I hate Networking Slugs … I really do. And so should you. They typically create very negative first impressions at networking events by doing lots of dumb things. They probably didn’t plan to behave like Slugs and what they do is often out of mindless habit or lack of focus. But, the results are just as lame … and just as annoying.
Phil Stella
Always Break the Rules!
This ‘WordPower’ feature deals with some rules of grammar and which ones you should consider breaking if you want to enhance your routine workplace writing.
A Bad Email
Here’s another Phil’s Fave you might have heard in a Workplace Writing presentation or workshop … ‘The only thing worse than a bad email is a great email that didn’t need to be an email. It should have been a text, phone call or brief face-to-face conversation.’ … Read more
Why I Love ‘Plus/Delta’ Feedback
Giving constructive feedback is an essential management skill that escapes most supervisors. Feedback is all about helping people get better at what they’re doing. Effective feedback is neither positive or negative – it’s just information – information that is specific, observable, helpful, timely and focused.
Ride up on the Escalator
Take your Elevator Speech to the top floor by converting it into an ‘Escalator Speech’. Assume you’re going down on the escalator as someone passes by you going up on the other one. You only have a few seconds to communicate. So, your Escalator Speech is an even more concise version of your Elevator Speech.
Brainstorming Brilliance (6/18)
(Happy to see that readers are enjoying our trips down memory lane this year with ‘Phil’s All Time Hits, Vol. I’ . They should acquaint newer subscribers with popular content from past years. The feature article this month first ran in 2018. Enjoy … )
When was the last time you held a team brainstorming session to identify a name for a new product, solve some problem or even a come up with an organization to benefit from the next staff volunteer day… and you got nothing? You asked for input, but only a few spoke up and others criticized or made fun of those ideas. Most people just sat silently starring at their blank sheets of paper … or, phones. One person had enough courage to tell you that you’re the boss and you’ll do whatever you want anyway, so why bother with this waste of time?
Referrals Rule! (9/20)
In various past issues, we’ve discussed whether or not you should ask for Referrals, winning Repeat Business and seven tips for how to ‘Nail the Sale’. Now, let’s focus on Internal and External Referrals.
Clarity & Brevity – They Both Rule! (6/20)
If you’ve begun thinking more about the words you use in routine workplace communication and presentations – that’s a good thing. No need to thank me … it’s my pleasure.
Networking Defined
A reader recently asked me to define ‘Networking’. So, here is the definition that is the basis of all my networking workshops, speaking engagements and articles:
‘Networking is the exchange of ideas, information and resources.’
A ‘Phil’s Fave’ on Meeting Management
‘The only thing worse than a bad workplace meeting is a great meeting that didn’t need to be a meeting. It should have been an email, text, phone call or face-to-face conversation.’ And, you can quote me – Phil Stella, 21st Century workplace communication consultant, executive coach and author.