Guys and Girls

I don't stereotype (that would be anti-Knocking down Silos ) but there are definitely tendencies between men and women. In the area of communication for example, guys tend to be a little more succinct in their thank you notes.

You will get a chuckle out of the attached "card" I got after doing a Knocking down Silos event to young Albertan farmers at Rock the Farm in Red Deer last month. OK, it's not fancy...but he wrote something, stuck it in an envelope and attached a stamp - the guy's trying!

And despite your request, you bet I'm hanging onto your card!

Keep your pipeline filled

The concept of being in "third gear" means providing value and demonstrating integrity without specific expectation of reciprocity. I'm often asked by job seekers and salespeople how this pays off unless the prospect responds in kind ("second gear behaviour"). While second gear is advantageous in many circumstances (e.g. this is how contracts work), third gear is how you network for success.

The relatively long sales cycle of using networking (towards that successful sale or job) means you need to have a system of regular activity.

Below is an email from Bryan Childerhouse, celebrating his recent success after looking for a new position. Bryan did a lot of things well. a) he kept his pipeline full b) he acknowledged the help of others c) he continues to offer assistance to others (even after he realized his goal).

Congratulations Bryan!

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Hi everyone,

Two job offers, one contract and one full time sales opportunity within
eleven weeks of the search thanks to all your help. Interestingly enough,
both opportunities came from job boards that I rarely apply for, usually a
one in a thousand chance but backed up with some networking and a number of
great references.

Here's the final networking numbers which continue to grow as more of you
stay in touch and continue to refer others:

Network contacts: 280
Meetings held to date: 127
Interviews: 22

Effective January 19th, I decided to accept the contract opportunity as a
senior relationship manager for Capital One and currently planning out the
possibility of full time work provided we both see there's a fit in the next
few months. While a bit of a risk being short term, this is an exciting
opportunity with an organization with a very clear vision.

Once again, thanks to all of you for staying in touch and keeping my
confidence level up over the past three months . If Ok, I'll continue to
stay in touch and if I can offer any assistance networking or business wise,
please don't hesitate to call

Best personal regards and Happy Valentine's Day!!


Bryan Childerhouse

Thank-you Cards - Feedback from the Field

Dave!

The Howlett Method 101! Today I received my first hand written thank you card! Dave people are listening to you…. Be very , very afraid…

Last week another member of our sales team asked for my help… I dunno.. I guess he thinks I may know a thing or two about hospitality sales….(I sure fooled him eh!) today in picking up my mail.. there was a handwritten thank you card from my colleague thanking me for my time, my insight and how I had helped him …. It wasn’t so much that he had actually taken the time to thank me but the thought behind it! I know that he took your course, he knows that I know this is a Howlett method. Regardless, it doesn’t change the fact that the guy listened, took action and truly did a nice thing for someone else … I wasn’t having a particularly good day.. this made me feel good! Amazing the power of a hand written thank you… He went from a B list to A list in a fast hurry.. I’d be happy to help the guy in a heartbeat!

Dave, just wanted to drop a note (and you know I’d hand write it but geeze we’ve been chatting so much lately I’d go broke with postage!) to let you know the impact you are having… I will say this.. thanks for sharing your knowledge… people do listen to what you have to say.. it’s a great message and even if very few do take the time to actually send cards..it makes the people receiving them feel that much better even if for a little while…. Now that’s making the world a better place!!

Cheers!

Stephen Ing

Senior Sales Manager

The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver

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Dear Dave,

I just wanted to let you know that I've been sending 'thank-you' cards for a few months now. I want to thank you for teaching me to do so because I have now truly realized how much of an impact a sincere gesture makes. I send my godmother one for all the years of birthday gifts I've received and she was so moved she said no one had ever sent her a card like that before. On another occasion I received a thank-you card for a thank-you card I had written. That was a nice surprise! Anyways I have now started buying boxes of thank-you cards and making up for the years I never sent them. My friends think I'm obsessed but I think they secretly love the cards they get from me.

Sincerely, Maggie Dys

Undergraduate, University of Waterloo

Let's Help N. out!

Hi Dave I was at your Brock presentation last week and I thought it was just amazing. I've started to notice changes in myself in just one week. I'm also going out and buying cards. I was just wondering what are some good questions to ask in an information interview? I've thought about it and I have an information interview set up next week but I want some really good questions that will start to help me connect. The job I'm getting information on is a Private banker. If you could please help that would be greatly appreciated.Thank you. N.

KDS Target Market and the thoughtfulness of others

I had the opportunity to conduct a Knocking down Silos at the University of Guelph last week and had two associates (Jennifer Taylor and Kelly Morse) who came up from St. Catherines to photograph the event. Remember my point about needing accountability buddies? These are people in your life who see things about you with a fresh pair of eyes.

