The Anarcho Geek Info Center

Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co (KKR) was established by Henry Kravis and George Roberts in the 70’s with the help of the First Chicago Corporation. Pushing beyond, aiming to make the companies in their portfolio greener, they have founded a unique venture which has totally transformed the way businesses and environmental agencies function. Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co’s Henry Kravis and the the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) got together a year ago, hoping to make environmentally aware business practice a widespread idea. Important matters like greenhouse gas emissions and undue water consumption are high on their agenda. Eco-efficiency (a term first advertised by the WBCSD) governs the framework for their mission, by applying ecologically sustainable techniques such as reducing the dispersion of toxic chemicals, optimizing data centers for efficiency and waste reduction. Effective though it was the firms who were involved did not grasp the full program’s advantages until the executive responsible for the program, Ken Mehlman, reviewed the project subsequent to its first year in operation. Beating all expectations, Ken found that using eco-efficiency not only increased environmental responsibility, but also increased the the profit from all their companies too. These days, KKR and Ken Mehlman have virtually every last firm in their portfolio actively engaged in eco-efficiency. Seeing that this portfolio of business concerns is worth 86,000,000,000 dollars, you can be sure that this was not an easy feat.

The original Green Portfolio project has now expanded to encompass new opportunities. The Climate Corps Program administrated by the EDF is an example of this, it campaigns for eco-efficient techniques to MBA interns.

KKR and Ken Mehlman have taken the time to create a series of products which will be able to quantify and oversee resources. With this information available, companies may easily evaluate their day to day activities and find out precisely how they can improve while simultaneously letting them to find out how far they have progressed. Henry Kravis, the KKR, and the Environmental Defense Fund are true innovators when it comes environmentally friendly business development. In summary, the work of these organizations has made green business techniques not only viable, but commercially desirable, and their revolutionary ideas are setting a new standard in the business world of today.

Here is the story of Stephen A. Schwarzman. In 2008 Steve was ranked the fifty third most wealthy person in the US printed by Forbes Magazine, still it’s his patronage of the arts and education and his outstanding accomplishments that make him such a captivating man. His success story is an inspiration to people globally and it serves as a reminder that no matter what your personal background is you may become financially successful through hard work and commitment. In 1985 Steve Schwarzman and his business partner founded their initial business offering up sound financial advice. As you may know, the Blackstone Group is today among the financial industry’s leading M & A companies. Spending many of his formative years in near Philadelphia, PA, Steve got his early education in suburban Philadelphia. He graduated from Abington Senior High School; his next step was to get his bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1969. He then opted for a program of post graduate study at the widely respected Harvard Business school near Boston, Massachusetts. Once he had completed his education, Steve started his career in investment banking at Lehman Brothers. Before reaching his thirty second birthday, Steve was already a managing director.

Stephen A. Schwarzman donates to a wide range of educational programs as well as assisting as an associate professor at the prestigious Yale School of Management. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the JFK Center for the Performing Arts in NYC. What is more, Steve only last March donated to the New York Public Library 100 million dollars to sponsor their building program. Steve also serves on the board of trustees. So you won’t be surprised to learn, the elite of America look to Steve Schwarzman for encouragement — Times Magazine last year listed Steve Schwarzman as one of the 100 most influential individuals alive today. His supremacy in the financial sector has been dramatic, and coupled with his willingness to donate to his own community through his unstinting donations to the arts and education projects sets a precedent for those who see him as a role model.

It would seem that right now, Steve has it all. Steve Schwarzman is without a doubt an interesting business man who has left his mark on the United States of America and the business community that serves it.

Stephen Schwarzman’s story is one of altruism and dedication. Recently Stephen was named the 53rd most wealthy person in the USA by Forbes Magazine, yet it’s not money that makes this story interesting but also Stephen’s undreamt of accomplishments in the business sector and his patronage of the liberal arts. His biography shows everybody that the keys to achieving success in life are devotion to working hard and, of course, indefatigable commitment.

Stephen A. Schwarzman and his business partner Peter Peterson established the equity management and financial advisory firm Blackstone Group in 1985. Nowadays, it has set the pace in M&A; but note that he hasn’t always headed his own venture. After calling Pennsylvania home for much of his childhood, Stephen Schwarzman attended high school in the Abington School District. When he finished high school he decided on undergraduate study at Yale. He went on to advance his education at the esteemed Harvard Business School, gaining his MBA in 1972. After concluding his MBA, Stephen commenced a career at Lehman Brothers. He was appointed to the boards at the age of only thirty one.

