Author Archives: Phil Stella

Where do you network?

By Phil Stella | Published: August 4, 2019

A reader new to NE OH asked for suggestions about good places to network. My response …

Some people say you can and should network anywhere and everywhere, but I suggest some places are better than others.  Where you go to network is a function of the kinds of people you’re trying to meet, which is a function of what your specific networking objectives are. And your objective are all about the kind of information you’re seeking to help you run your business or do your job better, faster, easier or cheaper. Read More »

A Favorite Fave

By Phil Stella | Published: August 4, 2019

I was facilitating a workshop last week and caught myself using on of my favorite faves – ‘Don’t tell me it won’t work until you can tell me that it didn’t work.’ I’ve been using that phrase regularly in reference to challenging old habits or trying something new for years, but it still works very well today.

So, go ahead and use it if you like it, but … wait for it … ‘Don’t tell me it didn’t work … ‘

Why I Love ‘My Pleasure’

By Phil Stella | Published: August 4, 2019

In the last week, I’ve thanked two cashiers, one bar tender and one server for one thing or another. And guess what I heard in reply? Not the usual ‘no problem’ you hear from everyone everywhere all the time, but a much more professional and courteous ‘My pleasure’. The server even snuck in ‘You’re very welcome’.  Read More »

Why I Hate Plural Names

By Phil Stella | Published: August 4, 2019

I recently read an article on business writers, referring to the ‘ … Malcom Gladwells, Jim Collinses and Harvey MacKays of this century.’  I really hate plural name references, as if there is more than one Malcom Gladwell or Jim Collins in a group somewhere. Read More »

That’s Really a Dumb Question!

By Phil Stella | Published: August 2, 2019

And speaking of questions, let’s look at questions in a networking context. You know that old adage, ‘There’s no such thing as a dumb question’? Sorry to spoil your fantasy, but that’s wrong. Read More »

Does Your Q&A Suck?

By Phil Stella | Published: August 2, 2019

As we continue examining your workplace presentations to see if they suck or not, let’s turn to an often-under prepared part of your total message – handling audience questions. Read More »

Dog & Pony Show Best Practices

By Phil Stella | Published: August 2, 2019

My rant last month generated some lively and interesting comments. Always a good thing. Some readers asked for immediate help, which I provided privately. Others were content to wait until this month for part II – ‘Dog & Pony Show Best Practices’ … or ‘How to Avoid a Team-Delivered Presentation (TDP) from Hell!’ Read More »

Thanks Again Carol Roth!

By Phil Stella | Published: July 4, 2019

Regular readers may recall that I regularly contribute content to several of Carol Roth’s popular e-publications. She’s a nationally known PR and Entrepreneurship expert, speaker and author … and apparently a big fan of my work. And many of her posts are picked up by other major medial outlets.  Read More »

Phil’s Faves – Perception

By Phil Stella | Published: July 4, 2019

Add this to your growing list of Phil’s Faves –

‘Because perception is reality with audiences, all they know is what they see and hear. Therefore, if you look and sound like you’re comfortable and competent with your presentation, you are. If you don’t, you aren’t.

And, you can quote me –

Phil Stella, 21st Century workplace communication consultant, executive coach and author.

Why I Love ‘PlusDelta’ Feedback

By Phil Stella | Published: July 4, 2019

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, constructive, timely and focused. Read More »