Communication

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Coaching Communication Networking

Developing Your Elevator Pitch for Networking Events

An elevator pitch is a short, prepared speech designed to explain your business quickly and effectively. The term comes from the idea that you should be able to promote your business in less time than it takes to reach your floor in an elevator. At some networking events, you may only have a few minutes to make your connections and explain your services or products. The elevator pitch was designed for these situations. It can be a great tool in your networking tool-belt.

Digging Deeper

Elevator pitches work like verbal business cards. They spark interest in potential clients or partners by telling them what your company does in an uplifting manner. They can also be used for products, projects, and other ideas instead of the whole business.

The best elevator pitches don’t last more than 20 or 30 seconds. They remain interesting, concise, and memorable while explaining why the chosen topic is unique and worth investigating.

How to Create Your Pitch

Condensing your whole company into a few seconds can seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you may think. Following this simple process can help you build the conversation you need.

1. Identify the Goal

What’s the objective of your pitch? Selling a product? Explaining the mission of your company? Offering some information about your organization to potential clients? Once you have a clear goal it’s easier to select the right information.

2. Explain Your Goal

Start off with a quick sentence explaining what your business does. You can focus on problems you solve and specifically how you’re able to help people. It should be exciting and uplifting and focus on whatever you want your audience to remember. Keep in mind that your pitch should be enthusiastic – even if they can’t recall your exact words they should remember your passion and enthusiasm.

3. Provide Your USP

Your pitch needs to include your unique selling proposition. Add this after your explanation to help support the value of your work and offer details on why your brand is a superior choice.

4. Engage Listeners

A yes or no question is a great way to keep your audience engaged and make them feel involved. This should be the final portion of your pitch which will draw them in and perhaps even inspire them to ask their own questions.

Looking for More Tips?

Use this great info graphic to further tighten up the bolts on your elevator pitch. When you’re done, it’s time to start looking for great networking events where you can test it out.

Additional Resources:
https://www.du.edu/career/networkingandevents/networkingtips/elevator.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chicceo/2013/02/05/how-to-create-an-elevator-pitch/#4cfe7ca572a3
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/228070

 

Career Communication Networking

Networking Tips from the Pros

Networking can open a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities if you begin with the correct approach. For many people, however, it’s difficult to network effectively. This can be because of their introverted personalities, uncertainty about the process, or lack of knowledge of networking in general.

If you’re one of these people, there’s no need to worry. We’ve gathered information from professionals who network consistently and reap the benefits so you can learn some pointers from their experience. These tips can help you see more success, faster.

1. Don’t Keep Selling

As a business person, it’s downright instinctive for most of us to jump right into trying to sell ourselves to the other person. It seems even more natural if you’ve researched the individual ahead of time and discovered what a great fit they’d be for your needs.

The problem is, networking isn’t about selling. It’s about connecting. The people you’re building relationships with must be able to trust you in order to foster success and trust doesn’t come from being sold. Trust comes from seeing them as a person and searching for common ground before bringing your business into the relationship.

2. Remain Helpful

You should never outright expect something in return when you help others, but offering your assistance may benefit you in the long run. Even if they can’t help you directly, they’ll remember the effort you put forth. Chances are they’ll be more than willing to repay the kindness when you need it.

Staying helpful can also improve your reputation. As we said, networking means building a foundation of trust and respect. It’s much easier for others to place their faith in you when they know you can be counted on to help. And last but not least, helping others is satisfying and uplifting on a personal level.

3. Be Confident

Networking isn’t a task for the timid. Even if you’re introverted by nature, you need to be bold in some situations. Don’t worry about what could go wrong or negative feelings, but instead look forward to the benefits both of you will be able to enjoy.

4. Keep the Relationship Strong

Few things feel worse than putting forth the effort to start a relationship and then letting it fall apart shortly thereafter. Remember that networking connections require attention and dedication in order to work. It’s not enough just to meet them – you must remain consistent and engaged. Keep in touch through phone calls, emails, and in-person visits and always be willing to help them out.

Additional Resources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2014/07/23/secrets-from-power-networking-pros/#3a6590644a79
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/business-travel-2012-8-tips-on-power-networking-from-the-pros/
https://criteriaforsuccess.com/13-business-networking-tips-from-a-the-pros/

 

Career Communication Entrepreneurs Networking

3 Ways You Can Love Networking

Some people just don’t like networking. Whether they’re executives, professionals, or simply students, not everyone is comfortable with the process. Many of these people – even the ones with a natural affinity for it, like extroverts – claim that it makes them feel inauthentic and dirty. They see it as brown-nosing, exploitative, and generally unpleasant.

