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About Lisa Platt

I am a networking coach and an introvert. I know what it feels like to be on the outside looking in. I also know networking is an art, a skill and can be learned. You can read my networking story on the About Lisa page. I am the proud owner of West Valley Women, a women's networking group in the greater Phoenix area. I am a certified coach, entrepreneur, small business owner, author of Your Personal Guide to Networking, and a Distinguished Toastmaster. I have 20 years’ experience with managing successful networking organizations while at the same time representing my business. I've seen what works and what doesn’t. I can help you master the art of business networking.
Be Bold. Be Strong. Be You!

Believe It. You Will Achieve It.

Today’s tip applies to networking. Yet, it is not networking specific. Many clients seek me out because they feel overwhelmed and stuck when networking. Sometimes the solution is found in developing skills. Other times, something else is going on that needs to be addressed. Most of the time, it’s a combination of the two. To [...]

By |March 22nd, 2018|Coaching|Comments Off on Believe It. You Will Achieve It.

I Am a Confident Networker

My favorite Olympic Moment Is watching athletes be true to themselves. Some perform in sports where scores are combined. They perform one, two or three times and the top combined scores determine who receive medals. I love the athletes who basically say “screw it” to the negative commentary on their first performance. They chose not [...]

By |February 18th, 2018|Coaching, Networking Tips|Comments Off on I Am a Confident Networker

Make It Easy for Someone To Reach You

If you follow my blog, you’ve heard me mention today’s tip before, “Always Carry Business Cards. Make it Easy for Someone to Reach You.” I frequently receive inspiration for things to write from the events I attend. The gentle reminder to always carry business cards was inspired from an event I recently attended. I was [...]

By |February 8th, 2018|Coaching, Networking Tips, West Valley Women|Comments Off on Make It Easy for Someone To Reach You

Keeping The Commitment and Showing Up has its Rewards

Showing Up is the Networking Tip of the Week. “Showing Up” sounds so simple and is such a novel concept. If networking is building relationships, connecting with others, it’s implied one needs to show up to be an effective networker. But, how often do we Not show up? Or, we attend and are not fully [...]

By |January 11th, 2018|Coaching|Comments Off on Keeping The Commitment and Showing Up has its Rewards

You’ve Collected All the Cards, Now What?

Following Up sounds simple, yet, how often do we remember to do it? You had a great time at the event, met some very fun people and came home with a handful of business cards. It’s office cleaning day and you find a stack of cards. You don’t remember if you followed up or not. [...]

By |December 21st, 2017|Coaching, Networking Tips|Comments Off on You’ve Collected All the Cards, Now What?

Ask To Be Introduced

Ask to be Introduced is the Networking Tip for the Week. Sounds simple, yet how often do we ask? You've been following the keynote speaker's work for a few years and finally have the opportunity to see her speak in person. You want to tell her how much you enjoy her work and how she's [...]

By |December 14th, 2017|Networking Tips|Comments Off on Ask To Be Introduced

An Attitude of Gratitude

You might be wondering how does “An Attitude of Gratitude” connect with networking. I recently had the pleasure of attending an Awards Luncheon. The invitation listed 11:00 am as the start time. I arrived on time and easily found a parking space. Score! At check in, I was told doors open at 11:30 am. I [...]

By |October 10th, 2017|Coaching, Networking Tips|Comments Off on An Attitude of Gratitude

Networking is an Art, a Skill and Can Be Learned

The other morning at Chamber, the person who spoke before me sang his tagline while playing his ukulele.  I heard a handful of people gasp “How can you top that?” There was a time I would have preferred to bolt to the nearest exit instead of following that. “No way!”  “How can I follow that?”  [...]

By |September 28th, 2017|Coaching|Comments Off on Networking is an Art, a Skill and Can Be Learned

Be The Change You Want To Be

I seek inspiration from many sources. Sometimes they appear Loud and in BOLD. This week has been no exception. It began with quotes reflecting on the new moon energy. Continuing with my mentor, Linda Binns, talking about the importance of "Reset." Followed by others talking about newness. Every so often, my inner introvert AKA that [...]

By |September 21st, 2017|Coaching, Networking Tips|Comments Off on Be The Change You Want To Be

3 Steps to 30 Second Success

Think of your 30 second introduction as a mini speech.  It is composed of 3 sections, Opening, Middle and Close. The opening is your introduction.  “Hello, I’m Lisa Platt from West Valley Women.” The middle is your content.  “West Valley Women is a locally owned networking organization.  We’re in our 12th year of fostering business [...]

By |August 10th, 2017|Coaching, Networking Tips, West Valley Women|Comments Off on 3 Steps to 30 Second Success