Stephen A. Schwarzman served as an assistant professor at the influential Yale School of Management and also offers his patronage to many charities, education, and the arts. Further, he is Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the JFK Center for the Performing Arts in New York, New York. And, to return even more to his community, he proclaimed with pride in March of 2008 that he was contributing $100 million to the New York Public Library to fund their expansion plans. He also serves on their board of trustees.

Hence, it comes as no surprise that, America’s elite look at Stephen as a role model: Times Magazine recently appointed Stephen as one of the one hundred most influential people alive today. His rise in the business community has been nothing short of spectacular, not to mention the fact that his unceasing support of the arts and education has doubtlessly encouraged the business community generally.

With his business knowledge, experience, and dedication, it looks like there’s nothing he cannot do. In summary, Stephen has made a huge difference to both the business and financial communities and the world in general.

Like most all people you will have encountered Mr. Naveen Jain’s name the co-founder and CEO of Intelius, Inc. the predictive intelligence market leader. As well as having a position on the Forbes 400 Richest in America list in 2000, this enterprising businessman has been honored with various prestigious awards, notably the WSA Industry Achievement Award, the Albert Einstein Technology Medal, and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. However things definitely expand out from there. For Naveen Jain and his relations are equally as impassioned about philanthropy and will try to assist others as frequently as they are able to.

Today’s young generation indisputably incorporate mankind’s most prized resource. Naveen Jain also views children as being at the very core of his endeavors and he uses every opportunity available to help them. This, too, is the chief reason why he is always diligently exploiting every opportunity available to lend a helping hand if it is doable. So, Naveen Jain, his kin and his workers at Intelius, Inc. dedicate their time and efforts to a range of charities like United Way, the Rotary Club, and TreeHouse. Expectably, they hand out significant pecuniary assistance, but most importantly, they commit time and care to those youth who require it the most. Beyond this, Mr. Jain helps the Children’s Hospital, being dedicated to restoring children’s health as well. Because Jain is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology and XLRI Jamshedpur, it is hardly astonishing that schooling also constitutes a key hub in his charitable activities. This embraces movements and aid organizations local, state, and nationwide. Therefore Intelius and its CEO are funding deserving movements and charities such as the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club, the University Preparatory Academy and the Children’s Hospital.

Feeding the world’s destitute represents an equally serious task to Naveen Jain and his relations and he undertakes no differentiation as to whether the individual in peril is a mere baby or mature, or where they hail from, be it the biggest city or the most remote hovel. While he is highly cognizant that the aim of feeding every starving person in the world can seem like an insurmountable task, he is also cognizant that the unfeasible can actually be reachable provided that each person strives towards a unified end. If this CEO obtains his objectives, there will be a unquestionable close to destitution and famine everywhere at some time.

As an observer you might easily be pardoned for thinking that as the headman of a spectacularly successful market leading company plus being a committed family man would leave him no spare time for charitable activities. Nonetheless he takes care to ensure that each one of his benevolent endeavors is given all the assistance he can plausibly marshal. This visionary entrepreneur is positively way more than merely some ordinary business pioneer. He is, beyond that, also a very unique individual and a veritable community patron.

Networking - it’s the latest business trend. Or is it?

Actually, business owners have always engaged in the art and science of networking.
Only years ago it didn’t have a name. Business owners would get together, shake hands, and smile and chat about themselves and their businesses. Same thing with “coaching.” I’ve been a sales trainer for 40 years, but it wasn’t until five or six years ago that someone said, “Milt, you’re not a sales trainer, you’re a coach.” I always thought coaching was leading your kid’s soccer or baseball team. Turns out I’ve been a “coach” for 40 years.

The buzzwords, however, aren’t important. What counts is what you do. And if you’re a business owner looking to grow your business, then networking should be a way of life for you. It’s how you climb the ladder of success. But if you don’t actually climb that ladder, you won’t go anywhere. That’s why it’s called networking!

While you can network anywhere - I’ve met some really great clients while eating at the local diner - a good place to begin is by joining a networking group. It’s an excellent way to meet a lot of potential “suspects” who have the potential to become “prospects.”

