One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-09-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

This week we officially launched Paradigm V!

Steve Mendelson and Marcus Trevisani are heading up the team of 11 engineers that are building and coding the Paradigm V Platform.
Fortuitously there is an article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post today titled “Facebook Riding a Web Trend Flirts with a Big Money Deal.” This article is most revealing and demonstrates the value of the social networking sites. Facebook was started 2 years ago and Yahoo is in talks to acquire them for $1 billion dollars. If you have the time, please read the article in its entirety or click on the links below.

http://online.wsj.com/public/us
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/21/AR2006092100148.html

Cordially,

Jeffrey Meshel

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-09-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

Dear Friends:

I am pleased to announce the launching of Paradigm V, the first web based people resource engine where its members define themselves to be a magnet for opportunity. Our technology team is headed by Steve Mendelson & Marcus Trevisani both of whom have had great success with such sites as EHarmony.com and ESPN/Sportszone.com. In addition, Harvey Mackay, the preeminent authority in networking, has become a partner and board member. Additional information is available at www.onephonecallaway.com on the Paradigm V tab. You can sign up at www.paradigmv.com.

Your Friend,

Jeffrey Meshel

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-09-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker:

During an interview on CBS’s Early Morning Show, anchor Hannah Storm and I were having a discussion about how to better introduce yourself, about how it’s not enough to provide one sentence about yourself, but rather a brief outline, a snapshot of who you are that goes further than what your job title is. Instead, I suggested that when you’re at a cocktail party and someone asks, “what do you do?” instead of simply answering “I’m in accounting,” that you reply with a slightly fuller response, perhaps mention three things about yourself and areas of interest in more specific detail.

Not surprisingly, her response was she was afraid that if she told people a little more about herself that it would sound like bragging and she would come across as self absorbed. “How do you do it,” she asked, “without sounding conceited?”

I notice that this is a common question. It comes up during many interviews, talks, seminars and on a personal day-to-day basis with friends and colleagues.

Let me assure you: There’s nothing negative about being a good networker. To some degree I believe it’s a hackneyed term. There is a difference between arrogance and confidence. Being bold and straightforward doesn’t have to be equated with being smug and conceited. You can sound knowledgeable without being pompous. You can forge valuable business bonds without feeling like you’re constantly trying to “use” somebody. Networking isn’t about using people. It’s not about hard selling or even soft selling; it’s not about being pushy or asking for favors. It’s about creating connections, becoming engaged and taking a genuine interest in people and then seeing it through.

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-09-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

Dear Jeffrey,

Thank you for your review! I appreciate your thoughts on One Phone Call Away and I'm glad you found it useful. I browsed through your blog (which readers can view here) and found that I enjoyed many of your own posts; the broad range of subject matters you address are not only fun and engaging to read, but also quite informative!

Your Friend,

Jeffrey Meshel

2006-09-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey,

I bought, read, and reviewed your book on my blog, AllFinancialMatters.com. You can read the review here:

http://allthingsfinancialblog.com/2006/09/02/review-of-one-phone-call-away-by-jeffrey-w-meshel/

It’s a great and useful book. Thanks for writing it.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Pritchard
AllFinancialMatters - A personal finance blog
Man on a Mission - A blog about mission statements

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-09-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

Dear Friends:

I wanted to share an email I recently received from Rhonda Sher in support of One Phone Call Away:

Dear Jeff:

I recently read your book and love it. I have shared it with many of the groups I speak with. I sent you a card today that is actually a custom card of your book. I hope you like it. I would love to chat with you about the many people I am sure we both know. Networking is a small world. My website is http://www.twominutenetworker.com/ and you can reach me on my cell. I am located in Southern California but travel nationwide. I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,
Rhonda Sher

I've received so many supportive emails like Rhonda's; thank you to everyone who has taken the time to get in contact with me and to those who have signed up with Paradigm V. Your comments and questions are welcome and appreciated!

Your Friend,

Jeffrey Meshel

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-09-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

Dear Friends:

I am currently working on my second book, 21&Green, and I find that I spend most of my time writing and brainstorming ideas on my frequent flights to and from Florida. As I was settled comfortably on my flight back to New York from the last Strategic Forum, racking mybrain for ideas for what the first chapter would be, my mind kept wandering back to the Forum's spotlight speaker and my good friend, Dr. Peter Diamandis.

