Author Archive

So You Want to Be “A Speaker”? Here’s Recent Industry Info

  After I speak or train, I am often asked how I "got to be a speaker" or "what does it take to be a speaker". I cannot answer that in a few paragraphs other than to say, it takes a lot of work, persistence, having expertise, and practice.

One of the practices anyone in any industry will do well to embrace is to learn about, and keep updated with, their industry. The "speaking industry" includes meetings and conventions, event planning, HR, and other industries. To that effect, I subscribe to several publications and online forums that relate to the meetings and hospitality industries. One of them – Meetings and Conventions Magazine – ran a poll recently asking meeting planners how they find and use speakers for their events.

This article provides the results. So, if you are interested in "being a speaker" or are already speaking to audiences for a fee (or for free), take a look at the responses and make your decisions about where you will focus your efforts accordingly.

Keep Your Attitude Upbeat During Your Commute

  How you arrive at work is set by your attitude during your commute. I live in the DC metro area, rated the third (?) highest traffic-jam metropolitan area in the USA. I cannot imagine how many people arrive at work in a crappy mood just because of their drive into work. Yes, we have public transportation and work-at-home arrangements, but not enough of either.

Our attitude directly affects our behavior, and our behavior affects other people's attitudes, thereby affecting their behavior. There is a phenomenon called the attitude-behavior-reaction loop that explains this. Therefore, our attitude after commuting directly affects our behavior in the workplace which affects our sales, customer service, leadership, management, communication, and more.

I just finished reading an article in the Washington Post about how being stuck in traffic does not have to be boring. THIS ARTICLE was written by a reader rather than one of the journalists. It offers ways in which to keep our commutes more interesting…some tongue-in-cheek; some serious. The primary means mentioned in the article for keeping our interest during heavy traffic and bringing us a laugh here and there is reading – and trying to interpret – custom license plates. I read somewhere that the DC area (Virginia, especially) has one of the highest numbers of custom license plates in the country. We've got plenty of reading on the road!

I'm sharing, here, some of the plate I've seen around town. These are just a few. What custom plates have you seen that make you laugh and make your commute more interesting? KEEP IT CLEAN!!!!

• OOOOOO (High-end sports car)
• FST PONY (Ford Mustang)
• B CREFUL (A car with a "Fraternal Order of Police" sticker also on it)
• RETIRED (Chevy Corvette)
• NFRNTVU (In front of you)
• 1MPG (Hummer)
• DTH STAR (All-black sedan)
• DR WHO
• IM1RU12 (I am one. Are you one, too?)
• WITH HIM
• WITH HER (Yes, the two cars were parked side-by-side in a driveway)
• BRAIN DOC (Psychaitrist?)

There are so many, many more! Next time you're stuck in heavy traffic, you have the choice of finding humor in the situation or being miserable. Choose humor. Your colleagues will appreciate it!

My Truth is Who You Are

  You have 30 seconds to become my friend!

Depending on whose expertise you read or listen to, you have up to 30 seconds for me to make my decision as to whether or not I want to "friend" you on one of my social networks. This is simply a twist on the long-time admonition that it only takes a few seconds to create a first impression when we first meet someone. We meet more and more through social networks and online medium than we do in person in this day and age. Similar "rules" apply online, especially in business-related sites and venues. Seldom do we learn why someone does not friend us. (Yes, "friending" is now a verb.) A solid business practice is to make sure you have little reason to not be friended for business. That was terrible English, but you get my drift. How I perceive you to be, based on what I see of you when I find you online, is who you are to me. Make sure that what I find of you online reflects the truth of who you are and how you do business in reality.

Much is written about how important it is for us to provide solid content when we blog, tweet, and otherwise show our presence online. I don't see or hear as much about how we present ourselves "physically" online…our professional presence. How do we show our potential viewers that we are (a.) professional in what we do, (b.) have a strong work ethic, and (c.) are people with whom to do business (or volunteer or otherwise support)?

We show we're as great as we say we are – my Springboard Training byline, by the way – by how we look and sound online, similar to how we do so in person. For example, your work ethic. When you submit a proposal to a potential client in person, what do you do to demonstrate through your proposal that you have a work ethic that represents good business and moral practices? Some of the ways might include presenting a clean, neatly-bound, correctly-formatted document. You might have the document professionally edited, reviewed three times for correct content; check your facts and figures, make sure attachments are included, and have the requested number of copies and tabbed sections in place. Guess what? Do the same for your online presence. Present a clean, neat, well-formatted web or blog site. Use language correctly when you instant message or tweet. Have a professional editor review your pages and posts for grammar, spelling, and appropriate language that represents the image you want to convey. Use colors and fonts that are easy to read (for multiple generations) and convey "who you are" – whether that is creative, flowery, button-down serious, or other image that is "you".

