I used to refer to this concept as networking with ‘common courtesy’. But, just like ‘common sense’, this practice is anything but commonplace in the business world today. One of the fastest and smartest ways to make that best possible first impression when networking is both very simple and very easy. Just display ‘Uncommon Courtesy’ that clearly differentiates you from the pack of amateurs by:
Articles
‘Avoiding Dog & Pony Shows from Hell!’
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 the promised Best Practices’ … or ‘How to Avoid Dog & Pony Shows from Hell!’
I Don’t Get It – Redundancies
Your Redundancies Are Laughable
We’ve gotten into some sloppy habits regarding redundancy. While this tendency may not be a major problem in verbal or written communication, it does waste words and the result is often amusing. Unless you’re a comedian, you probably don’t want people chuckling about what you say or write. So, here are some reminders.
How’s Your Greeting?
What kind of first impression do your customers and prospects get of your business when they get your Voice Mail greeting? Is it enthusiastic and professional? More important, is it concise and helpful? Or, does you greeting sound more like this one?
Stop Pitching in the Elevator
A reporter doing an article on Elevator Pitches recently asked for my brief input. First, I said that I preferred ‘Elevator Speech’ to ‘Elevator Pitch’. ‘Pitch’ sounds like you’re trying to sell something. No one likes to be sold to. ‘Speech’ sounds like you want to share some information. Even though the difference in connotation is subtle, it can impact the mindset of the person doing it.
Beware Dog & Pony Shows From Hell!
Team-Delivered Presentations (TDPs) are still common in the workplace today, especially with higher-end sales pitches or senior executive project updates. Some are effective, efficient and engaging messages. But, unfortunately, too many become ‘Dog & Pony Shows from Hell‘. What pushes them over the edge is poor planning and preparation, just as with other facets of workplace presentations.
‘I Don’t Get It!’ – Holding Notes
Recently, a reader asked my opinion of holding speaker notes with two hands. I Don’t Get It, because I discourage the habit. It limits natural-looking gesturing, especially with notes in hand.
Workplace Writing Power Point – Short Words
Here’s this month’s Power Point – whenever a short, simple, familiar word is just as clear or clearer as a longer word, use the shorter word. The extra syllables don’t add anything to your meaning and may detract from your image as a real, down-to-earth person. But don’t trade clarity for brevity. Think ‘Twitter’ and save some of those characters for another message.
Social Media vs. Face-to-Face
A business reporter asked me about Social Media and how the using it, texting and email negatively impact sales professionals’ ability to communicate face-to-face. My response … for your reading pleasure:
Ask Good Questions
Because networking is all about sharing information and asking good questions, here are eight good questions to help you plan your networking events and engage in effective conversation.