In today’s world, however, networking is nothing less than a necessity. Countless studies have shown how professional networks increase opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. Networks fuel more expansive knowledge, faster advancement, greater authority, and a better capacity for innovation.

Networking can also be more satisfying on a personal level. Individuals are able to build and nurture their relationships more easily. This, in turn, increases satisfaction in the workplace and can result in better productivity and higher quality output.

Overcoming the Aversion

With all these great benefits it’s only natural to want to explore the possibilities of networking. Even if you can’t stand the idea, there are some strategies that can help you overcome those feelings and branch out further than before. Take these steps into consideration and you can learn to love networking.

1. Change Your Mindset

There are two mindsets associated with networking. “Promotional” mindsets center around the growth, accomplishments, and advancement which comes along with networking. “Preventional” mindsets, on the other hand, see it as a necessary evil and only do it because they feel obligated.

Experiments have shown that prevention-focused people network less often and felt inauthentic during the process. As a result, many of them underperformed in crucial aspects of their job. Meanwhile, promotional mindsets lead to greater fulfillment and curiosity as well as an open mind.

You can’t simply force yourself to become extroverted if you’re introverted, but you can change what you focus on. Shifting your mindset to the potential positive outcomes can inspire you to look at it a different way.

2. Find Common Interests

Remember that everyone you’re networking with likely has very similar goals. Instead of feeling like you’re being dishonest or inauthentic think about the common ground you have.

Networking can help both of you advance your careers.

3. Consider What You Can Give

The main reason people feel disgusted when networking is because they feel like they’re taking advantage of the other person. Consider instead what you have to offer that can help them. Whether it’s tangible support like social connections and technical assistance or personal things like recognition and encouragement, everyone has something to give.

Additional resources:
https://www.quietrev.com/learn-to-love-networking/
https://www.iconstaffingnetwork.com/ways-to-learn-to-love-networking/

 

Communication News Workplace

Undoing the Effects of Stress on Workplace Communication

Copy of Do You Look Like A Successful Entrepreneur-

Stress at work continues to have a huge impact on businesses. According to Health Advocate’s Stress in the Workplace Study, there are about one million workers who will miss work each day because of stress, costing companies each year an estimated $602 per employee. But the impact on workers isn’t solely related to health issues and absenteeism. Most employees would agree that workplace stresses can negatively impact performance –  decreased concentration, motivation, memory, decision-making capability –  and degrade overall productivity.

One area, though, that is often overlooked when it comes to the effects of stress in the workplace is communication.  You may not even realize that your high stress levels could lead to your giving misinformation or incomplete information. A lack of effective and informed communication can be detrimental to any workplace environment. If left unaddressed, it could ultimately cost you your job.

Communicating While Under Stress

You may not be able to remove all the daily stresses you face at work, but there are steps you can take to make sure your communication is not being negatively impacted. University of Illinois Extension’s Communicating Under Pressure info graphic provides a three-part approach that you can start implementing right now at work.

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Additional Resources:

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Coaching Communication Leadership News Workplace

Communication Skills Vital to the Workplace

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Regardless of the Industry, Communication is Vital to Keep Your Team Running Smoothly.

Everyone in your office should be able to effectively address managers, staff, and colleagues. They also have to reach across multiple platforms, including email and social media.

7 Skills You Need To Communicate Effectively

1. Listen well. Paying attention to others is half the conversation, so you need people who can truly listen.

2. Read/display nonverbal cues. Being able to decipher and project silent cues is important – it’s why some people seem so approachable and others are intimidating.

3. Speak with clarity. Employees need to be able to convey their points quickly and clearly. Rambling can cause the listener to lose interest or become confused.

4. Project confidence. There needs to be a feeling of comfort in every conversation. Employees should exude confidence to foster the best communication.

5. Be friendly. Employers greatly prize this skill. When you can greet others with an encouraging presence, you’ll foster all sorts of communication.

6. Be flexible. Part of good communication is a willingness to reconsider, change, and approach issues with an open mind.

7. Feel sympathy. It’s not enough to listen to another person’s situation. Your employees have to bond emotionally if you want the best communication.