Peter is a pioneer and leader in the commercial space arena; he has created many of the leading commercial space companies, opening the personal spaceflight industry. He is a truly remarkable character. Since he was a child Peter dreamt of going into space and never lost sight of that goal. It was while I was replaying his speech in my head, and the way he was so fanatical about opening up the space frontier for humanity that the topic of my first chapter came to me: the importance of having a passion.

What many saw as an impossible goal, Peter, by devoting his life to the pursuit and realization of his passion, has made into much more than just a novel idea. It has become reality. People identify Peter by his passion; it became not only an integral part of his personal brand but also made him the interestingand unique person that he is known as today. Imagine what we could all do if we recognized our passions! Mine is Networking. What's yours?

Your Friend,

Jeffrey Meshel

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-08-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

Dear Friends,

I wanted to share an email I just received from the founder of an event I was recently asked to speak at:

Jeff,

It's Johnny from Vision:Miami. I hope you are doing well and spreading your message! People are still talking about your incredible performance at Vision:Miami. Below are some testimonials. You made a real difference in the lives of a lot of people.I also would like to take you to dinner the next time you are in Miami. I have the video of the night and would like to show it to you in person. The footage is amazing and the greatness of your character shines very bright! If you would like to see a 30 second trailer, cut and paste this link: http://tiny-link.com/vl.asp?h=0696687069TDUQBT&l=
I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Johnny Regan

Testimonials:

"Jeff Meshel is phenominal! His straight forward, common sense, strong and confident approach to building contacts has changed the way I network and do business!"-Michael Green President, MG Fitness

"Jeff Meshel is making the business world a better place! Everyone who applies his concepts will see their world dramatically change."-Steve Chessin, President, Chessin Film and Production

"Jeff Meshel's honesty and sincere approach to helping people was truly inspiring. In the sometimes cut-throat world of business it's refreshing to nhear a message likes Jeff's. Thank you!"-Brijett Holliet, President, Holliet Recruitment

"It was really great the way that Jeff was able to have people describe their business, and then work with them to hone in on just the essence of their marketing message. You could see that in a few minutes of working with Jeff, people who had been in business for a long time, all of a sudden had a new perspective on their business."-Jared Krupnick, President, Pullseye Website Design

"Jeff Meshel's power and knowledge, combined with his compassion and sensitivity for people, make him one of the most endearing speakers I have ever heard!"-Tanya Gullick, Founder, Mazaan Holistic Center

"I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing Jeff talk on two occasions. I am inspired by the level he has taken his relationships. I was a networking dropout for the longest time and I realize now how much I was missing out on. Helping others create opportunity has been a fun and challenging place to be. The level at which Jeff is doing it is what truly inspires me."-Tim Pedersen, Principal, Right Brain Branding and Design

"Jeff Meshel is a force to be reckoned with! His ideas and techniques are as timeless as is his excitement and enthusiasm."-Edwin Hawkinss Spina, Author, The Mystic Warrior"

"Jeff Meshel takes networking to a noble new level! Of the over 500 guests that I have interviewed on Vision:Miami, none had the audience impact of Jeff Meshel. Uleash his passion, wisdom, insights, and heart on your group, and your bottom line will go through the roof!"-Johnny Regan, Founder, Vision:Miami

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-08-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

Rule # 23: Engage in we-thinking and not me-thinking.

A networking group is organic, and it is constantly evolving. How it evolves has to do with the intellectual capital and effort of its lifeblood—the members themselves.

When I was asked to speak to a group called the International Executives Resource Group, or IERG, a few months ago, I found myself standing in a room amidst sixty or so people, all of whom held senior positions at internationally based companies. Glancing around I saw there was the CEO of Eastman Kodak’s metal division in Great Britain, and the head of sales for IBM’s laptop division in China among the many experienced business people. While all these people came from a sophisticated corporate environment, I realized during the meeting that few had ever been out on their own, functioning as entrepreneurs, meeting a payroll, lying awake at night wondering where their business was going. Perhaps they had a list of contacts, but it was narrowly cast towards their specialty. At the end of the meeting, I encouraged people to come chat with me and see if I could be useful to any of them, help open any doors. The following day, I received about seventy résumés via e-mail. I was overwhelmed. “There has to be a better way to do this,” I thought.

