Browse published articles attributed to Lillian Bjorseth, with full-archive search.
Have you ever attended a meeting, conference or networking event and felt as if people were unfriendly or snobbish and hard to engage in conversation? Are you aware you might be sending the same message when you are talking with another person … simply through your stance? By the way you stand, you either exclude or include others.
Ever notice how much of your work involves dealing with people? Have you noticed, too, that they don’t necessarily follow the script you have written for them? And, when they don’t, it can be fun, interesting, disappointing, frustrating and even downright painful depending on the situation. Sometimes, people aren’t trying to disagree with you; they are just behaving naturally. However, their natural way of achieving the result you seek can be 180 degrees different from the way you would have approached the solution. There’s hope.
Ever notice how comfortable you feel with certain people? You can say and do what you want, and communication flows smoothly. Then, there are those OTHER people. The ones whose footsteps in the hallway make the hair on the back of your neck bristle as you put on your armor for the battle that ...
While people may decide 10 things about you within 10 seconds of seeing you, it takes only 1-3 seconds to speak volumes through your handshake. Having a firm handshake is essential in the business world. It’s a key ingredient in creating a good first impression. President and Michelle Obama ...
Six months ago, an out-of-town client called to ask my input. She was in a meeting with the president of an association where she is chairing the annual gala as a volunteer. Also present were several of her committee members as well as an outside consultant hired by the organization. She ...
It’s easy to tell confident business people when you meet them: Good posture, firm handshakes, direct eye contact and a powerful aura. While confidence is just as important to portray over the phone for business success, it’s done differently and can be more difficult to attain for many people.
Want to make the most effective use of your networking time and dollars? Then hone your people-reading skills so you can network in the other person’s comfort zone. Each of you is as unique as a snowflake, yet you also share similarities - enough so that behavioral characteristics can be grouped into four major categories. You might be thinking, “Oh, I took that DISC tool at work to help me communicate, manage or sell better. What’s the importance in networking?” Glad you asked!
“What?” you may ask. Listening is the most important human relations skill. You tell others how much you care by how well you listen. Why wouldn’t everyone try to do it well? That’s why I am raising the question. I find myself in far too many situations where there are more senders than receivers, in communication parlance. If you rearrange the letters in “listen,” you get “silent.” Being quiet when someone else speaks is only the first step. You could be daydreaming about your recent golf score, preparing your dinner menu or thinking about how to get out of the conversation.
If so many people agree that networking is more about the other person then why do so many people forget to check their ego at the door? It is disconcerting and sometimes downright irritating to talk with someone who uses a dozen “Is” in the first few minutes. Over and over again, no matter the event, you hear “I” am doing this, “I” am enjoying this success, here’s what “I” did when that happened to me. And for good measure, they throw in a few “my” book is outselling others in its genre, and “my” workshop was such a big hit.
Thanks Jeffrey Mitchell for being the impetus for this two-part article on how to join a conversation politely that is continued on my blog, www.lilliancommunicates.com. Jeffrey, admissions advisor at DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management and a loyal sponsor of my Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza, posted his article, “What are the most annoying things people can do at networking events?” on my Greater Chicago Networking LinkedIn Group. As people responded with their irritations, variations of one came to the forefront:r
Once you have set your goals, there are two key things you must have ready at all times: your verbal and printed business cards. Let’s look first at those all-important introductory words that describe what you do—words that will capture others’ attention and hold their interest. Your ...
In addition to the professional phone image I discussed in Part I, it is also vital to be able to read people over the phone to increase your chances for personal and business success. Using the leading-edge DISC (Dominant, Influencing, Steady and Conscientious) communication styles, I’ll help you recognize the other person’s natural communication style so you know how to respond. It works even better when both of you are cognizant of each other’s style. June, which is national Effective Communication month, is a great time to examine why this is so.r
I’m not a sexist, and I’m not a bra-bu ing feminist. I am a realist. That’s why I can say that the ole boy network still unequivocally affects relationship building in the corporate hallowed halls … not so much in the entrepreneurial ranks. Building beneficial relationships knows no gender boundaries. It is equally beneficial for men and women, and the process can be equally daunting or equally easy for members of either sex.
I love publicity and promotion. I must have been born with a gleam in my eye instead of a loud cry! I know I “conned” a teacher or two along the way. I continue to think “PR” everyday in my own speaking, training and coaching business. I learned well from peers in my non-profit and corporate public relations positions, including 11 years at AT&T. In meetings when people share their Verbal Business Card, elevator pitch or recent successes, my mind hears promotional possibilities.
I grew up thinking that “thank you” is an automatic response when someone does something for you. It shows appreciation, consideration and respect for the person who goes out of her/his way … whether it is a small thing, medium or huge. What’s happened to this simple gesture that is such a vital part of the relationship-building process? It generally doesn’t cost anything except a few seconds or minutes of your time. Being in the networking and communication business, I have ample opportunities to connect people and pass on referrals and leads.
The content can be current chitchat; the role small talk plays, however, is far from minor. It’s an enormously important conversation starter and often determines if you want to keep talking – hence the opportunity to build a relationship – or make a quick escape. Because the content may seem unimportant (let’s get right to the “what do you?” and “what can you do for me”), you may think it unnecessary to prepare … and wing it. That works for the few people who can think succinctly on their feet and then articulate their thoughts fluently and effortlessly.
Part I covered how to know physically when and how to join a conversation. This article examines an equally important element: what to talk about as you join others to ensure a more pleasant experience and more business success. Gender differencesr Gender differences in communication present a major stumbling block to getting conversations off the ground. Men, you have a few preferred topics in your small talk repertoire: sports, current events, business/jobs.
No one ever has too much confidence - ego, yes, confidence no. Do you keep in mind that your walk and posture bespeak your confidence before you begin your pitch? They influence your audience of one or one hundred to make initial decisions about your capabilities … before you even shake ...
Office parties. Neighborhood open houses. Country club dances. Festive chamber of commerce after hours. Professional organizational luncheons and dinners. From Thanksgiving through Jan. 1, these events have a much more social than business air, even though your membership may be ...
No matter your station in life, you know that financial capital is essential for business and life success. It helps you survive, first of all, and then to acquire an education and material possessions and to support a family, travel and leave a monetary legacy. Building another kind of wealth ...
… you have to sound as if you know what you know. Ever been in a meeting and made a really good point, and people keep right on talking? Shortly thereafter, a man makes the same point and he is lauded for his great contribution. And you think to yourself, “That was my point!” It’s time to “stand up” and take credit for your contributions. It means being more assertive and possibly even unlea ing some of the things your mother taught you in good faith.
They measure about 2” x 3 1/2”. They weigh less than 1/4 of an ounce. They cost about a nickel or a dime. And they pack a powerful punch! They are business cards, and they are your most effective, least expensive form of advertising. You can (and should!) carry them with you daily, ...
Here’s an idea: instead of making 2012 resolutions, which are often idealistic and unrealistic, create a 2012 Relationship-building Plan. It is practical, concrete and can help you achieve maximum benefits from your networking endeavors. Almost all of you will agree that networking – whether face-to-face, online or preferably both – is still the number one way to increase sales, get a job and enhance your career success.