... but if you see yourself as a leader, and yet you hide from the people you claim to lead, then you are not really a leader. A true leader cannot lead from behind an office door or while sipping bourbon from their pool. Real leaders are in the arena.
Ask yourself...."when is the last time I really attended an industry or community event where I was not the speaker or it was sponsored by my company?". If you are not sure, then start getting engaged. Either locally or with your industry trade group. Be the one who shows up and is willing to mentor and guide others.
It is probably true that many people were there for you to share advice, be a mentor, or have their "brain picked" when you were up and coming in your career. The time has come to make sure you are returning that favor to the next generation.
This does NOT mean you have to attend everything (you are too busy), but make sure one of your weekly / monthly activities is an open event and show up just to be supportive of the greater community. Leaders must lead by example and people are hungry for community these days!
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Thom Singer is a keynote speaker who shares a message of community, collaboration, and conversations. The more we engage now, the more opportunities come our way in the future.
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In this episode we look at the power of community and how the people you meet are the only way to learn and find new opportunities over you lifetime.
When speaking at a conference of young professionals, Thom Singer offered up the secret weapon to their future of career options. It is networking now, building real connections and friendships, and helping others.
In a world or remote work and digital networking, those who engage will win in the long run.
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After a long time away, the "Making Waves at C-Level" podcast is trying to come back into regular production. Host Thom Singer has been serving as the CEO of the Austin Technology Council, and has been hosting that organizations show "Austin Tech Connect".
But this show has been around for 10 years, and it has had a good following over the years. Thom is ready to come back and share ideas and promote his message of community, collaboration, and conversations.
In this episode he talks about building friendships and business relationships over the age of 50. Check out his short episode and share with him your thoughts.
https://thomsinger.com
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We hear a lot about "Collaboration"...but too often we see selfish people just using the word. Collaboration is a two way street. If you always start with "What's in it for me" you are not a collaborator. If you use collaboration as a buzz word for "Sales", you are not thinking win / win.
In this short episodes Thom shares his beliefs about what is collaboration. To really collaborate you need to have shared vision, open communication, mutual respect, and trust. But people enter collaborative situations and then want full control, they don't share important information, and they withhold resources.
Some believe you have to be all out for yourself if you want to win. Thom Singer thinks in the long run you are more satisfied in life when you embrace collaboration.
Ask yourself if you really see advantages to collaboration. If yes, live by example.
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Authentic leaders win in the long run. If you are pretending to have leadership success... people see through the lies. This episode talks about how to not only highlight your victories, but how great leaders admit their faults.
Thom Singer recently received six emails from people showing how someone told a blatant lie in their bio. They claimed something that was entirely made up, and people in the community knew this was just BS and were forwarding the bio around to others showing how this leader, known to be narcissist, had graduated to just making things up in their resume.
If you are not authentic, people will know. While nobody had the guts to call this person out in public (we still live in a mostly polite society that is resistant to conflict), people were circulating the lies with long chain emails about this person. Not good.
Does your resume have blatant lies? This episode of "Making Waves at C-Level" will make you rethink. Like we have not learned enough from Congressman George Santos who simply created a trail of made up things. Eventually his lies were seen. The person mentioned in this episode who padded their resume (who would hate being compared to Trump or Santos) would cringe at the emails making that connection.
You do not need to lie in your resume unless you are a total fraud who feels you are weak. Strong leaders can rely on their strengths and can admit their mistakes.
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You are at the top of your game. You are a c-level executive. Why in the world would you go to a networking event? The networking events have people who are not as impressive as you, and you only want to hang out with the cool kids. Why should you network?
You need to network for many reasons, and you should not prejudge people whose job titles do not start with a "C".
It is good for your own career and the reputation of you company if you are seen as participating in your community. Over the long run, non-famous CEOs who keep engaged in their community will find more ways to collaborate and uncover opportunities.
Too many are thinking if they go to a Chamber of Commerce event or Industry Conference that they will be annoyed by up and comers who want to talk to them. But many of those same people might inspire you. The best leaders I know want a lot of diversity in their conversations.
