Articles – Page 20 – Business Communication Coaching with Effective Training & Communication

Harness the Power of Free Ink

January 11, 2019April 11, 2018 by Phil Stella

(This article originally ran in the Cleveland Council of Smaller Enterprises ‘Mind Your Business’ blog.)

How many of you are frustrated and bewildered by the ‘Small Business Marketing Paradox’? We all recognize the critical need to do more and better marketing of our products or services to survive and thrive. But, few of us have the knowledge and skills to do it ourselves. Yet, we hesitate to – or can’t afford to – invest in having experts do it for us. The result is that we often do nothing. Bad idea.

Communicating Effectively with Millennials

April 11, 2018 by Phil Stella

(This article originally appeared in the popular Small Business Expert Forum published by Nationally known PR expert Carol Roth. I’m was thrilled to have the opportunity to promote these concepts in such a respected vehicle.)

While millennials have some generation-specific communication preferences, they have a lot more in common with other generations than differences, except for their use of technology. If communicating with them in your workplace presents a challenge, here are five ways to resonate with your 30-somethings readers.

Success is in Your Hands

April 11, 2018 by Phil Stella

Looks like our brief summary of Gesturing ‘Worst Practices’ last month was a big hit, except for those people who though I was talking about them. As promised, this month we do a deep dive on Gesturing Best Practices you can add to your Workplace Presenter Tool Kits. So, hang on – it will be a fast ride.

Free Ink Rules

March 20, 2018 by Phil Stella

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

March 1, 2018 by Phil Stella

(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.

Hand It to Your Audience

March 1, 2018 by Phil Stella

(This month, we conclude our series of harnessing delivery skill best practices to mask Presentation Anxiety (PA) symptoms with the first of a two parts on gestures. What you do – and don’t do – with your hands can project confidence, credibility and competence – or not. So, let’s Hand It to Your Audience!)

Connect with Class

February 7, 2018 by Phil Stella

Have you ever gotten an email like this? ‘Hi Phil, Tony Grosso suggested I contact you. I’d like to meet with you to network and discuss my job search. Let me know some good times to get together. Regards … Chuck Upton.’

While harmless enough, concise and clear, Chuck could have been much more effective, efficient and engaging. He could have indicated:

‘Class Act’ Communication

February 9, 2018February 6, 2018 by Phil Stella

(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.

Stand & Deliver

February 6, 2018 by Phil Stella

(This month, we continue our deep dives into masking Presentation Anxiety symptoms with another physical delivery best practice. Standing and Delivering can harness physical power and project confidence, credibility and competence to the audience.)

Because your audience only knows what it sees, your body can be a great natural visual aid. It can also show nervousness or lack of confidence very quickly and clearly. So … look the part you’re playing – a confident and credible presenter.

Speakers’ Notes

February 6, 2018 by Phil Stella

A reader recently asked if using speaker notes would reduce his opportunity for effective eye contact.

I responded that notes would interfere with eye contact if you talk while looking at them or start reading them to your audience.