Author Archive

Change We Can Believe In (2010 January Version)

Great predictions for how we communicate at the beginning of this decade (or end of last decade, depending on your view of the year 2010).

(Sylvia’s addition) Interpersonal communication skills are more important than ever in order to maximize the expanding opportunities for connections. You still have to make positive first-impressions, visually and through written communications.

“SubHub’s Predictions for 2010”
Written by Miles Galliford, SubHub Co-Founder

Office Pool: “Innocent Betting” a Legal or HR Issue?

With “March Madness” (college basketball playoffs and conferences) and other reasons for “innocent” office pools where betting occurs throughout the year, a question arises as to whether these pools are legal. We won’t get into whether they are moral; that’s for a different power to decide. While you may see no harm in these voluntary bonding activities, your business or workplace is at risk.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

Five-Diamond Customer Service (Hospitality Industry)

This is a true story about my good friend, speaking colleague, and mentor Gregg Gregory and a Marriott Hotel in Atlanta, GA. This is success language in action. What a positive work ethic!

(Bill Marriott’s blog and a 9-minute YouTube video of Gregg telling his story of a personal loss and the above-and-beyond service he received.)

Would You Answer This Ad?

I found this to be a hoot when I opened this e-mail out of curiosity. All I saw was the “subject” line and the first two lines of the note, then I launched into a full-bellied laugh. The ad you read between the double lines is exactly how the note was formatted…punctuation, capitalization, and all. The only change I made is to omit the actual phone numbers and add the note on the last line.

Would YOU answer this ad for a degree, of all things, after reading their command of the English language in the subject line? Think about this one the next time you look at a resume or online job candidate that notes an advanced degree from some un-trackable institution.
=============================
Subject: Is your skills about to expired?

WHAT A GREAT IDEA!
We provide a concept that will allow anyone with sufficient work experience to obtain a fully verifiable University Degree.

Bachelors, Masters or even a Doctorate.

For US: [Toll-Free Phone Number Omitted for Privacy]
Outside US: +1 [International Phone Number Omitted for Privacy]
“Just leave your NAME & PHONE NO. (with CountryCode)” in the voicemail.
Our staff will get back to you in next few days!

[No signature or identifying organization was in the note.]
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Online “People Skills”

Have you ever thought about your online etiquette and manners as “people skills”? I’ve heard it said that the more connected we are technologically, the less connected we feel face-to-face. People skills are interpersonal skills we typically use in face-to-face interactions, like listening, speaking, leading, making decisions, and the like. We use these skills when we are online, also. How? Well, read Kevin’s full explanation of “How to Have Better People Skills Online“.

Summary of the seven tips for how to have better people skills online:

1 – Become interested in your visitors and other bloggers.

2 – Use your online smile.

3 – Use people’s names whenever possible.

4 – Be a good online listener.

5 – Talk about other people’s interests.

6 – Make people feel important.

7 – Show sincere appreciation.

Want to learn more about improving your – or your staff’s – people skills, online or in person? Sign up for learning opportunities and resources at SpringboardTraining.com.

English – Which Language Is It, Anyway?

An interesting article about English and its many forms. I'm not sure how I feel about this yet considering how against the whole "eubonics" issue I am. While this is not eubonics, it still counters the whole "speak proper English" or "speak English properly" mantra in which I grew up and on which I write and speak. As a late-night talk show host used to say…"Things that make you go 'hmmmmm'". (Byline) "English has always been a sponge language. Since it was written down in the year 700, it has adopted words from Norse, French and Latin, among others. English now has up to 700,000 words–more than almost any other language, according to Chambers". Link to the full article is: http://www.thestar.com/article/480965

Tips for Managing Your Career in Fierce/Tight Job Market

Here are ten tips from CareerBuilder.com editor Kate Lorenz. [Full article at AOL.com – Jobs (2008_0415 Article)] My "Success Language" program and tools address the skills you need to be successful at tips number 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8 directly. Embracing success language actually enables you to be successful at all of these in terms of presenting yourself positively, adopting the "right" attitude, expressing yourself well, and being your own "leader of one" (a term I use in my programs).

1. Be the best you can be within your profession. Since the competition for jobs is so fierce, candidates need to demonstrate how they can add value to an organization. What are your key selling points that distinguish you from the competition? This is important not only for those looking for a job, but also for those who wish to keep their current jobs.
2. Brand yourself. What do you stand for? How are you marketing yourself? This is the time to be public in your search. Are you creating demand for your services and expertise?
3. Network constantly and consistently. Try joining a business networking site like LinkedIn. You can never have enough friends or colleagues who will go to bat for you.
4. Develop an ongoing relationship with a qualified recruiter with whom you feel comfortable. Being included in a database isn't enough. Your goal is to become the candidate of choice for that hidden job opening.
5. Consider freelancing. As such, candidates need to be more entrepreneurial, whether they are self-employed or work for an agency or corporation. Sologig.com is a site that hosts jobs just for freelancers and contractors.
6. If you are out of work, form a "consortium" with other professionals where you can complement each other's skills and offer services to clients.
7. Embrace change. You don't want to be left behind. Keep your skills up to date. Consider creating a personal Web site or taking a class.
8. Prepare for an evolving job market. Look for trends in the areas of increased hiring. Growth industries and areas include health care, education and green living.
9. Ensure your resume is a powerful personal advertisement. Make sure it highlights your accomplishments with quantifiable results, not merely details your job description.
10. Be congruent. Candidates whose backgrounds don't match client credentials or job requirements won't get much attention. Pay attention to the employer's specs or job posting and respond accordingly.