4 Ways Good Employees Become Better Communicators

Your employees don’t have to be distinguished at communicating from the get-go. There are ways people can learn to share their feelings and ideas more effectively through practice and hard work. If workers want to get better, they should:

workplace communication1. Set a clear idea for every conversation. When they know the desired outcome, they’ll be able to present themselves as effectively as possible.

2. Craft a reputation by communicating. Trust is something one must build, and engaging with other employees regularly is a great way to foster that feeling.

3. Stay humble. Your employees should never flaunt their advantages, no matter what they are. Instead of bragging about money/possessions/position, etc., they should leave their egos behind.

4. Think about timing. There are opportunities for everything. Employees should be able to decipher moods and decide if a conversation is a good idea.

Communication skills and a willingness on behalf of your employees to learn the best approaches are truly valuable assets to your business. The more successful they are in communicating with your prospects and clients, the more successful your business will be in the long run.

Additional Resources:

https://www.moneycrashers.com/effective-workplace-communication-skills/
https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2014/09/03/how-to-be-a-better-communicator-in-the-workplace

 

so-you-want-to-be-a-solopreneur-4

Coaching Communication Workplace

3 Ways to Improve Communication in the Workplace

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No matter your field, communication skills are a must.

Poor communication leads to mistakes, some of which can be irreparable and can damage your reputation with employees and clients. However, good business communication is a learned skill, and you can improve your skills. Familiarizing yourself with some basic rules will dramatically improve communication in your workplace.

Be Careful With Email

Email is a great tool – it allows employees to pass messages quickly and easily organize reams of information. Email has its downsides, though. For one thing, it is not always secure. Sometimes people you didn’t want to see a message end up knowing sensitive information before they should. Other times, a stray email can make a department worry about matters that don’t affect it. Always make sure your email accounts are secure and that you send messages only to those who need them.

Additionally, be careful when phrasing emails. Do not use all caps or excessive punctuation. This makes the reader feel you’re yelling at him or her. Don’t use sarcasm, even if you think the reader will take it as meant. Be as formal and polite as possible.

Office Teamwork

Collaborate Often

Employees don’t like to feel isolated, but they do like to bounce ideas off each other. Collaborative work makes this possible. Assign team projects often. If you can’t, use computer and email applications that let different people work on the same documents. This lets employees see and respond to each other’s ideas and changes in real time.

Encourage Speaking Up

Some workplaces don’t encourage employees to speak up. Sometimes employees fear discipline if they offer a dissenting opinion. Don’t let your workplace become one of these environments. Encourage employees to share their likes, dislikes, needs, and struggles. You may find that many employees share the same concerns, which makes it easier to implement changes.

Additional Resources:
https://www.smallbizdaily.com/3-tips-for-improving-communication-within-your-new-business/
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_99.htm

 

DEVELOP YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND AVOID COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWNS!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MY LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION COACHING SERVICES.

Coaching Communication Leadership

Improve Business Outcomes with These Communication Tactics

Business leaders and supervisors are not the only ones responsible for strong workplace communication.

Every employee needs successful communication skills to avoid communication breakdown and engage productively with others. The way you speak to and listen to others is not only polite, it’s a leadership skill that will serve you well in any line of work.

If you are worried about communication in the workplace, start with you. Instead of complaining or criticizing other team members, look at your own communication skills. Are you setting a good example of positive and respectful communication on a daily basis, or are you contributing to potential difficulties?

Here are some of the most effective strategies business leaders can use to avoid communication breakdown and thrive in the workplace:

  • Encourage free-flowing communication. Empower team members to engage with each other on a regular basis. Assign a point person for certain assignments and projects, but give everyone an opportunity to make decisions and engage on an equal playing field. When employees feel they can speak openly, businesses often discover innovative new solutions and improved productivity rates.

 

  • Invest in collaboration services. In today’s world, more employees are working from home or on the go. Instead of relying on regular meetings, phone calls, and emailed communications, consider investing in collaboration solutions, such as instant-messaging services and document-sharing programs. Make communication an easy part of the daily workflow.

 

  • Teach, preach, and showcase positive communication. In school, someone might take a class on public speaking or mass communications, but they rarely learn about effective interpersonal communication. Consider hiring a communications expert to provide a seminar on workplace communication skills. Understanding the elements of good communication in-person, online, and on the phone will help employees maintain mindfulness of their own behaviors.

 

  • Remember every employee is an asset. Don’t dismiss someone based on rank and file. Sometimes, the most innovative solutions come from unexpected places. When leaders show consideration to every employee, they can build morale and loyalty among all staff members.

