Ever meet someone at a networking event who turned you off quickly with a negative first impression? Or, who really annoyed you with ineffective follow up? I have – lots of times. I call them ‘Networking Slugs’. They earn that designation for different reasons, but mostly because they don’t practice the simple art of Permission Marketing. Here’s what Networking Pros do to avoid that title:
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Your Growing Punctuation Tool Kit
Here are two more simple little punctuation marks to add to your growing Workplace Writing Punctuation Tool Kit:
Start with the End in Mind
Regular readers know that I often write about the importance of Audience Centricity – the single best strategy for getting into the ‘Workplace Presenters’ Hall of Fame’. So, if that’s your goal, the most critical component for creating a Best-in-Class Audience-Centered presentation is … to Start with the End in Mind, as Dr. Stephen Covey teaches us.
Take the Pain Out of Your Pitches
Do you ever experience pain when you pitch business? Do you ever cause some pain for your customers as a result of those pitches? If you answered yes to either question, then read these 10 Best Practices for creating ‘pain-less’ sales pitches.
Work the Room Like a Pro
So you’ve decided to attend a local professional group meeting to do some networking. Good for you … but you’ll need to work the room like a pro – with focus, finesse and flexibility. Here are 10 simple Best Practices to increase your skills … and results.
Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect!
I hate to trash a childhood fantasy, but Practice doesn’t really make Perfect … it only makes Permanent. Only Perfect Practice makes Perfect. I’ve ranted before about why presenters shouldn’t try to memorize their presentations. They should learn them through practice and refinement of message content and structure. Some thoughts for your consideration:
Uncommonly Courteous Networking
Years ago, I called this concept networking with “common courtesy”. But, just like “common sense”, this practice is anything but commonplace in the business world today. Go figure!
One of the smartest ways to make that best possible first impression when networking is both very simple AND very easy. When you network wit “Uncommon Courtesy”, it clearly differentiates yourself from the amateurs out there. Here are some Best Practices to help you do that:
Presentation Anxiety – the Fear Factor
A recurring theme in my presentation training and executive coaching engagements is dealing with stage fright, the jitters, nervousness or the overall fear of public speaking. Presentation Anxiety (PA) – the clinical term for it – is a perfectly normal human response. But, don’t think you have to overcome it and become more confident and comfortable when presenting. Just appear that way. With the audience, perception is reality.
Your Punctuation Tool Kit
Time to add two simple but important punctuation marks to your Workplace Writing Tool Kits:
How Good is Your Greeting?
Talk about making a first impressions! Often, the first exposures your customers and prospects have of your business is what they hear on your voice mail greeting. Is it caller-centric, clear, focused, helpful and professional? When was the last time you heard it or changed it?