Nina (aka Dr. Neen) Craft, PhD, MBA

When you network, ask what the person needs to take their business to the next level. As you meet additional people at the event, connect them to one another. Don't pitch to other network members. Instead, ask how you can collaborate. They will then want to know how your skills and goals can dovetail with theirs. They'll be curious and want to assist you in your success.

Look for mentors within your industry and inside the companies you'd like to work with. They will tell you exactly what their needs are and how you can stand out from the crowd. Having an insider champion for you can make all the difference when you pitch your skills and your company. Attend functions that the company you want to pitch, sponsors. Their representative will let you know who can review your brand, your packages and what their needs are.

Know what problem you solve for whom. Marketing a product can look different based on your target market. Frosted Flakes markets to parents (usually moms) by stating that it is nutritious and their kids will actually finish eating the meal! They market to kids by telling them they can be like Tony the Tiger and to "ask mom" to get the cereal! When going down the grocery store aisle, the kid yells out "There's Tony!" Mom acquiesces 'cuz she doesn't have to feel guilty about serving sugary cereal to her loved one. (we know it isn't that healthy, but people tell themselves it's ok). Your brand must be top of mind, be associated with additional leading brands & not be tarnished. Place your logo next to big brands in your marketing material.

For years our organization (www.ExpertizeIt.com) has taught what we call A.D.V.I.S.O.R.Y(TM) Ascertain the immediate goal Define and refine the goal Visualize the outcome Inventory resources Substitute to leverage Operationalize action steps Review what works Yield for the yield Using a SWOT analysis as a guide- Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats - you can Inventory your resources. Knowing what resources are needed to achieve your goal is a process that involves knowing what it takes, who has the answer and how you can access that resource. You can leverage your strengths for success. If you have a weakness, it can pose a threat to your business. However, you can take steps to acquire the resources to offset the weakness.

For years our organization (www.ExpertizeIt.com) has taught what we call: A.D.V.I.S.O.R.Y(TM) Ascertain the immediate goal Define and refine the goal Visualize the outcome Inventory resources Substitute to leverage Operationalize action steps Review what works Yield for the yield In order to communicate your vision and values, you can utilize various software to create visualization of your goals, such as pie charts, graphs, white boards, PowerPoint etc. More powerful are videos and infographics utilizing Canva. Use these visuals on the various social media platforms to generate engagement conversations. Be sure to focus on pics and captions that evoke emotion. Your visuals help people to feel the values you profess for your brand.

For years our organization (www.ExpertizeIt.com) has taught what we call: A.D.V.I.S.O.R.Y(TM) Ascertain the immediate goal Define and refine the goal Visualize the outcome Inventory resources Substitute to leverage Operationalize action steps Review what works Yield for the yield In order to learn from feedback and failures, Reviewing what does and doesn't work is imperative. As you have been tracking your progress, you have notes to reference during the review. Some of the most amazing revelations occur during this process. You and your team can compare the feedback notes from customers, investors and staff to see how off the mark you are from the original vision. The new plan can help with innovation. Be open to the SWOT analysis gift!