Hide in an Ivory Tower and your company may lose. Who is better at reputation management and community engagement..You or your competitors? If its not your team, then your competition might get a leg up.
This episode Thom Singer shares his three reasons to network even when you are in the C-Suite.
https://thomsinger.com
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Community, collaboration, and conversations can solve all problems. But not everyone leads with community. Too many people look at everything they do as having the need to be 10x'd. Yes, these young leaders who are disciples of Grant Cardone or Gary Vee tend to look at everything as their personal investment that must 10x. One young entrepreneur told me he could not join an industry association unless he could see a guarantee to 10x his dues to his bottom line. Ummmm, that is not how supporting a greater cause works.
I am not saying you should do everything for charity. You should focus on making money. But if everything is about how you make money, or if every relationship is about whom you can be friends with who can help you....life becomes phony.
The fakest person I know lives this way. The funny things is their close friends admit they have seen them dump people who are not "up" the food chain, and all know they can be pushed out of the friend circle on her whim. This is a bad way to live. One of her closest friends said "she is unhappy in her soul, but never lets it out to anyone".
I would rather have less money and be part of community.
In this episode I challenge listeners of the podcast to think about if they have one day a week that they do not lead with "What's in it for me?". Imagine if every human took one day to serve the greater good and help others find success. They would have 6 other days to kick ass, but we would have a lot more people helping others, too.
What did you think of this rant of an episode? [email protected]
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There is an epidemic of loneliness in our society. People feel disconnected. Many admit to not having close friends. And these people work on your team.
These issues go back before the pandemic, but it has become more pronounced in the last three years.
When people feel part of a community, they will be more dedicated to their jobs. But with so many remote workers, it is harder to have a meaningful relationship with coworkers.
This episode challenges leaders to look at their team and really understanding who feels disconnected. If you want to up your retention rates, you have to get people to feel engaged with the whole company.
Do you feel alone, or do you know your team has people who are disconnected? Are you doing something about this?
https://thomsinger.com
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In another short episode of "Making Waves at C-Level", Thom Singer shares his thoughts about trying new things and the journey he has been on to reinvent himself since turning 50. It is easy to be in a comfort zone - but that can hold you back. In your career and life you need to branch out and try new things.
Thom is open that throughout his life he did not go for things in life or business that he did not think he would kick ass. But being scared to try new things holds you back. He shares the story of doing Stand Up Comedy at age 52 and how he has now done over 160 open mic nights. While he is NOT that funny (yet?), going out and doing it anyway has helped him succeed in other ways. Pushing yourself into had situations prepares you for other tough hurdles that come up in the journey of life.
Often people get worried about if others are judging them. But if we worry about what other people think, we do not do all the things that we can experience.
What have you always wanted to try that you have never attempted. This episode will challenge you to go do it. You need not succeed, but making the effort will help you grow. And you will also find that other people are not paying attention and judging you as much as you think.
Listen to this episode.
https://thomsinger.com
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Networking (and the benefits of having a real network) is not just about passing out business cards or having LinkedIn connections. The real opportunities come from building friendships. But making friends is harder as we get older. There are many reason why, but if you want to make friends, you have to lead with being a friend.
Entrepreneurs who are known, liked, and trusted always seem to win over the long run. Being a jerk has short term value, but I know one very rich person who everyone hates. So what if he has a nice car and fancy house, being around him it is clear he is insecure and sad.
This episode talks about how and why to make friendships in your career and to encourage your employees to do the same. But you are not friends with everyone you meet. Meeting someone once does NOT make them part of your network.
Change up how you think about people and friendships in business and you will find long-term success. Yes, people really do prefer to do business with those they know, like, and trust.
https://thomsinger.com
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Sometimes sales managers try to discourage their sales professionals from networking. This is often NOT because they think it is a waste of time, it is because they fear that if the high achiever is well known in a community or industry, they will be hired away by another company.
