March 24, 2010
5 Quick Tips on Business Etiquette
It can take years to build a great professional reputation, but here are some quick, easy ways to please, respect, even impress the people you work with.
- Always use diplomacy: Speak to your convictions in the calmest, most respectful way possible. Always.
- Treat everyone kindly: Relationships with peers and subordinates are as important as those your carefully cultivate with superiors, clients and other key people.
- Never leave your boss open to surprise: Keep her or him informed of issues, discretely.
- Keep detailed notes on people: Use your contact manager to note personal details (spouse’s name, children, and other notable facts). This is such an easy way to reinforce a relationship.
- Disparaging comments can do tremendous damage to a relationship, reputation, even a career in the blink of an eye. Be very careful with your words about others, as they will often be repeated.
These guidelines may seem deceptively simple, but they highlight an overall attitude of respect and service that is becoming increasingly uncommon. Adopt them, and you’ll stand head and shoulders above the rest.
February 13, 2010
Get POKEN!
Do you Poken? Come on, everybody’s doing it!
Not sure what I’m talking about? I’ll make it simple for you: it’s like a 21st Century business card – only better! Let me explain….
Over the past 10 years or so, people have been looking for ways to exchange their information, without dealing with business cards. Why? Well, to put it simply, the card-exchange system is extremely inefficient.
Not only do you have to design, print, carry and exchange them… then you have to get the collected ones back home, keep track of them, and input the data in your contact manager – without mistakes – and hope the data will still be current in six months.
Ok, everyone, hands up if you recognize the inefficiency.
Fortunately, Poken is here – and it’s taking the world by storm. It’s fast, incredibly easy, super efficient, and it’s fun too!
Pokens are small digital gadgets that fit easily into your pocket or purse, or even on a key ring. Once you set up your online profile (which is so easy a child could do it in five minutes), your gadget is loaded with your contact information, picture, website, social network links, and more. You’re all set to go.
Head out into the world and get ready to connect! Read the rest of this entry »
October 14, 2009
Nine Nuggets for Networking
With the economy squeezing businesses and the unemployment rate creeping up, networking events are swelling with people who are ready, willing and able to do business.
If you have an opportunity to make new connections, don’t be shy! Here are some sure-fire strategies to help you relax and engage people with confidence.
- First, remember: they’re not strangers, they’re future allies… and they want to meet you!
- When you greet someone, shake hands, smile and look them in the eye. A warm greeting is always a great icebreaker.
- Come prepared with professionally designed and printed business cards to give on request. Better yet, make a point of asking others for their cards.
- Listen well when talking with others. Use your ears, eyes, heart and brain to engage in a full conversation.
- Never look over the person’s shoulder to pick out someone else to talk with.
- Take opportunities to praise people for the contributions they make. Acknowledge their achievements. Letting them take a bow makes you both feel good! They will remember and appreciate you for it.
- If you find yourself in conversation with people who are badmouthing others, do the reverse. Say positive things instead; “good-mouth” them.
- Follow up your networking conversations with a call or e-mail within a day or two. For those on your key contact list, stay in touch by reaching out periodically, even when you aren’t making a request. Send cards, e-mails or letters frequently to congratulate people on their ideas and achievements. They will feel nurtured by your outreach.
- Always ask people how you can help them accomplish their goals. Get specific details and graciously follow through on any agreements you make as soon as practical. This builds loyalty and trust every time!
Do you have any networking nuggets of your own? I’d love to hear them! Please feel free to share them in the comments box below.
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