So the next day I called up the fellow who ran the organization and suggested the alternate method I came up with the night before. I asked him to put together a list of all the attendees from the previous night’s meeting with the following headings: CEO, CIO, COO, CFO, CTO Head of Sales, Senior VP, and so on. No names, résumés, addresses, e-mail addresses, or any personal details—just a succinct list based on their affiliation.
I emailed that list to my entire database with the following note:

“I recently had the pleasure to speak in front of a very engaging, very accomplished group of business professionals that were associated with Fortune 100 companies at the most senior of levels. All these individuals are currently looking to buy a company, reside on a board, and/or get back into the game…[If] there’s anyone who would like to meet any of these individuals, I’d be glad to facilitate and introduction.”

The effort was nominal. In fact, someone else did most of the work. All I did was write a little paragraph, push the send button on my computer, and it went out to all these people; but I received 250 responses, set the foundation for numerous budding relationships, expanded my network, and I genuinely encourage you to do the same. My contact information is listed below. If you have any personal experiences you think would benefit others to hear about, if you have a question or even if you’d just like to become a part of the network, feel free to contact me at http://www.paradigmv.com/ or through any of the information provided below:

Jeffrey Meshel
Mercury Capital Inc: President
380 Lexington Ave
Suite 2020
New York, N.Y. 10168

(T) 212-661-8700 x229
(F) 212-661-8831
Email: jeffm@mercurycap.com

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-07-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

Last Monday was the first dinner event for Divorced Dads and it was a complete success. We shared stories, bounced back our personal thoughts and frustration off each other; it gave us the chance to vent and create a community of support for other high level executive fathers who are going through the daunting and traumatic process of divorce.

During the dinner, I spoke to a man who told me he had not seen his daughter in eight years. I shared with him some of my own concerns for my children and immediately felt a small sense of relief that there was, in fact, someone else who knew what I was going through, someone who could sympathize, when on more than one occasion I had felt completely alone. We spoke for a long time and discovered we shared several other things in common aside from our unfortunate marital situation: we had common interests, hobbies, business passions, we even went to the same gym! I realized just how many of us are out there and how invaluable a network of individuals who share similar stresses not only in their personal lives but also in their professional lives is. The event was a tremendous success because it provided two things: the emotional catharsis we might not otherwise have had a chance to experience in a network of peers, and equally as important, it provided an opportunity to create relationships that extend far beyond the common denominator that brought us there. Thanks to all who attended!

Your Friend,

Jeffrey Meshel

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-07-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-05-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker
Here is an email I received from a reader:

"As the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) President, our organization is preparing for the class of 2006 graduation. During my recent readings I enjoyed your book and would like to see if your organization would sponsor the further development of our youth and provide a copy for each senior in our school. Our school is a small classical school with 72 students graduation this year. Thank you for your assistance."
***It was my pleausure along with my publisher to make the donation and continue to share my passion with her students!!!***

Jeffrey Meshel

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-05-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker
Jeffrey Meshel
NBC “Today in New York” Appearance Alert
Saturday May 6, 2006

Dear Friends:

Some terrific things have been happening with “One Phone Call Away.” I’d like to again thank you for your support and to share a little of the news with you! I have been invited to make a live appearance on NBC-TV’s “Today in New York” discussing the topic “21 & Green.” This happens to be the first chapter in my book and is slated to be book #2. 21 & Green will address specifically the perceptions, fears, and realities to this stage of life. What does a sophomore, junior, or senior in college think? How are they preparing themselves? What types of summer jobs/internships are they taking? Who, if anyone, is providing guidance? 21 & Green will share all these perceptions and will answer the questions by learning experiences of those who achieved. What did accomplished people do during those early years and how did those experiences prepare them to excel. Some initial helpful tips on the subject are:

Tip #1: Get a retail job when you're still in school or right after. This is particularly helpful for shy grads.
Tip #2: Create depth and breadth in yourself. Create a 60-second commercial for yourself.
Tip #3: Develop how you speak and your vocabulary.

I am scheduled to appear on the show Saturday, May 6th 6am-10am ET broadcast on channel 4 with my segment airing at 9:40am. If you are a New York/Tri-State resident, I hope you can tune in to a very engaging segment! If you have any contacts for media exposure or speaking engagements, I would greatly appreciate your help. On a final note, we have also just launched my BLOG site which can be found on the books homepage or directly at http://www.onephonecallaway.blogspot.com/. Your friendship and support is very important to me. For additional information regarding “One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker” please visit www.onephonecallaway.com. We are also extremely excited about our new venture, Paradigm V. Paradigm V will be the world’s first web-based international networking model based upon individuals attributes on how the “Define Themselves.” This will be used as a vital strategic business search tool going forward. As the site is under construction at this time, please take a moment to register at www.paradigmv.com. Once the site is live, you will be contacted. For additional information on Paradigm V, please visit the books website which again is www.onephonecallaway.com. Take the time to register as a “New Reader”, which will enable you to become part of my database, and learn more about Paradigm V.

Your Friend,

Jeffrey Meshel

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-03-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

DON'T SEND BIRTHDAY CARDS...

Do you ever notice that your insurance agent sends you a birthday card every year? I have an insurance agent that I don't know, that sends me one. He inherited my account when my primary agent passed away. Every year like clockwork I get a birthday card from this guy. I open it, then throw it in the trash. Limit sending birthday cards to those individuals you have a real relationship with or don't send it at all! The act will perceived disingenuous. However, I was discussing this subject at a speaking engagement at The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business last week. After I said my piece about birthday cards, I asked the room of those attending, were in to wine! Interestingly, 60-70% of the attendees raised their hand. I then suggested what I believe to be a great idea. Collect Passions!!!! I'll say it again, Collect Passions! When you're speaking with someone new, aside from discussing business, ask if they have any passions. That question is very engaging. And, you would be amazed how many people like wine. Imagine over time you collect 100 people in your database that you've noted (in your notes section) that they all liked wine. Now imagine you discover a great bottle of wine for $12 out of Washington State. What I suggest is that your share your discovery with those who are interested in wine in your database. Send an email to these individuals that you recently discovered this great bottle of wine in light of the fact that you mentioned to me that you enjoy wine. I figured I'd bring this to your attention. Press the button- You are now in front of 100 people all of which will appreciate your intentions. Acts like this create response and activity OUTSIDE THE BOX! After I made my suggestion at the speaking engagement at the University of Chicago GSB, one of the gentleman attending, jumped up and said "I will be starting the University of Chicago Wine Club since so many of you are into wine. Please give me your business card if you would like to participate!" 20+ people gave him their card. I was the 1st!

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2006-02-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker
How are you different than everyone else? One answer to consider is creating platforms that make you standout!
Here is an example regarding me. I unfortunately am getting divorced and experienced the emotional trauma. The process is violating and very upsetting especially when you have little kids, as I do.
Interestingly, when the word got out that this was happening many people called. Friends wanted to introduce me to their friends that were experiencing the same thing. If we are being told that the divorce rate is 50%- they are wrong! I bet it is over 60% with another 20% that would like to get divorced but for a variety of reasons don't.
Then it hit me! I called a friend, who I was introduced to and was also getting divorced. Like me, he is in his mid 40's with young children. He is a senior partner of a major law firm . I asked him if he had a large conference room and if his firm would sponsor an event I wanted to do. I told him that I would send an email to my database with the following heading, "CEO's/CFO's/COO's/CTO's/Executive VP/Head of Sales-Divorced or Divorcing Fathers with Young Children Breakfast & Luncheon." In the body I would briefly explain my experiences and invite men like us to vent, strategize, and create a community of single fathers with young children to help each other. He loved the idea and we will be running this event in March of 2006. I expect to have 1000 responses to this email. The by-product of this event will be all sorts of business opportunities.

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

2005-12-30T07:15:00.000-08:00

One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker

Thanks for the advice. I was thinking that our agendas for the first five meetings should be to let each person present info on themselves and their field. This way we get to know in-depth about each other and our fields. Best that we know all about each other first. Then I can introduce a guest speaker into the mix. I kept the group small. Just having it 4 or 5 people.

I'm heading it and my boss is so excited that she is talking to her boss about letting me use our office to sponsor it here and pay for it. I could use our conference room and have breakfast brought in. I think this would be a good idea. Give them a chance to see that our recruiters offices aren't so scary after all. This way too we could use computers and screens for presentations.

Anyway I received an email verification on my hotmail however to be honest I didn't keep it. I did sign up though. All I did was forward my email. I didn't input anything else, so let me know if there was another place to input more data.

Please feel free to use my info in the blog. Jeff has been so helpful and I was really impressed that he took the time to contact me and his guidance shifted me in the right direction. Just what I needed.

--Paige

Positive Paige!!!

2005-12-30T07:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much. Jeff emailed me the www.paradigmv.com the other day and I signed up and registered my email for future information when the database is all set up. Thank you for the additional information though.

