Regular readers may recall that I’m a veteran networking practitioner and often speak and write about the topic. However, I willingly admit that many of my strategies and best practices dance to a different drummer.
Quickies
Worthy Networking Events
A reporter recently asked for my opinion on what kind of networking events are worth attending. Here’s a summary of my response:
Make the Most of Learning Events
Savvy business leaders treat workshops, seminars and conferences as valuable resources that come with a huge cost of time and money. So, as with any business resource, make sure you use Learning Events effectively and efficiently:
I Don’t Get It – Noun Phrases
Here’s my newest rant in the Workplace Writing Power Points category. I don’t get why people still use lame noun phrases. So, let me challenge some word use habits, like this one carried over from those 500-word essay days in high school.
Just Say ‘No’ to Small Talk
A reporter recently asked for suggestions on appropriate small talk at networking events. I surprised him by saying that small talk really didn’t work that well and to focus on Big Talk instead. The rest of my rant …
Tone of Words?
This month’s ‘Workplace Writing Power Point’ deals with the Tone of your Words. We all learned about Tone of Voice in freshman speech class – the way your words sound can overshadow their meaning and have a profound impact on your listener or audience. Good stuff – hope you still use it.
I Don’t Get it – Elevator Pitches
Some of my business friends hate the Elevator Pitch concept and refuse to do them. While I do like the concept, I don’t get the name.
Sail the Seven Cs
Effective Workplace Writing should pass the ‘7 Cs Test.’ Is it:
I Don’t Get It – 3 x 5 Note Cards
A reader recently asked me about using 3 x 5 note cards to hold speaker notes. I don’t get 3 x 5 cards … at all!
Overcoming Stage Fright
A blogger was doing research on stage fright for speakers and asked me how people can overcome it. My short answer was ‘They can’t – it’s a perfectly normal human response to fear or stress.’ Here are the highlights from the rest of the interview.