Kelly sent me an email and an additional photo and pointed out the coincidence of the 2 gentlemen sitting in my talk. Same positioning but different clothes, shoes and even watches.

This insight really captures for me the types of people who come to KDS.

Thanks Kelly for your observations; we all need people to noitice the details around us.

RHB Sightings!

Have you attended a Knocking down Silos? Have you heard the story about Dr. Adi Treasurywala RHB?

Here's some nice feedback from a KDS last night:

I really enjoyed your presentation last night. It would seem to me that 'Knocking Down Silos' is about much more than finding a job or new business, it is an elegant reminder of the interconnectedness of the human experience.

RHB connects us all. Rear windows stickers are now available online at http://www.davehowlett.com/ (pins etc coming soon) Put one on the rear window of your car and tell us the story when you see one on the highway! It could get you the perfect job, sale and friendship!

Knocking down Silos and "Third Gear" What's your feedback?

Hi Folks,

It's been two years since I started giving "Knockiing down Silos" talks across North America. I started these originally as seminars on how to network for the perfect job or word-of-mouth sale but I am starting to see some interesting feedback (please see below as examples). I would value your thoughts and ideas on what you got from my talk and how and where you think I should take it.

Cheers,

Dave

He was a "good guy"

Some blogs don't need to be long.

Dan Hawkins from Farmlink out in Swift Current, Saskatchewan heard one of my Knocking down Silos talks this past Spring. I tell folks to live your life so people call you a "good guy" when you're not in the room.

Dan saw this marker embedded in the stone sign beside the 15th hole at a local golf course and was kind enough to send along a photo.

Thanks Dan. Thanks Scoof.

Culture Clash - let's help H out!

I am a first year MBA student I was wondering if I should go to your KDS just for this session, but I think I made the right decision to attend. I think you are very good at what you are doing and was impressed by the way you conveyed the message.

Unfortunately I was not able to talk to you after the session. I have a question that keeps bothering me all the time, and was hoping you might have a suggestion about how to deal with it. I remember you mentioning last evening that most of the business decisions take place at the golf course. I totally agree with you.

But here’s what I have noticed with me, I can talk for hours about business but when it comes to talking about that other things like golf or anything other than work, I kind of get quiet and that’s one of the reasons people see me as a boring person, they just hang out with me when there is work and then after that they tend to be with their own gang.

I have tried hard to fit in but I don’t know if there is something that I should do. Added to that whenever I am offered an invite to go out by my colleagues, I kind of reject the offer (1). Because I am a woman from India and not used to hanging out in bars late in the night (2) I don’t drink, dance, smoke etc. so I have noticed that colleagues that do the above tend to bond better and have much more to share than me.

Even though I have better talents to perform in my job, I have noticed that my bosses tend to prefer hanging out with the peers that can party.

I don’t want to change my lifestyle and start drinkng and doing all the other stuff just to go up the organization, however I am sure that there might be other things that people can do to fit in. Could you please provide me with any insights?

I really think that is one of the most difficult challenges for me in the work place and I am doing a lot of trial and errors that so far has not resulted in any permanent success. I would definitely like to know what you have to say about this situation whenever you can afford to write to me.

Use Knocking down Silos to help you in your career!

Over the next Month, I'll be holding 4 "Knocking Down Silos" in Hamilton, Toronto, Waterloo and Guelph. The schedule and PDF are here.

Many people use "Knocking down Silos" as a business development tool. Can I show you how to do this as well? It may help you get more sales or receive that great job offer.

If you have been to a "Knocking down Silos" event, you know it is an interactive evening that reviews the basics of proper networking behaviour. Hundreds of people from different industries show up to learn how to increase their effectiveness in the business (and personal) world.

Every 20 minutes, people have to turn to the person next to them and ask key questions (e.g. "what's your biggest challenge and how can I help you?). Here is a video preview. Who would you like sitting next to you when they ask you that question? Then invite them!

Send the PDF for the event to people you either know or wish to get to know better. These could be clients, prospects, key industry people, potential bosses. Many people in life know the importance of networking but have never been shown how to do it. You can simply forward the email with your endorsement.

Cheers,

Dave

****I am using KDS as a showcase for meeting planners. If you know any, I would really appreciate you inviting them to come as your guest***

Mississauga Knocking down Silos Continues!

If you were one of the 121 participants at Knocking Down Silos at UTM on September 15, thanks so much for coming...and this posting is for you!

