by Matt McWilliams | Apr 23, 2015 | Networking
From the moment I met my wife, Tara, I gave her an impossible task. I gave her the responsibility of making me happy. The result was disappointment for me, frustration for her, and a relationship that neither of us expected or wanted.
I’d love to write a redemption story here and tell you that Tara and I have the model marriage today, but the reality is that like any marriage, ours is messy, often broken, and too often unfulfilling. And the reason is very simple:
I gave her the responsibility of making me happy rather than living to make her happy. Rather than living to serve her, I placed an unfair burden on her that no human being can live up to…and I didn’t even tell her.
by Matt McWilliams | Feb 9, 2015 | Networking
Let’s get this right out of the way: The amazing, crucial, and top secret key to building relationships with the VIPs and influencers in the world is this…you introduce yourself. Blog post over. Wisdom dropped. Lives changed. Commence with the rest of your day.
But seriously, that is the key. It’s the hurdle most people aren’t willing to jump over. They aren’t willing to stick their neck out, risk rejection or possible embarrassment (which is rarely the result) and try to connect with someone who could change their lives.
My own struggle
I struggled with those fears for years. Even today, when I am about to hit send on an email or pick up the phone to call someone I admire, I am like a 13-year old boy calling a girl to ask her on his first date.
by Matt McWilliams | Oct 20, 2014 | Business, Networking
How would you like to build a powerful network that you can call on when you need it most?
The kind of network that you can call on when you lose your job, launch a new product, or simply need some advice. The kind of network that makes you money, is there when you need it, and continues to grow simply from introductions from other people in your network. Would you like that kind of a network?
Well, the good news is that it’s completely possible. All it takes is a little effort and a little know-how. Today, I will share with you the five simple ways I’ve grown my network and kept it warm for when I need it.
Growing your network doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to do it. (Tweet That) | Share this Graphic on Pinterest | Share on Facebook
The old saying goes: “It’s not what you know, but who you know.”
by Matt McWilliams | Sep 11, 2014 | Networking
What legacy do you want to leave?
That is a question I ask of every guest on my upcoming podcast, the World Changer Show. It’s a powerful question that gets to heart of what successful people really want from their lives. How do they want to be remembered? What lasting impressions do they want to leave on others?
I never had the opportunity to ask Truett Cathy or my father those questions, but I learned a lot from their lives. And I think I know how they would have answered.
Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone else. – Truett Cathy (Tweet That) | Share this Graphic on Pinterest | Share on Facebook
Like many, I was saddened by the recent passing of Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A.
by Matt McWilliams | Jul 15, 2014 | Business, Networking
There is one mistake that almost everyone makes when networking.
This one killer mistake destroys the best laid plans, often derails potentially great businesses before they even get started, and discourages people from even trying to build their network.
Powerful networking lesson from Kevin Plank and @UnderArmour. (Tweet That) | Share this Graphic on Pinterest | Share on Facebook
What is that mistake? I share it below, but first I want to share a story with you.
Let’s say you are starting a company. This, according to my reader survey, is true for at least 20% of you.
This company manufactures compression t-shirts for athletes. Your product is genuinely superior to anything on the market, but how do you get the word out? How can you possibly compete with the likes of Nike, Reebok, and Adidas?
By not making the one mistake most people make when networking or building a business.
And just what is that mistake?
Targeting the wrong people.
When most people network, they tend to target the wrong two groups of people. I’ve seen it time and time again.
by Matt McWilliams | Feb 7, 2014 | Networking
Do you want to stand out in a sea of unmemorable faces?
Pick up the phone and wish someone a Happy Birthday.
80% of the rich do this. 89% of the poor don’t. Find out what it is and how to do it here. (Tweet That) | Share this Graphic on Pinterest | Share on Facebook
In his book Rich Habits (buy it, seriously), Tom Corley writes that 80% of the rich make Happy Birthday calls while only 11% of the poor do. Now, this isn’t a direct cause-effect relationship. But I would posit that you have a much better chance of achieving your goals, financial or otherwise, if you make Happy Birthday calls.
Not a Happy Birthday email.