 

  • Help employees see their contributions. Take time to recognize individuals, teams, and departments during organizational meetings. Then, give them the power to take their success further. Educate everyone on the current state of the business and goals for the future so everyone feels actively engaged in meaningful business outcomes. Taking the time to instill a sense of pride in employees will improve job satisfaction rates and may reduce employee turnover.

Add communication goals to the list for your next strategic planning meeting. Strong, company-wide collaboration skills take time to develop, but will serve your business well. Take the time to avoid communication breakdown and see how far your team, department, and business can go.

Additional resources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mnewlands/2016/01/26/5-proven-ways-to-improve-your-companys-communication/#71976515b527
https://www.fastcompany.com/3048749/hit-the-ground-running/3-steps-to-vastly-improving-your-companys-communication
https://www.sandler.com/blog/5-strategies-improve-communication-workplace

DON’T LET COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWNS HURT YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MY LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION COACHING PROGRAMS.

Communication Leadership

How to Keep Communication Breakdowns from Hurting Your Business

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Managers and supervisors often miss out on communication problems until they become too big to ignore.

Communication is the key to building strong business relationships, reaching productivity goals, and improving job satisfaction. All employees should rate communication high on their priority lists. Whether you’re experiencing problems today or trying to avoid communication breakdown in the future, it is helpful to understand the reasons behind the difficulties.

Why Communication Breakdowns Occur

Communication breakdowns happen for a number of reasons, from individual employee problems to systematic problems. Identifying problems early on can help teams identify solutions and work through potential difficulties together. Look out for these warning signs to avoid communication breakdowns:

  • Team members start competing with, or ignoring, each other instead of collaborating.
  • Individuals experience difficulty in maintaining project deadlines and assignment instructions.
  • Individuals bring personal concerns about work to your attention.

Over time, these minor issues may escalate. If individuals begin to harbor resentment against team members or managers, productivity may suffer, and an entire team or department may experience problems. If you catch the signs early, you can take steps to resolve the situation and build a stronger and more collaborative workspace

Addressing and Avoiding Communication Breakdowns


If possible, avoid communication breakdowns before they escalate. Set clear expectations for the workplace early and reinforce those expectations often. To strengthen communication practices and address any potential communication difficulties, use these tips:

  • Set aside time for interpersonal relationships. Professionals spend much of their days in the office. Employees who can’t work together may cause problems for themselves and others. Focus on team-building exercises and encourage employees to work together instead of remaining isolated during the day. While too much camaraderie can upset productivity, workplace friendships and respect inspire trust, loyalty, and productivity.

 

  • Don’t ignore potential problems. As with any relationship, unaddressed communication issues can and will fester. Involve an HR representative if needed, but encourage employees to find common ground in the workplace. They don’t need to like each other, but they must respect each other’s work and boundaries.

 

  • Focus on the positive. Creating a culture of positivity promotes communication and productivity success. Use positive communication practices, such as praising others for jobs well done, delivering inspiring and constructive criticism, and motivating a team to share in each other’s successes.

 

  • Get away from email. Face-to-face contact enhances communication. If you need to communicate with someone one office over or down the hall, physically go and speak to him or her. In addition to improving communication clarity, getting up throughout the day may improve your overall health and ability to focus.

Recognize the warning signs early to avoid communication breakdowns, and focus on building an open and collaborative work environment. Strong communication is the key to business success in the modern workplace.

Additional Resources:
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8766-resolving-workplace-conflicts.html
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/252213
https://www.sandler.com/blog/7-tips-breaking-down-communication-barriers-workplace

DEVELOP YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND AVOID COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWNS!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MY LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION COACHING.

Career Communication News

5 Ways to Stay Relevant in the Modern Business World

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In this day and age, change is the only certainty.

Whether you’ve been in your career for the last 20 years or you’re just starting out, you simply can’t take a passive approach anymore. If you’re not building your personal brand and adding value to your organization, you’re at risk.

