A reporter recently asked what entrepreneurs should ask themselves before beginning a start-up. I suggested they answer these ‘Big 5’ questions:
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.
Why I Hate ‘Small Talk’
I recently facilitated a workshop on Networking Best Practices. A participant asked about using small talk. After getting input from the rest of the group, I offered my view – just say ‘NO’ to small talk. It doesn’t help you that much. Go for ‘Big Talk’ instead. The rest of my rant …
Avoid Self-Intros
I regularly encourage my executive presentation clients to avoid self-introductions whenever they can. The audience is influenced most by what they hear first and if that is the speakers talking about themselves, it can establish the wrong tone.
Phil’s Faves – Worst Case Scenario
In my workshops and presentations, I often encourage people to be bold, take risks and try something new or different to improve their overall results.
Why I Love Proper Quotes
I love using quotes in my writing and presentations – I really do.They can add sizzle, credibility or perspective to the message. However, I’m adamant about including author details.
Phil’s Faves – the Power of the ‘Three Es’
If you’ve read my articles on presentation skills or attended a workshop, you probably heard me refer to the ‘Power of the Three Es’. Your audiences expect and deserve workplace presentations that are ‘Effective, Efficient and Engaging’, so don’t let them down. And remember the ‘fourth E’ so necessary to achieve those results – Effort.
Why I Love ‘Worklife’
The Staples Corporation recently launched ‘Worklife’, a monthly e-magazine that offers insights, ideas and practical know-how for decision-makers and problem-solvers.
The Best of ‘MYB”
Each month, COSE (Cleveland’s Council of Smaller Enterprises) creates a list of the most popular and best articles for its weekly eLetter, ‘Mind Your Business’, based on hits and reader comments. My marketing piece – ‘What if Your Business IS the Best Choice’? was on that short list for October – my third time for … Read more
Phil’s Faves – Success
I often share my definition of success in workshops or presentations. So, you might hear me say – ‘Do what you love … love what you do … and be good enough at it to support the life you’ve chosen.’
Why I Hate 3 x 5 Note Cards
Very high on my list of Workplace Presenter ‘Worst Practices’ is using the simple, seemingly innocent little 3 x 5 note cards for speaker notes. They’re way too small to be of much value. Good idea for high school debaters or for storing recipes maybe, but not for workplace presenter notes. And, if you do use a large-enough type that’s easy to read quickly, you’ll need a lot of the cards and will spend way too much time changing them … or picking them up when you drop them.