We all ask questions. And when we ask the right way – and ask the right questions – we normally can get the best and right answers.

Lately, I have found myself having a similar conversation with a number of clients. The conversation begins with my client stating they want to increase their visibility within their organization and better position themselves to work at a more senior, strategic level. They want to be noticed and earmarked for succession by supervisors; to be seen as a thought leader by peers; and, ultimately, to position themselves as someone ready to participate in the larger decisions facing the company.

As a sales professional, sales leader or business owner, distractions can often be the main obstacle for achieving great success.

After two decades of running the world’s largest networking organization, I have certainly seen a lot of networking faux pas. A networking faux pas is a slip or blunder in networking etiquette or conduct. I’ve have put together a few of the most glaring ones that I’ve seen over the years so that you might avoid them in your networking efforts.

Are you constantly looking for that one ingredient to finish a recipe?  Do you shudder at the thoughts of having a dinner party because it’s too much work?  What about daily meals, are they an effort because you’re running all over the kitchen getting what you need?  Does making a simple pot of coffee in the morning become a chore?

One of the most difficult parts of a salesperson’s job is dealing with purchasing departments. Whether you are a new salesperson or a seasoned veteran, you likely will agree that dealing with a purchasing department can create a tremendous amount of stress for a salesperson. Unless you are truly unprepared, there’s no reason for anyone to fear dealing with a purchasing department.