I want to provide you with an interactive way to continue to provide value to people in attendence who you didn't meet.
Please click "comments" below and post a comment:
- tell us a little bit about who you are and what you got out of the KDS evening.
- tell us what you do for fun on weekends
- tell us your greatest challenge so we can help you (be specific eg use a top 10 list)
- offer to help the rest of us

Then check back on this blog to help others and to see who is offering to help you.

The Summary PDF for the evening is here.

Let's keep the buzz going until the next KDS!

Dave

Let's help Sharon out!

(Sharon has been tremendous help to me by designed Knocking down Silos flyers for the last year - let's help her out!)


I was wondering if you could now help me; do you know anyone through
your vast network of contacts, who may be able to help/advise/guide me
in choosing a window replacement company for my home? I know this is
a bit of an odd request, but I have had 5 window quotes to date, and
am thoroughly confused at all the products available and the range in
quotes that I have received. I am looking for someone in the industry
who will be able to provide me with an unbiased opinion on what I
should be looking for in terms of product, and who can make some
recommendations of companies that are honest and fair.

Good enough 500 years ago - good enough today!

I just returned from a 2 week trip to Europe. My wife and I competed in Ironman Austria and then took in the sights and sounds of Italy. Wandering through the incredibly ornate halls of the Palazzo Pitti (aka the Pitti Palace that was built in Florence for the Medici family) I spotted an inscription high up on the painted ceiling: rado tu parla e sii brevi et arguto

An sign nearby revealed: It was here that the public audiences took place. After waiting in the antichamber, visitors were ushered into this room to be received by the Grand Duke, seated on his throne and surrounded by the court. Only the sovereign remained seated, everyone else was obliged to stand in his presence. Since so many people were received at a time, the room had practically no furniture apart from the throne. A motto, above the niche of the painted staircase, presumably addressed to those about to speak to the Grand Duke, reads:

rado tu parla e sii brevi et arguto

[talk little, and be brief and be witty]

A great piece of advice for all ages!

Build your Rolodex Fast - and for a good cause

On Thursday June 21, I am MC-ing the Diamonds and Dynamite Gala for Leadership Peel in Mississauga, Ontario.

$75 gets you in the door and a chance to rub shoulders with with influential people. (description below)

The thing about networking is that no one does it until they need to...and then you come off looking desperate. Put your suit on, sign up for a ticket and meet some people who may change your life. And let me know if you are coming, I'll introduce you around!

Speakers include: Art Lockhart, proponent of restorative justice, founder of The Gatehouse (a safe environment where abused children can talk) and CAVE (that re-directs graffiti artist talent to beautify neighbourhoods); Michael Clarke, recipient of the Order of Canada for his work with disenfranchised people, founder of The DAM Youth Drop-in in Mississauga (that dams the flow of youth to the predatory cities) and former Peel Police investigator; Mike Rosenberg - The Flexible Thinker and founder of Leadership Peel; Bonnie Crombie, Gala Chair for Credit Valley Hospital, past Vice-Chair of Mayor McCallion’s Task Force on the Arts and GTA Co-Chair of Michael Ignatieff's Leadership Campaign. Bonnie is running for MP in Mississauga-Streetsville in the next federal election.

Master of Ceremonies is: Dave Howlett, VP Corporate Development in Life sciences for MAGNES Group, former naval officer, distinguished toastmaster, commercial diver, scuba & marathon trainer. Dave has completed 12 marathons and 3 Ironman Triathlons and is host of the GTA’s celebrated KNOCKING DOWN SILOS networking seminars.

National anthem will be sung by Savithri Sastri and entertainment provided by dancing duo: Mercedes Bernardez (Argentinian ballet master and new Canadian) and visiting Cuban choreographer, Jose Carret, who will perform salsa.

Are "good guys" born or are they made?

"More men become good through practice than by nature"

Democritus of Abdera

Maintaining your Network and keeping it warm

Hi Dave:

It has been a little while since I have touched base with you. I hope everything is going well for you, personally and professionally. I am doing well, but having some difficulty trying to maintain my network, though I did put 2 former colleagues in touch with a head hunter. I continue to average 2 thank you cards a week, but sometime it is 4 one week and 0 the next.

Please let me know if there is anything that I can do. Otherwise, I will endeavour to stay in touch from time to time.

Doug

-----------

Hey Doug - great to hear from you. In fact, this is such a great topic, I'll put you in my blog today. You're absolutely right to be convinced of the importance of maintaining your network.

There is a tendency to let your Rolodex "cool-off" until you need something (e.g. sales, a job etc) and then you are perceived as a "B" friend (people only hear from you when you need something). The trick is to touch (or "ping" as my friend Glen Davis says) folks occasionally and give them something of value.