I found this article about your online business work ethic, written by Karen Newman, to be very informative in supporting the message I convey above.

I've just given you one example of how you can convey your work ethic and professionalism through your online presence. Seek advice from trusted colleagues and associates on other ways. This is especially important if you have your own business or organization, or work alone as a sole proprietor. Your online presence may be your business or life's mission! Make sure it reflects the image you want reflected. Sweat the small stuff to show you're as great as you say you are!

A Discordance Regarding Work Ethic Across Generations

Alerted to this blog post by Jamie Trussell ("Youngest workers' goals are different"), I read it with interest. I am amused at both Ms. Trussell's stirring up the status quo as well as by many commenters' comments. Let me explain my amusement.

First of all, my amusement is not with the article itself. When I read past the emotion of the article (Chucking her cell phone? Honestly?) I interpret the frustration we all experienced when we were "the young generation" – whether that is now, or whether that was 40 years ago. Every "older generation" bemoans the "up and coming kids who need to learn [fill in the blank] if they're going to get anywhere in this world." The point I take from her article as well as the point I make in my presentations and training sessions is that the workplace is a continually-evolving environment. As one demographic ages and leaves, another demographic enters and matures in the workplace (as everywhere else in life). Multiple generations must deal with each other in order to be productive and to fulfill their organization's mission. "Dealing with each other" means –

• communicating in ways that the message receiver understands;
• being open-minded enough to determine each other's motivations;
• recognizing that some norms are non-negotiable;
• realizing that some norms should change as part of the evolutionary process; and
• capitalizing on the talents of individuals rather than grouping everyone into "them" and "us" and making generalizations about each group.

To Ms. Trussell I say, "You go, grrllll!" in terms of stirring up controversy. While I disagree somewhat with the sense of entitlement I read into the post, I enjoy decently-written perspectives on the topics I address in my programs and info-products. Personal growth and expanded thinking comes from accepting divergent viewpoints. We "hear" others' viewpoints when they are made with a modicum of professionalism.

I am amused at (and dismayed by) many of the comments. While many are written by people who seem to be of my "older generation", they are poor examples of what this older generation should leave as legacy. Many comments are vitrolic, poorly written, and personally directed at the blog poster or each other. This is not the way to communicate with each other and get points across to facilitate open thinking! The "mood" of these comments is also indicative of many comments I read on a variety of blogs, listserves, and other public forums.

To facilitate open discussion and minimize defensive responses, consider these guidelines:

• Write a "first draft" response in a text file on your computer or mobile device rather than in an e-mail or directly as a comment to the forum post.
• Read your response out loud. How does it sound? Is it confrontational, judgmental, attacking the person rather than the point-of-view, or offensive? If so, re-write your comment in that same text file.
• Read your re-written response again. Hopefully it "reads" more appropriately while it still expresses your point of view. Note here: I did not say that you have to agree with the original perspective. Disagreement is good. Challenge is good. It makes us think beyond our own perspectives. Yet we can disagree and challenge in a professional manner.
• Avoid words and phrases such as "you should…"; "what an idiotic [or other judgment] …"; "misguided"; and similar defensiveness-inducing language.
• Spell-check and grammar-check your writing.
• Make your point clearly and succinctly. Few people have the time or energy to read long diatribes.
• Then…copy-and-paste your response to the actual forum to which you are responding.

A lot of work "just to comment on something"? Yes. Yet, your comments and viewpoints are more-likely to be read – and accepted (again, I didn't say "agreed with") – by readers, which is the reason you comment in the first place!

FYI: See other "generational" posts I've written.

Consulting Guidance

If you are, or are considering becoming a consultant in one form or another, I found a resource that you must check out. The e-book, Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants, by Andréa Coutu, founder of ConsultantJournal.com, is worth its weight in gold.

You go to business school and they don't teach you how to price yourself as a consultant. You ask other consultants and they don't want to tell you their business models for fear you will compete against them. A mentor might guide you, but in many cases, figuring out how much to charge for your services is a trial-and-error proposition. This e-book lays out exact formulas and is filled with solid content and personal stories.

Oh yeah…mine is included in the book!

That withstanding, the site offers a ton of solid articles on being a consultant that will guide you through the maze of establishing and running your consulting business.

Burnout – Prevention and Recovery, Part 2

  I received enough requests for the rest of the tips (FIRST SIX HERE) that I'm noting them here.

• Change your circumstances. (Easier said than done, I know!) If your job, relationship, a situation, or a person is dragging you under, try to alter your circumstance. If necessary, leave.
• Learn to say "no". You help diminish intensity by speaking up for yourself. This means refusing additional requests or demands on your time or emotions.
  Note: Read Sylvia's article on "Can You Say 'No'?" – with suggestions on ways to say this simple little word that seems so difficult to say.
  