Instead of growing increasingly concerned with the unfairness of the modern job market, I highly suggest embracing it. The modern business world is an exciting place that’s built on opportunity and not complacency. For those willing to put themselves out there, jobs can offer a great deal of reward. If you’re concerned about relevancy, use these tips to stay competitive:

  1. Spend 5-10 hours a week learning something new. Everyone needs to embrace the idea that learning is perpetual. If you don’t keep learning, you’ll quickly fall behind. You don’t have to take on a major undertaking like learning a new language or earning a new degree. Find something that will help your career over the short term. Take a short course on technology or sign up for an advanced training seminar.
  1. Network, network, network. Who you know is incredibly important. Many people cringe when they hear the word “network” because they think it means selling yourself in an uncomfortable professional environment. That’s only one form of networking. Volunteer somewhere or talk to people in stores. You can network wherever you spend time, and you may discover your next career opportunity in doing so. Try joining a public speaking group or another leader-guided activity to get your feet wet and learn a new skill at the same time.
  1. Look at strategic business goals from your perspective. Today, businesses are breaking down departmental barriers in favor of collaboration and constant innovation. Your role gives you a unique perspective. How does what you do add value to customers or clients? What do you do that adds to the bottom line, directly or indirectly? If you’re adding value, you’re indispensable. Continually look for ways to contribute to the bottom line.
  1. change-948005_1280Dress the part. Appearances do matter. If you dress in trends from the past or fail to take grooming seriously, colleagues and clients will form snap judgments about you. However, if you have a particular style, own it. Confidence often matters more than dressing on point. Stand up straight, speak clearly, and show your enthusiasm (even if you’re bored to tears).
  1. Stay current. Regardless of your age, business is always about the present and future. Remove preconceived notions about how you think things should be, and maintain an awareness for current trends and interests. You may not understand Instagram, but it’s a relevant business tool today. You want to come across as someone who knows how to succeed, not someone hanging on to an old way of life.

Technology plays a major role in today’s workplace, as do philosophies of collaboration and flexibility. If you understand the factors changing the business world, you can easily adjust your approach to match them.

You have complete control over your relevancy in today’s business world, and the only truly wrong approach is to remain disengaged.

Additional Resources:

 

LOOKING FOR MORE ON STAYING RELEVANT IN THE MODERN TECH AGE?

CLICK HERE FOR MY BOOK – Dude, Seriously, Get Your ASK in Gear! Lead, ASK, Succeed.

Career Communication Netiquette News

Netiquette 101: Your Guide to Online Etiquette

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Everyone needs to understand the basic rules of online communication for professionals

Even if you don’t engage online for work, anything you say or do in the court of online media can be held against you. If you want fair treatment from others and to build your personal brand, you need to understand netiquette.

Communication

Online, communication is currency in many ways. The way you write, post, and express yourself can either give you leverage or take it away. Remember these communication rules:

  •  Never send a generic message for a social media request or an email. Readers can spot “template” communication a mile away, and it diminishes your credibility as a professional.
  • Don’t get too personal. Many people use the internet as their own personal soapbox. Unless your political and religious viewpoints and your snarky attitude are fundamentally part of your brand, don’t post them. Keep your personal life and opinions offline.
  • Double check for clarity and tone. Online, we can’t place the same inflections we do in verbal communication. Always read over your words for grammar, spelling, understandability, and tone.
  •  Respond. Any forum that encourages back and forth communication deserves your regular attention. If someone comments on your blog, a social media post, or an email, take the time to send some form of communication back—even if it’s just an acknowledgement.
  • Avoid engaging in public arguments. If you disagree with someone, take the conversation to a more private setting. Some people enjoy arguing online, but they’ll only make you look bad as a professional. Respect what people have to say in open forums—even if you don’t agree with it.

Posting and Sharing Content

If you post online content, use these guidelines:

  • share-1039041_640Cater your content to the space. The way we communicate on Twitter isn’t the same way we communicate in emails. Make sure your content matches the vibe of the domain. Follow all the rules of third party sites.
  • Give credit where credit is due. If you quote someone, or repost their work, make sure you have the right to do so. Doing so is a common courtesy, but it will also protect you from copyright infringement. Not all content online is free to use as you please.
  • Protect your work. If you post an original piece, take steps to reduce the risk of plagiarism. All original content is protected under copyright law, even if the content doesn’t have the © symbol. To reduce the risks, register your website with the DMCA and post a copyright notice on your pages.
  • Tag others carefully. Social media gives users the power to tag others in pictures, videos, and posts. The content you tag will make a statement about the person you tag. To stay on the safe side, always ask someone before you upload or post a picture of him or her online.

The internet enhances communication in many ways, but it can also backfire on people. To protect your personal brand and your professional life, consider how a boss, colleague, or client might perceive the material.

Additional resources:

 

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