Philanthropreneurship

Sitting in the wonderful Stockpot on Old Compton Street on Wednesday I overheard a conversation between two men who evidently hadn't seen each other for many years. One was telling the other about being a philanthropist now that his father had left him lots of money and the other was telling how he was trying to create new business models from his work as a research scientist. They were an odd pair - obviously not much to keep them as friends, apart from old Uni days and as the conversation became ever more stilted, polite and hesitant I wanted to lean over and say - "Why don't you both get together and create a brand new website - call it "Philanthropreneurs.co.uk" - a place where great ideas, big thinking, partnerships, creative combinations, backers etc. can come together to work on projects that inspire, motivate and fund each other. A bit like the myriad of crowd funding sites, but different - and what a name. In fact, I'm going to register for www.philanthropreneurs.co.uk just in case someone else nicks it. And if, by any chance, you know who these two were - a big thank you for the inspiration.

Memorable meeting with jam on it

I met up with the fabulously charismatic author, film maker and painter yesterday - a man who writes those glossy guide books to stately homes and paints the most beautiful landscapes and portraits. We were chatting about television formats and ideas as I am constantly looking out for the next fresh TV face who has that elusive mix of authority, wit and articulate charm. But before we started business conversations he produced a selection of prints of his work (great visual anchor to his artistic side) and ... a wonderful pot of home made jam with a specially created label with a mini work of art on it. It said so much - over and above the gesture of personal gift-bestowing. Flavour, texture, energy, passion - all wrapped up in a small jar with a green gingham print lid. We had a sparkling conversation that inspired great thoughts - evoked fabulous visual scenes and tantalised the tastebuds - calling on all senses. Does what we give say as much about us as what we have to say? I'm having an interesting day mulling that one over - what do you think?

Taking the work out of networking

I've just had great feedback from the most recent "Secrets to Successful Networking" course. We spent a day honing our story-telling, checking body language, understanding the basics of rapport and business etiquette and comparing notes on networking events, expectations and overall fears of attending official networking events. The best note was from a delegate who nervously stepped into the room, hovered at the doorway with her head down, fiddling with her long hair and clutching her left shoulder. "I came in scared of the day ahead and left with new-found confidence, excited about attending an event the following day". Her boss had told her to come on the course, knowing that she needed to contact with future business contacts and help raise funds and awareness of the charity's new plans. I could see within half a second of meeting her that this course was not something she'd chosen herself. So, it was gratifying to see her with her head held high, confidently shaking hands with everyone else on the course on the way out and being asked for her business card. From the moment I told everyone to take the "work" out of networking the whole mood lifted. There are no golden rules, no matter what they tell you. It's all about you feeling great about yourself, knowing that everybody else is in exactly the same position and that different ways of communicating are fascinating, rather than intimidating. I love networking - I do it all the time. It's about talking to people, passing the time of day, asking people about themselves and looking them in the eye. The best you ever feel about yourself is when people are genuinely interested in you, so SECRET NUMBER 1 is to make them feel great about their story, then they will ask you about yours. I can always tell if someone is politely listening while they get their own story geared up to blurt out - it's all in the eyes - that mid-distance semi-attentive stare is a real give-away, so if you find yourself doing it (or thinking about your story), keep looking from eye brow to eye brow of your fellow networker which gives them the subliminal signal that you're really listening, observing and showing interest. Give it a go - tell me how it goes.

Welcome to the New Direction Training blog

We'll be keeping you updated with all the latest from New Direction Training on this brand new blog. If you want to share any experiences feel free to post a comment or ask a question.