For the individual contributor, your network is your key to a long career. If you are not known and you get laid off, you have to start at square one. So never allow your network to be cold or non-existent. You must get engaged in your community / industry to ensure you have options. Plus, when you are seen as the subject expert...you will make more sales.
So why would a leader not want their people to network. In today's world if you have a good employee, others will know about her or him. You cannot hide people away and assume this will be good for the company. Having your whole team engaged in your industry and community raises the visibility of you company. When your team is well known, and you offer competitive products and services... .more people will come to look at your offerings. This should lead to more sales.
I am surprised when leaders fear having their best people be well networked...as why would you want mediocre sales people that nobody knows or wants? Sure you keep them, but they do not move the company ahead. Instead, get everyone engaged and raise the profile of your company. Sure some will get recruited away, but a good leader creates a culture and environment where people want to work.
If you are an individual contributor.....why is networking bad? Is it because you should just be the best kept secret and do things for the company? Your employer will not blink at laying you off if bad time come. Thus having a network is key to your future.
If you are a boss who discourages your people from networking...why? Is part of it because you fear they will leave if others find out how great they are? If this is part of your reason, you need to realize they will leave anyway if you are not giving them a path to a future they want.
I think the individual and the company both win when their team is very well connected. This is both inside your company and outside your company. Do not worry about losing a few people, look at what can happen if everyone is well known in your industry.... you company will be the leader.
What is your thoughts on this topic? Let me know.
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Welcome to the new short format episodes of "Making Waves at C-Level". The show had been on hiatus, and as we come back we are doing 7 - 10 minute short talks to inspire you to think. You wont agree with all my thoughts, but that is how we all learn and grow.
https://thomsinger.com
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Today's podcast is a quick plug for a new book called "Everyone Wants to Work Here" by Maura Thomas.
In this episode Thom Singer shares reasons to read this new book, especially how well chapter 7 describes the realities of how remote and hybrid work are changing business.
Thom admits that Maura is his friend, but this is not why he chose to share the information about her book... he shared this because it is a good book that all leaders need to read. Attracting the right talent is a major concern of every business leader, and keeping them engaged and energized matters more than ever. If you want you company to dominate your market...you need to check this out.
Find the book on Amazon https://a.co/d/1ocKwN0
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After a long hiatus, Thom Singer returns to hosing "Making Waves at C-Level". But as he always teaches, we have to try new things. He is stepping away from interviews, and doing short episodes with ideas and advice. Today he talks about leaders who pretend they are prefect and who lie on social media about how great they are (when you often know they are fluffing up their greatness). He says real leaders can admit to mistakes. What do you think?
https://thomsinger.com/podcast/dont-be-full-of-sht
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Check out this episode of "Making Waves at C-Level" when Thom Singer sits down with serial entrepreneur Henrik Johansson from Gembah.
About Henrik Johansson
Henrik Johansson is a serial entrepreneur who co-founded and built the product company
Boundless into a $100M company. Currently he is the co-founder and CEO of Gembah, a
product development platform and marketplace, and the Executive Producer of Final Product, a
reality TV show incubated at Gembah. He was previously a co-founder and board member of
OutboundEngine, and before that the president of EverydayWealth, and co-founder and
president of Creditland.
Johansson specializes in technology-enabled services, marketplaces, and software as a
service. He is an expert on scaling startups, building world-class teams, culture, and scalable
processes and infrastructure and has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Austin Business
Journal, and was named Counselor's 2017 Person of the Year.
About Gembah- The 1st Marketplace for Product Development
Gembah is a product development marketplace specializing in bringing new products to market
through all stages of development. Gembah connects creators with its global network of
designers, engineers, and supply chain specialists and oversees production at factories in
China, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and South America. Founded on the belief that humans are
natural inventors, the company’s goal is to empower creators and make product development
accessible to anyone. Gembah was established in 2018 in Austin, TX and has been featured in
Forbes and Entrepreneur. To learn more, visit Gembah.com, or find us on Twitter, Instagram,
Facebook, or YouTube.
