January 6th, 2010
by Debra Fine
Stanford University School of Business conducted a study that monitored a group of MBAs 10 years after graduation. What did they learn? That their ability to converse had a huge impact on their success and grade point averages had no bearing whatsoever.
The ability to connect with others through small talk can lead to big things, according to Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of Small Talk (Hyperion 2005). A former engineer, Fine recalls being so ill at ease at networking events and even the 10 minute coffee break during a meeting that she would hide in the restroom. Now a motivational speaker, Fine believes the ability to develop relationships with people through small talk is an acquired skill.
Fine offers the following tips for starting − and ending conversations: Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Communication Skills, Speaking
October 11th, 2009
by Don Cooper, The Sales Heretic™
Most of us believe we’re good listeners, when in fact, most of us are lousy. (If you don’t believe me, ask your spouse.) Yet listening is a critical skill that we all need to be better at. Listening allows you to relax, compose your thoughts and gather valuable information. And truly effective listening builds rapport, respect and trust.
Whether you’re networking, selling, negotiating or simply having a casual conversation, keep these principles in mind:
See Eye to Eye
When someone is speaking to you it is imperative that you maintain good eye contact with them. Looking at something else sends the non-verbal message that whatever you are looking at is more important than the speaker is. An additional benefit for you is that by looking at the speaker, you can pick up on their non-verbal signals, which will help you better understand what they really are (and are not) saying. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Presentation Skills, Sales, Speaking
June 8th, 2009
by D.J. Vanas
With the mountains of the Front Range watching over me like guardian soldiers, I began my journey from Colorado Springs up to Rocky Mountain National Park, about three hours away, for a speaking engagement. I put a book on CD in the stereo, the sun was shining, the weather was perfect and thankfully, the traffic was moving quickly and smoothly on the highway. All seemed right and good… and then it appeared.
Out of nowhere, a decrepit white van with mismatched hubcaps shoved its way into traffic and began a battle of epic proportions. It dodged, weaved, cut several people off and tailgated others, receiving blaring horns and a few one-finger salutes from fellow travelers. I’d watch the van accelerate to find an opening and then suddenly its tail end would lift as the driver slammed on the brakes. This impatient driver wasn’t just a pain to endure; he seemed to be an outright menace. The mysterious white van went through this agonizing routine for almost the entire hour it took to reach Denver, suffering his own obvious frustrations but also attempting to force everyone around him on the highway to suffer them as well. All this and here’s what the van accomplished – he was a mere three cars ahead of me after an hour!
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Speaking, Stress Management
March 16th, 2009
by Sarah Michel
With our economy in a recession and unemployment at the highest rate it’s been in over 16 years, there is no hiding from the fallout…we’re all feeling it. However, there is a silver lining in this dark cloud we’re all sitting under. There has never been a better time to invest in growing your network and social capital than now.
I have lived through several recessions in my lifetime and the one consistent observation I’ve made is how people seem to shift their priorities to focus on what really matters during lean times…relationships. This is the time to start reaching out to people in your network and looking for ways to be a resource to others to increase your netWORTH™.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Career, Speaking
February 1st, 2009
by Don Cooper
Whether you’re planning a monthly meeting, a public seminar, or an international convention, you want to have as many attendees as possible. The more people you have at your meeting, the more exposure your sponsors receive, the more value your attendees derive from networking, and the more likely you are to fill your room block. Not to mention the more revenue you generate from registrations!
So how can you increase attendance at your next event? (Without spending a fortune on marketing?) Just follow these guidelines.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Speaking, Training
November 1st, 2008
by Jeff Thredgold, CSP
The “dismal science” of economics typically focuses on “bad” news. We clearly face significant challenges…no argument here. However, there are also many favorable developments taking place within the U.S. economy. This article focuses ONLY on the “good” news…
Posted in Business and Finance, Career, Speaking, Supervision
