Last month’s article on meeting agendas generated some interest and requests for more content on the topic. So, here are more Best Practices for your Meeting Management Tool Kits.
Interpersonal Communication
We’ve Got to Start Meeting Like This!
A workplace meeting can be an effective and efficient tool for dealing with information problems or communication issues. It can also be a frustrating, unproductive and expensive waste of time. How organizations plan, facilitate and manage the meeting process will make all the difference between success and failure. Here’s a summary of Meeting Management Best Practice I typically share with clients.
Master Marketing R&R – Part One
(This piece first appeared in COSE’s ‘Mind Your Business’ in August)
Time to focus on ‘Marketing R&R’— with every sale or engagement, savvy entrepreneurs ask ‘How can I earn repeat or referral business?’ The answer is easy to understand but hard to do. So, read on for ‘R&R’ best practices.
Make Listening Work
Admit it – we’re all poor listeners. Very poor. No surprise here – it’s the nature of our beast in the modern world. But, instead of just lamenting about it … or ignoring the condition … there are lots of simple ways to Make Listening Work for you if you want to improve this critical skill.
Brainstorming Brilliance
When was the last time you held a team brainstorming meeting to identify a name for a new product, solve some problem or even a come up with a location for the next staff happy hour … 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 there silent 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?
Free Ink Rules
How Ironic. My latest post for the COSE Mind Your Business blog is all about getting free ink – why, where and how. And, since the start of the year, I’ve been fortunate enough to generate some excellent free e-ink in national publications myself. Ironic, indeed.
Five Simple Phone Tactics to Overhaul Your Image
(As indicated last month, I began my role as a recurring columnist for Cleveland’s Council of Smaller Enterprises’ on-line ‘Mind Your Business’ publication in January. Here’s my first post.)
Most small businesses facing the challenge of improving their image in the marketplace are starring at major investments of time and money. Properly planned and launched, those investments can earn significant positive results.
‘Class Act’ Communication
(A writer recently asked me for a 100-word maximum contribution on differentiation for his communication skill blog. Not easy … but here goes)
Communicate with ‘Uncommon Courtesy’ to differentiate yourself as a ‘Class Act’. Do so with every message you send to every person every day.
Make the Most of Meetings
If you dislike Workplace Meetings as much as I do, then try making the most of them by treating them as valuable resources that come with a huge cost. So, as with any resource, make sure you use them effectively and efficiently. Here’s a brief summary of best practices:
Make Listening Work
Last month’s frustrating rant reminded readers why we don’t listen very well. But not to worry – this month is all about what to do about that situation. Here are lots of simple ways to Make Listening Work for you.