• Begin to back off and detach. Learn to delegate not only at work, but also at home and with friends. In this case, detachment means rescuing yourself from yourself.
• Reassess your values. Try to sort out the meaningful values from the temporary and fleeting; the essential from the non-essential. You will conserve energy and time, and begin to feel more centered.
• Learn to pace yourself. Try to take life in moderation. You only have so much energy available. Ascertain what you want and need in your life. Then, begin to balance work with love, pleasure, and relaxation.
• Diminish worry and anxiety. Try to keep superstitious worrying to a minimum. It changes nothing. You will have better grip on a situation if you spend less time worrying about it and more time taking care of your real needs.

Again, thanks to Kaushal, and Holy Cross Hospital, for these tips!
(Greater Olney Toastmasters, Club #1999)

Professionalism When Freelancing

"Looking professional" when you are a freelancer posting opportunities online is as important as looking professional in person. I excerpt the following from a blog post by "Virginia Barter" ???

Just as business cards are an expected and valuable piece of your traditional business, websites are like an online business card/resume. You should list your rates, your skills, your availability and your portfolio. A well thought out website will give you the edge when bidding on a position.

When you are applying or bidding on a Freelance position, you must come across as a professional. There is something about the online medium that invites a casual correspondence style. You will do well to avoid this temptation. Save similes, abbreviated internet slang (LOL, IMO, etc) for later on in your relationship with your client.

Your client needs to trust that you are going to help him/her run their business with professionalism.

Written communication is one-way. You have little control over your reader interpreting what you write. I use freelance sites to offer my services as well as to use other freelancers' services. In the past year alone I've used freelance sites for significant tasks involving my business that I am learning to outsource. You best believe I first look at freelancers' own postings – how they write and present themselves; examples of their work that they post at the sites; and whether I can contact them directly to ask more questions of them. How they present themselves at that initial "look" determines whether I include them in my list of "next step" actions. It only takes a few seconds for me to make my decision of "no or go" because there are so many people out there who offer similar services. You must stand out, and stand out in a positive light.

Make sure all aspects of how you present yourself present the positive image you (hopefully) want to present. It will pay…literally!

Burnout – Protect and Recover

  In my Toastmasters Club meeting last night, one of our speakers presented great tips on how we can prevent and recover from burnout. You know – the end-of-year, going crazy burnout we experience regardless of what we celebrate. Here are six of the tips that we will do well to follow:

• Stop denying. Listen to the wisdom of your body. Begin to freely admit the stresses and pressures which physically, emotionally, or mentally manifest themselves. Listen to your body.
  
• Avoid isolation. Don' t do everything alone. Develop or renew intimacies with friends and loved ones. Closeness not only brings new insights, but is also anathema to agitation and depression.
  
• Diminish intensity in your life. Pinpoint those areas or aspects which summon up the most concentrated intensity and work towards alleviating that pressure.
  
• Stop overnurturing. If you routinely take on other people's problems and responsibilities, learn to gracefully disengage. Try to get some nurturing for yourself.
  
• Take care of your body. Don't skip meals, abuse yourself with rigid diets, disregard your need for sleep, or break doctor appointments. Take care of yourself nutritionally.
  
• Keep your sense of humor. Integrate happy moments into your life. Few people suffer burnout when they have fun. Laugh, and stress levels go down.
  

Thanks to Kaushal, and Holy Cross Hospital, for these tips!
(Greater Olney Toastmasters, Club #1999)

Is It Still Possible to Have Your Ideal Job?

  In recent years, graduating students have faced dismal job and career outlooks. I repeatedly hear that they will be happy simply to find a job, let alone seek their ideal job. Well, there is another perspective to share with you.

My colleague, Pete Leibman, President of Idealize Enterprises, facilitates programs and provides resources for students and recent grads. Students and recent graduates who attend his entertaining and educational programs become more confident, more focused, more proactive, and more professional.  As a result, they get hired faster, they get better jobs, and they start their careers more effectively.

What's even more impressive about Pete is that he has lived what he presents, is now an entrepreneur, and he's not that long out of school himself.

Check out his Career Muscles blog for career and professional development posts.

I highly recommend Pete as a speaker, program facilitator, and information provider. We belong to the same professional association (National Speakers Association). I worked closely with him for a year. And he is a sincere, upstanding, personable, energetic…and youthful speaker.

Workforce Skills for High School Business Students

   High school students in a business education specialty program learn more than "just" business skills. Workforce skills – otherwise called professional competencies – are an important part of a well-rounded business (and life) education.

• Read the full article about how Franklin County High School students learn more than trade skills.
• Link to the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service (the organization that conducted the research on which the above article is based).

I am glad to see this group of students working on more than "just passing the standardized tests". Life preparation entails far more than testing.