If you think about it, people do this naturally by calling "just to say hi", emailing a joke, forwarding a clipping or inviting someone out to play golf.

May I offer one other way?

If you are reading this blog, you likely have attended one of my Knocking down Silo events.

I'm just planning a series of Knocking down Silos across Canada.

One way to keep your networking going is to invite them to come to one of these interactive evenings. If they come, you know they will receive huge value. meet lots of interesting people to expand their own network. Even if they can't make it, talking about KDS gives you an excuse to call if you haven't "pinged" them in a long time.

And Doug, good for you for keeping those cards going. That kind of thing makes you a better person and lets your friends, family and clients know you appreciate them. It's been 6 months since you and I met and I'm impressed you have made this part of your lifestyle.

You're definitely "a good guy."

Cheers,

Dave

Got an opinion on this question? Let's help K. out!

Hey Gang,

Whether you are a student, a service profider or a decision maker, how do you feel about elevator pitches? Below is an email I just received. Do you use them, find them effective, or respond when someone else gives you one? Let's help K. out!

--------

Dear Dave,

I just came back from a seminar on how to give a 30 second elevator pitch. But it feels very stiff and insincere and I don't feel comfortable doing it. Do you use elevator pitches?

Signed K.

----------------

It's Friday - do you have your cards?

Photo was in my in-box this morning; sent to me by Dr. Sam Lee: a "good guy."

Thank you cards: Pick a level

For those of you who have attended a Knocking down Silos event, you understand the power and poignancy of a sincere, specific and unexpected thank you card. Let me frame that gesture under my philosophy of three levels:

Level 1: What's in it for me? Not sending a card. Employees should perform because that is their job. Children should behave because that is their responsibility. Expressing appreciation is superfluous.

Level 2: I help you, you help me. Reciprocity. Sending a thank-you card (e.g. birthdays, job performance, anniversaries, client's purchases etc) with the expectation that something will occur in return. The expectation is that a happy client/family member will appreciate your gesture and reciprocate in the future (e.g. with more business, better behaviour, a job-offer). See http://www.torontosun.com/Money/2007/05/09/4165198-sun.html as an example of sending a card as Level 2 in networking.

Level 2 is how many world governments work. I'll let your goods enter my market tariff-free and in return you allow our access into your market.

Level 3: Generosity without expectation of gratitude. Sending a "just-because" thank you card to acknowledge the works of others and not demanding reciprication.

Below is an example of a wonderful note crafted by "a good guy" to a former mentor. Anonymity has been preserved but the message is intact:

Dear Paul,

No matter where a person is in their life, and no matter how much where they are is about how they "be", there are always an untold number of contributions that other people make to them along the way – especially if one is open to receiving/recognizing/using those contributions.

I could pick any number of instances of contributions you have made to me, but the one that really stands out is the way you nurtured courage for my vision. The two-plus years in 2001-02 we spent trying to crack the Radical Results /Realtime Enterprise work has had a profound impact in my work and vision that I have only just begun to realize.

You taught me about disruption, about driving ideas toward their longer-range effect, about speaking about what will happen instead about what could happen, about profound technology and change cycles, about looking for where the money will land, about knowing that an idea can be right even though you are alone in it. (I think BEA would have done better if they hired you directly in 2002. By now they've missed the crown).

For over a thousand mornings from 2003 to late 2006, I woke up and said: "This can't work, it is too big, too complicated, the vast majority is telling me it can't work, and I have no money to staff this". It sometimes took 10 minutes, sometimes an hour to shake it off, to know that all real change is disruptive and is generated by a person with a vision and a person for whom a big employer would be a detriment. Of course the ontological tools I use to reject defeat are from my work at Landmark, but the intellectual and structural tools to go back to work the same day, every day, and to write, solve and innovate – i.e. to make some actual progress – came from a thousand hours with you.

You have provided a critical piece to Skymeter, without which this would not be happened. And it is happening.

Thank You.
With Gratitude and Love,
Bern

Sometimes it's the little things that count.

I had a great phone conversation this morning with C: a VP who attended a recent Knocking down Silos talk I did 2 weeks ago for a major Canadian Financial Institution.

He related that he was getting on an elevator this morning and as the doors were closing, he saw someone racing for the door. C. held the doors open and was thanked with a smile and the phrase:

Thanks, you restored my faith in humanity!

If you want to have people like you, trust you, keep you top of mind, promote you, send you business and be your advocates...sometimes it's as simple as waiting a few seconds and holding open a door.

KDS Level Two: To attract success, you need to stop thinking about yourself and serve others.

And besides - doesn't it feel good when you get that smile!?