OTS 186: Holding the Space – Meridith Elliott Powell

On the Schmooze Podcast: Leadership | Strategic Networking | Relationship Building

Today’s guest teaches strategies to succeed no matter what the economy does - turning uncertainty into a competitive advantage. Voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to watch by Currency Fair, she is an author, business strategist, keynote speaker, and growth expert, creating ownership at every level and helping people create profits at every turn. Her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare, and finance. She worked her way up from an entry-level position to earn her seat at the C-Suite table. She is a Certified Speaking Professional, a designation held by less than twelve percent of professional speakers, and is a member of the Forbes Coaching Council. She is the author of several books, including her latest, “The Best Sales Book Ever.” Please join me in welcoming Meridith Elliott Powell. Would you leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcast? Or Stitcher? They are extremely helpful and I read each and every one of them. Thanks for the inspiration! In this episode we discuss: her thoughts on leadership: “I would define leadership simply. You are a leader when people follow you.” why she credits her mom for her networking skills because her mom encouraged her to seek out the people who were alone. how her willingness to talk to people and expand her network influenced her incredible jobs and what the through-line is of her career. why 40 was a powerful age to her and why she went out on her own then. how she prioritizes hand-written notes and why they are important to her. why it is important to make sure your networking focuses on your target audience and the value she places on giving more than receiving. Links Meridith Elliott Powell on LinkedIn and Twitter. www.meridithelliottpowell.com www.valuespeaker.com Books mentioned in this episode: “Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences” by Robbie Samuels “The Best Sales Book Ever” by Meridith Elliott Powell and Connie Podesta “Own It: Redefining Responsibility” by Meridith Elliott Powell “42 Rules to Turn Prospects into Customers” by Meridith Elliott Powell and Christy Lynn Other Resources: Learn more about Kate Holgate. Learn more about Linda Larsen. Learn more about the National Speakers Association. Learn more about Kelly Swanson. Learn more about Zoho. Watch Robbie’s TEDx “Hate networking? Stop bageling and be the croissant!” at www.robbiesamuels.com/TEDx. About Robbie: Robbie Samuels is a keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and relationship-based business strategist who has been recognized as a “networking expert” by Inc., Forbes, Harvard Business Review Ascend and Lifehacker. He helps event organizers and associations inspire life-long membership by creating welcoming and inclusive participant experiences. He is the author of the best-selling business book Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences and has been profiled in the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company. He writes for Harvard Business Review Ascend. His clients include associations and corporations including Marriott, AmeriCorps, Hostelling International, and General Assembly. He has been featured in several books including Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It by Dorie Clark and The Connector’s Advantage: 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact by Michelle Tillis Lederman. He has guest lectured at many leading educational institutions including Harvard University, Brown University, Cornell University, Brandeis University, and Northeastern University. Robbie is the host of On the Schmooze podcast which features his networking strategies and talented professionals sharing untold stories of leadership and networking. Watch his TEDx “Hate networking? Stop bageling and be the croissant!” at www.robbiesamuels.