A regular reader recently asked about using small talk while networking. My response was short and simple – just say ‘NO’ to small talk. It doesn’t help you that much. Go for ‘Big Talk’ instead.
Rants
Why I Hate Automated Voice Messaging
When calling a business or colleague, how often do you hear ‘Your call is being forwarded to an automated voice messaging system … 475 338-0298 is not available … ‘ I really hate that – it’s cheap, lazy, impersonal and not caller-friendly. How much better to have taken a few minutes to record a short, … Read more
Why I Hate ‘two (2)’
I recently got a document from a client asking me to review and comment. Happens all the time. My pleasure to be of service. But, this one had the phrase ‘… schedule two (2) planning meetings … ‘. I’m not making this up. It’s 2024 and people still think they need to tell readers that … Read more
Why I Hate Titles
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!
Why I Hate ‘Reply All’
I serve on several client teams and volunteer committees. We communicate a lot via email and often get copied via ‘Reply All’. I hate that. I really do.
Why I Hate ‘No Problem’
I’m really getting tired of ranting about this issue, but it looks like my work here is far from over!
Why do so many people respond to ‘Thank you.’ with ‘No Problem.’ today? I doubt that many of them felt that the act I just thanked them for was, in fact, a problem. Maybe it would usually be a problem, but not this time. Or maybe a problem with other people, but not me.
Why I hate ‘Quote-Unquote
How often do you hear people use this phrase in conversation, in presentations or even on TV? It’s both incorrect and lame. Remember that ‘un’ means ‘not’ – it doesn’t mean ‘no longer’ or ‘end’ in this context.
Why I Hate 3 x 5 Note Cards
Very high on my list of Workplace Presenter ‘Worst Practices’ is using the simple, seemingly innocent little 3 x 5 note cards for speaker notes. They’re way too small to be of much value.
Why I Hate Hearing ‘Cleveland, OH’
I regularly ‘attend’ networking or business events in Cleveland (zoom meetings these days), where people introduce their businesses. Lots of them mention that they’re located in Cleveland, Ohio or Lakewood, Ohio or Beachwood, Ohio, etc. I hate that.
Why I Hate “Work/Life Balance”
This month’s rant is about a cliché we all hear and many of us use – ‘Work/Life Balance’. I understand and love the concept … but I hate the words used. So please humor this incurable wordsmith a little.