Tag Archives: first impressions

Time to Make-over Your VM Greeting

By Phil Stella | Published: December 7, 2022

I’m getting  really tired of ranting about this issue in ‘Communicate ‘Confidently!’. Unfortunately, the problem still exists and I wonder if I’m the only communicator who cares. So, here I go again … and don’t try to stop me.

Talk about making a good first impression! Often, the first exposure your customers, prospects and colleagues have of you and your business is what they hear in your voice mail greeting. Is it caller-centric, clear, focused, helpful, lively and professional? When was the last time you listened to it?

If you’re not sure, call in and hear what they hear. If you like what it says about your business values, style and personality… fine. Leave it alone. If not, it might be time for a make-over. Read More »

I Hate Networking Slugs … And So Should You

By Phil Stella | Published: February 12, 2022

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.

Most Slugs are real amateur networkers, but not all. I’ve encountered some veteran schmoozers who elevate Slug Behavior to an art form. So have you. When you see them coming, you turn and run. Or, at least, start talking to someone else.

To help you make sure no one ever accuses you of Networking Slug Behavior, here are five things they do to earn that designation and Non-Slug Alternatives they – or you – should consider instead.  No need to thank me … it’s my job

Read More »

Why I Hate Titles

By Phil Stella | Published: December 11, 2021

I hate titles … I really do. And I especially hate title-happy people.

While skimming some LinkedIn postings recently, I encountered a person who was seriously title-happy. After his name was ‘… MBA, BA, BS, NP, MPM.’ Wow – aren’t you impressed with his credentials! Read More »

A Great Impression Every Time

By Phil Stella | Published: October 14, 2021

Now that we’re getting back into more in-person business and networking events, it’s time to revisit Best Practices for making a Great Impression with the people you meet or talk with. The strategy is really simple and easy, yet the devil is in the details of execution. Read More »

How Good is Your Greeting? (10/19)

By Phil Stella | Published: May 2, 2021

I’m tired of ranting about this issue often in ‘Communicate ‘Confidently!’. Unfortunately, the problem still exists and I wonder if I’m the only communication practitioner who cares. So, here I go again … and don’t try to stop me.

Read More »

I Hate Networking Slugs … And So Should You (5/19)

By Phil Stella | Published: April 4, 2021

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.

Read More »

Look Here To Know Who I Am

By Phil Stella | Published: July 4, 2020

One of the simplest tools in your Power Networking Tool Kit is the humble little Name Tag you wear at networking events. Everyone uses them, but few people do so strategically to add to a positive first impression and enhance their networking process. Really … I’m not making this up. Read More »

Why I Hate Titles

By Phil Stella | Published: April 8, 2020

I hate titles … I really do. And I especially hate title-happy people.

While skimming some LinkedIn postings recently, I encountered a person who was seriously title-happy. After his name was ‘… MBA, BA, BS, NP, MPM.’ Wow – aren’t you impressed with his credentials!  Read More »

Introverts Arise!

By Phil Stella | Published: December 4, 2018

I recently got a call from a reader who admitted to being very introverted, but still wanted to improve his networking results.  I thought other introverts might benefit from what we discussed, so here’s the essence of that conversation:

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A Great Impression Every Time

By Phil Stella | Published: August 6, 2018

(Back in May, I lead with ‘Why I Hate Networking … ‘. It didn’t take long for readers to figure out that I really only hate lame, ineffective and unfocused networking. And so should you. Now … let’s get back to simple strategies for maximizing your Networking ROI.)

How do you make a great impression on people every time? The answer is really simple and easy, yet the devil is in the details of execution. Read More »