Here you will have a brief opportunity to stand up and talk about yourself and your business to a group of people who share the same goals you do. In essence, you become a 60-second commercial. When given the opportunity to “sell” yourself, be sharp and to the point. Look directly at your audience, not at the ground or up at the ceiling. Make eye contact. It lets your peers know that you’re confident.

Once your commercial is over, get out in the crowd and talk to people. Work them like a politician works a crowd. But don’t be pushy; don’t use fancy words - not everyone is a Princeton graduate, and make sure you have a firm handshake. Trust me, you can tell if a person is positive or negative by their handshake. And be a good listener. Listen 80% of the time, talk 20%.

But most importantly, don’t make this an “it’s all about me” affair. Remember, you’re not the only person there networking. You’re all in the same boat. When you introduce yourself, don’t hand someone your business card and immediately tell them what you do. Show an interest in others - talk about what they do. Ask them questions about themselves and their families; develop a rapport. In other words, don’t kiss on the first date!

You’ll know if there’s any “chemistry” between you. If there is, make arrangements to meet at another time and place to discuss your mutual interests. Why eat lunch by yourself? And always ask for a referral.

While there’s no harm in speaking to everyone, do target your audience - seek out people who you know would benefit your business. But even if you determine there’s nothing worth pursuing, a particular business owner may have other clients that can help you. You may speak to a business owner with whom you have no mutual interest, but you’re also talking to his/her 30 “suspects” who may become “prospects.”

As for that business card - make sure it describes what service you are offering. Your card is your billboard. I suggest putting your photo on it. If I don’t remember what you do, chances are I will toss the card. When you receive someone’s card, don’t wait a week or three weeks to make contact. Follow-up in a day or two.

The key to successful networking is practicing your presentation. Write down your message and key points and practice it over and over. Repetition leads to confidence. Practice in front of your spouse or friends and neighbors. Practice is especially important for people who are terrified to speak in public, which is about 99% of the total population. You may even want to consider hiring a coach.

There’s also the “likeability factor” to consider. In order to sell your product or service, you have to sell yourself. And if people like and trust you, they’ll sign that contract. Conversely, if they don’t like you, you can be selling gold in your pockets, but they won’t buy.

Networking is the best way to build your business. You can read a million books about it, but unless you get out there and do it, you’ll never even reach the first rung of that ladder.

Milton J. Paris is Sales and Business Coach and Marketing Consultant for Paradigm Associates, LLC. The host and producer of the radio show “Getting Ahead in Business” on WCTC 1450 AM every Saturday, Paris believes the way to increase sales is through setting goals and executing them. An author and speaker, he served as President and Vice President of Sales for three diverse companies with a national customer base. He has 40 years of sales and business growth experience. Visit http://www.ParadigmAssociates.US or call (908) 276-4547.

As a consultant and entrepreneur, I have joined associations, leads groups, Chambers of Commerce, and even a few non-profits. All of those organizations are ideal for networking and obtaining great business. However, each of these venues will not guarantee you leads, especially hot leads.

Chambers will refer business when asked but will not actively chase those leads on your behalf. You have to look after that for yourself. You are still responsible for finding the list of prospects to call, making those phone calls and finding the right script to use to gain attention. You may even send out mailers, emails, and invitations. It all seems like a lot of work just to get one client. The truth of the matter is that it IS a lot of work and effort. Sometimes the rewards a phenomenal and sometimes they are lukewarm.

What would you think if you found a group that would actively, that is, ACTIVELY seeks leads for each member of the group? I found such a group today that does such a thing. The fees are low ($90 for three months), buy your own meal, and an expectation to attend the meetings once every two weeks. Not bad! They have a service that uses a database, telemarketing component, and a give away program to keep in touch with the suspect (potential client).

Did you know that you can do this for your association, group, or Chamber? The person that has started these groups is willing to share the technology and methodology to anyone that wants to do their own. The one main thing is that groups are only 10 people each and their businesses must mesh for cross referrals. I particularly like the tracking of leads and the jobs everyone gets from the methods used.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and speaks about business development issues for businesses of all sizes. She has spoken for non-profit organizations, associations and large enterprizes. Her companies include http://www.BlueprintBooks.com and http://www.BizMechanix.com.

She has developed a Credit Repair Kit http://www.CreditRepairForEveryone.com to help business and individuals get control of their financial life and make the best of their money.
Dr. Daoust helps businesses move towards their full potential by planning and executing business, marketing, and PR plans. You can contact Bette through any of her websites.