Please let him know that I have moved forward and started my networking group and his information was helpful. I was able to get a few people in my group that have been stand-off-ish about being in touch with me lately for fear I was merely recruiting them, however my 'pitch' for the networking group was really what I was able to offer them so this changed the atmosphere around.

I look forward to someday having him come down and meet my group! I have mixed it up with a real estate person, CFP, auditor, IT person and Senior Tax person so it is a great mix.

Check out these RESULTS!!!!!!!

2005-12-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

Jeff-

I'm a financial advisor who met you last week when you spoke at the Wharton AM Leads meeting. You suggested that I host a dinner with 5 friends to discuss what we all do to see if we could cross refer. Well as it turns out, I brought 3 friends who brought 2 other friends. One of these people, that I didn't know, wants to talk to me with regard to managing about $500k of his money. The other gentleman works as a lawyer at a sports and media company. He says he would be more than willing to introduce me to some professional athletes and musicians. Anyway, everyone was impressed that I organized this fancy dinner at this steakhouse in Hoboken and that I got so many young, ambitious, and well connected people together. I just wanted to say thank you for the great idea, and to let you know that I totally buy into the way you do business.

Thanks again, and I would love to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Kenneth St. Hill
Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch

Paige Lichens, CPA

2005-12-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

Mr Jeffrey Meshel,

I wanted to write you and tell you how much I enjoyed your book " One PhoneCall Away".I recently made a career change and after 15 years in public accounting Imade the move to recruiting. I have always heard people talk aboutnetworking however have never found good formal groups. I personally havestayed in touch and have a good network myself, however need to take that tothe next level now, and believe your book is going to be helpful.I am finding it hard to find good groups for accountants though. Mostaccountants lack the ability to get out from behind their "ten key"calculator and network. So I'm not surprised that I'm having a problem,however I'm not giving up hope. If you have any suggestions for the DCmetropolitan area please let me know.Thanks so much and have a great holiday!

What an Idea!!!!

2005-12-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

Jeff-

It was great meeting you this morning. I really took something away from his talk. He asked me to host my own event with 5 friends and report back on how it went. Well I can tell you that I made arrangement to host a dinner Monday at a steak house in Hoboken with 3 friends and their 2 friends (if that makes sense). I'll shoot you guys an email Tuesday or Wednesday to tell you how it went. Other than that I wanted to share my information with you guys as per your request and to say thank you for taking the time. I definitely plan on buying the book and will recommend it to all my friend. Thanks for being so accessible and helpful and hopefully we'll speak soon.
Thanks,
Kenneth St. Hill Financial Advisor Merrill Lynch

2005-12-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

"Somehow, networking has been equated with hustling, or the overt solicitation of favors.But on its deepest level, networking isn't about using people. It's about giving something of yourself."Networking is much more than meeting someone and getting a business card to add to your collection. It's also much more than simply "working a room" and handing out a stack of your own cards.

Instead, according to networker extraordinaire Jeffrey Meshel, networking is a vitally important skill that most people don't take seriously enough. Most of us are bad at it, at a terrible cost to our careers. And they don't even teach it at colleges or business schools.

I believe that your next big sale, big deal, or big success is just One Phone Call Away. You too can become an excellent networker if you are open-minded and sincere, if you always take the high road and do what's right, and if you're willing to learn a few relatively simple techniques.

SECRETS OF A MASTER NETWORKER

2005-12-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

The maxim “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” goes a long way toward explaining why some people are more successful in their careers than others. But it’s not only who you know. More important, it’s what you know about who you know. Just collecting business cards is pointless.

But as Jeffrey Meshel points out, most people can dramatically increase their “who you know” quotient once they understand the secrets of a master networker. Meshel, who now has more than 5000 contacts in his Rolodex, shares the secrets that have helped him become a star in the financial world.
Click here to order now:

Order Now From Amazon

For instance, I explain how to:

• stop thinking “What’s in it for me?” and start asking “How can I help you?”
• overcome shyness when meeting people
• learn how to sell yourself
• become a “connector” who puts others in touch
• plant seeds now that will eventually pay off

Filled with fascinating stories and easy-to-master lessons, One Phone Call Away is perfect for anyone who wants to capitalize on the strengths of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances—and take a career to the next level.

Jeffrey Meshel is co-founder and president of Mercury Capital, Mercury Properties, and Mercury Equity Group. He is also the founder and chairman of the high-level networking group Strategic Forum.

Order on Amazon.com or at your favorite local bookstore.

Published by Portfolio, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Visit www.onephonecallaway.com