Https://henrik-johansson
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When a podcast host gets an inquiry from someone with a great last name, how do you not put them on the show! LOL. In this episode Thom Singer sits down to talk AI Powered Financing Platform, SmartBiz with CEO Evan Singer (no relation - they are NOT cousins or brothers).
About Evan Singer:
Evan Singer is CEO of SmartBiz, the leading AI-powered small business financing platform equipping entrepreneurs with access to the right capital at the right time. To date, SmartBiz has connected borrowers with more than $9 billion in financing while increasing efficiency for its network of banks and trusted lending partners. More than 230,000 entrepreneurs have utilized SmartBiz to access the funding they need to grow, with 60% of loans made to minority, women, or veteran-owned businesses. Singer was honored as a Top 100 Stanford Alumni in Technology in 2021 and a Top 25 CEO in Fintech in 2022.
About SmartBiz:
On the heels of the Great Recession, a team of technologists, entrepreneurs, and finance geeks came together to find an easier way for small businesses to apply for and secure low-cost funds from banks. United in the belief that the right capital at the right time can cause any small business to thrive, the early SmartBiz team committed themselves to connect every entrepreneur with the funds they need to fortify and grow their businesses. Today, small businesses of every size and type turn to SmartBiz for reliable access to SBA, bank term, and custom financing.
https://thomsinger.com/podcast/smartbiz
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Listen now for lessons in PR from the founder and president of Grapevine PR in Austin, Texas.
This episode is co-produced with the Austin Technology Council. ATC is a 30 year old association focused on promoting and facilitating growth of technology companies in Central Texas. Over the past three decades the business ecosystem in Austin has changed, and ATC is actively changing, too. Learn more at https://AustinTechnologyCouncil.org.
Steven Le Vine has released a new book called "Stories That F*cking Matter: Three pillars of epic storytelling to dominate media headlines, win clients, and grow your business". This is a must read for all business leaders.
About Steven Le Vine:
Steven Le Vine is an award-winning publicist and PR strategist, and founder of Grapevine PR, since 2006. The firm's clients include tech and consumer brands, celebrities and high-profile experts. He has secured clients wide-ranging press from sit-down interviews with Oprah, The View, The Talk, NBC Today, CNBC, and CNN, to placements in Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, The New York Times, TechCrunch, WIRED, Fast Company, Business Insider, Men's Journal, USA Today, People, Variety, and more. He is a frequent media personality and contributor for prominent publications, including Forbes and Rolling Stone, where he offers his expert insight on PR and entrepreneurship. He has taken home nearly two dozen awards for his firm, including "Agency of the Year" and "Campaign of the Year," on behalf of his work for clients including William Shatner, Lisa Loeb, Danny Pintauro, and many others. Le Vine is the co-author of the new PR book, Stories That F*cking Matter: Three Pillars of Epic Storytelling to Dominate Media Headlines, Win Clients and Grow Your Business. He resides in Austin, TX.
About the book, Stories That F*cking Matter
Three Pillars of Epic Storytelling to Dominate Media Headlines, Win Clients and Grow Your Business:
A well-crafted story has the power to literally mold reality, win over hearts and change minds! The story is the most powerful tool humans have ever discovered. But what makes up a great, expertly constructed story? What’s the difference between a good story and a really f*cking great story? In this book, PR and media industry experts Steven Le Vine and Garrett McClure share their secret formula and winning playbooks from over two decades of proven success in earned, owned and paid media. This book reveals proven and effective PR & Media strategies, insider tips and growth hacks to tell a story that f*cking matters in order to cut through the noise of today’s fragmented media landscape and get seen and heard. Get an insider’s behind-the-scenes look into the world of PR, delivering proven methods and strategies along the way for entrepreneurs and experts to take media outreach into their own hands, tell a great story, make headlines, and succeed at growing their brands and businesses. www.storiesmatterbook.com
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFQ1YJ13?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420
https://thomsinger.com/podcast/steven-levine
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