Mickey Mellen

“You might notice that highly competent people will often partner with highly warm folks to balance them out. Many famous duos include a highly warm character and a highly competent character. This is a good way to think about how these traits play off each other.”
― Vanessa Van Edwards, Cues Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication, How to Talk to Anyone & Kick Ass Small Talk 3 Books Collection Set

“Prospects are in a position to engage your services or work at companies that can hire you but haven’t yet. You’d like to work with them, but you still need to persuade them to do so. They represent the opportunity to expand the scope of your existing business.”
― David Ackert, The Short List: How to Drive Business Development by Focusing on the People Who Matter Most

“Every day, on numerous occasions, you are asked some version of the question: “How are you?” “How are things going?” “How’s business?” “What are you up to these days?” A generic response such as “Nothing much,” or “Crazy busy,” or “Same old, same old” squanders the opportunity to bolster your reputation within your network. Instead, answer with an update about a current project or an interesting client engagement. It is a much more authentic response to say, “Thanks for asking. I’m working on an interesting new project for a client in the energy sector and it’s going really well.” Even if the other person doesn’t inquire about the details, you will have promoted your expertise, your work ethic, your enthusiasm for what you do, and your willingness to engage in a real conversation.”
― David Ackert, The Short List: How to Drive Business Development by Focusing on the People Who Matter Most

“Connectors bring you new ideas, referrals, resources, clients, or other business opportunities. They may be partners at your firm or external referral sources providing adjacent services to your industry.”
― David Ackert, The Short List: How to Drive Business Development by Focusing on the People Who Matter Most