Here’s an example of a sales person who practiced the opposite of ‘Permission Marketing’; someone I immediately nominated for the ‘Networking Slug Hall of Fame’. I think she got in on the first ballot.
Bits & Pieces
Whatever your profession, you also need to be a professional communicator. ETC is pleased to share these essential Bits & Pieces to help you polish those skills.
Get My Point?
A reader just asked me what I thought of using a laser pointer with his slides. I started the conversation with ‘Don’t let the technology tail wag the presenter dog’. The rest of my comments:
Read Any Good Books Lately?
As entrepreneurs, we face lots of challenges running or working in small businesses. One of the most important challenges is the need for on-going professional development and education. We may recognize the importance of Life Long Learning, but who has the time and energy to do it? One simple strategy to deal with this paradox … Read more
Handouts vs. Slides
A client recently asked me for some advice about a common practice with handouts. He noted that presenters often give audience members hard copies of their slides so they can take notes or use as a handout. Excerpts from my response:
Executive Presenters From Hell
Last month, I ranted about why so many executives are such poor communicators. Several readers indicated they felt that pain and wanted to know what their organizations could do about the situation. I’d offer these suggestions, based on years experience as a workplace communication manager, consultant, trainer and executive coach:
How to Sell You
‘You, Inc. The Art of Selling Yourself’’, Harry Beckwith & Christine Clifford Beckwith, Highbridge Audio Company, 2007. Loaded with interesting and useful concepts.
My Boss Stinks at Communicating
I hear this one a lot, especially in my business writing or presentation workshops, where learners comment that their bosses need the class more than they do. Let’s optimistically assume most bosses know what they want to communicate and generally accept the importance of effective workplace communication. So, why are so many of them weak communicators? Here’s a summary of my thoughts, based on over 25 years experience as a workplace communication manager, consultant, trainer and executive coach:
Time Out For Laughs
‘Bossy Pants’, Tina Fey, Hachette Audio, 2011. So, why am I posting a humor book in this section devoted to business and communications resources? Three reasons: 1. Want to add a few more laughs to get you through each work day? Listen to a funny person. Tina Fey is that. 2. Want to become a … Read more
Learn About Other Cultures
‘Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands – How to do Business in Sixty Countries’, Terry Morrison, Wayne A. Conaway & George A. Borden, Ph.D., Adams Media Corporation, Holbrook MA, 1994. I’ve used this excellent resource often when working with clients from other countries and regularly recommend it. The workplace communication insight is especially helpful.
Where Should I Stand?
A reader recently asked that question and here’s a summary of my reply.
Presenters should generally stand on the audience’s left where possible: