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Leadership:Boring Meetings? Try These Simple Steps to Go From Dull to Dazzling…Don’t Just Meet Because You’re a Group & You’ve “Always Had a Weekly Staff Meeting.”

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When everything’s said and done, there’s usually more said than done.  As most anyone involved in business, academe, politics, religion, or any number of other endeavors can attest, that truism applies especially to meetings.

interview-meeting-7

 

Meetings can be a mind-numbing squandering of time, money, patience, and other finite resources. But they needn’t and shouldn’t be. In his new bookMeetings Matter, Paul Axtell shows how thoughtful, respectful, and focused conversation is the key to effective meetings. What’s more, he provides lots of specific strategies and tactics. Adopt the practices suggested here and the meetings you attend will never be fruitless again. The bonus? You and your colleagues will be more engaged than ever in producing great results.”

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Test drive some of his ideas yourself. Use them faithfully, and you can transform your meetings into smooth-running, collaborative sessions that produce the high impact results you really want.

Rodger Dean Duncan: Most people seem to have a negative mindset about meetings. What impact does this perspective have on meeting effectiveness? Is this a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Paul Axtell: Absolutely, we get what we expect. Too many organizations contain a host of complaints about meetings that lead to reduced expectations and then reduced accomplishment. Bright, talented people have slipped into a “going through the motions” or “doing enough to get by” mindset about meetings. This is actually good news for those who acknowledge it and get to work on changing it. Even if an organization is being successful without the full leverage of powerful, effective meetings, turning that around provides a huge upside—and a competitive edge because almost every organization is in the same rut.

Duncan: Because effective conversation is the “operating system” of a productive meeting, what advice can you offer for making sure the conversations produce good results? 

Axtell: An effective conversation has four elements: clarity, candor, commitment, and completion. Each is important in its own way, but when they are all present, it allows for the back and forth conversation necessary for everyone to walk away with the same, clear understanding.

Let’s look at each individually:

Clarity means everyone understands what is being said in the same way.

Candor means everyone says what they think and is authentic, honest, and straightforward.

Commitment means you all agree on who will take what actions in what time frame after the conversation.

Completion means everything that needs to be said or asked has been expressed before moving on to the next topic.
In addition, it’s imperative at the start of the meeting to be clear about the outcomes for each topic on the agenda and to have set aside enough time to reach those outcomes. If you can do this, and stay on track, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much you accomplish—and in record time.
Duncan: What are some proven ways to ensure that participants have an appropriate voice in a meeting?

Axtell: Again, it’s incredibly important to be as clear and direct as possible. In the setup to the meeting, remind participants that your intention is to have a back-and-forth discussion and that you expect their participation.

Let participants know what kind of input you are requesting for each topic and set aside enough time so that no one feels rushed by the agenda.

I also recommend you call on people “strategically and gently” to get the participation levels desired. Maintain your awareness for people who have not yet spoken and invite them to join the conversation. People have valuable input, if you give them a chance to voice it.

Duncan: You say that an important key to good meetings is to talk about the right things and talk about fewer things. Give us an example of how that filter can be used to create a good meeting.

Axtell: When it comes to meetings, it’s so easy to get pulled into short-term problem solving or low-level distractions rather than spending the time to go deeper into topics that have long-term leverage. You slip into a pattern of going lightly over ten to twelve agenda items rather than doing meaningful work on a few.

It doesn’t help to work on improving your meetings if you are talking about the wrong things.

Here are a few examples of what I believe do merit time on the agenda:

  • Discussing progress on the team’s most critical goals and initiatives should be first choice, especially if progress is in jeopardy.
  • Providing input to the manager or colleagues who have a significant issue and have asked for suggestions is another area where the experience of the group can add value to individual members, particularly those soliciting ideas.
  • Taking on strategic topics such as talent reviews, organizational restructuring, or hiring decisions keeps the organization positioned for the future.
  • Don’t just meet because you’re a group and you’ve “always had a weekly staff meeting.” Ask this question: In your regular meetings, are you honoring the time of group members by discussing things that matter?

    Duncan: What opportunities do good meetings offer for enhancing engagement throughout an entire organization?

Axtell: On a big picture level, it’s impossible to have an effective organization when you don’t have employee engagement and alignment. We’ve seen survey after survey validating this point.

In my opinion, this is because most employees don’t feel as though they have a relationship or connection with their supervisor or the organization itself. Or they don’t feel they have much of a say in how things work.

The good news? Each and every meeting is an opportunity to change this. Every time you ask for input. Every time you listen attentively. Every time you work with someone’s idea or question, you change this sense of being on the outside—of not being valued or engaged. Every hallway conversation, regular meeting, or quarterly Q&A session is a chance to reset this vital piece of the organizational culture.

Rodger Dean Duncan is the bestselling author of CHANGE-friendly LEADERSHIP: How to Transform Good Intentions into Great Performance. Follow him on Twitter @DoctorDuncan

Forbes.com | January 18, 2015 | Rodger Dean Duncan

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Got Kids? The 25 Best Jobs Of 2015…Before You Declare Your College Major, Check Out Which Jobs Top our List for 2015

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Picking a job is personal, and there isn’t one “best job” that would suit everyone.  Still, our list of 100 outstanding occupations exemplifies what makes working worthwhile: good pay, manageable work-life balance and good job prospects.

mechanical engineer

Before you send out your first application, check out which jobs top our list for 2015.

This article originally appeared at U.S. News & World Report. Copyright 2015. Follow U.S. News & World Report on Twitter.

 

1. Dentist

1. Dentist

mattlemmon via Compfight cc

Median Salary: $146,340
Unemployment Rate: 0.9%
Expected Job Openings: 23,300

The best dentists deftly balance patient care with turning a profit — what good is the most nurturing dentist in town if he or she never sees any patients? But before getting to that stage, they endure rigorous technical and practical training in a competitive dental program.

2. Nurse Practitioner

2. Nurse Practitioner

Flickr / COD Newsroom

Median Salary: $92,670
Unemployment Rate: 0.7%
Expected Job Openings: 37,100

It’s a nurse practitioner’s array of capabilities, coupled with the fact he or she can work independently of physicians when treating patients, that makes this No. 2 job an attractive career choice.

3. Software Developer

3. Software Developer

Courtesy of CareerCast

Median Salary: $92,660
Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
Expected Job Openings: 139,900

Software developers could work on the applications side, designing software, or on the systems side, building operating systems.

4. Physician

4. Physician

Youtube Screenshot

Median Salary: $186,850
Unemployment Rate: 0.7%
Expected Job Openings: 123,300

Physicians are at the top of the health care food chain. Their responsibilities range from diagnosing and treating patients, to instructing on proper diet, hygiene and disease prevention.

5. Dental Hygienist

5. Dental Hygienist

Flickr / Herry Lawford

Median Salary: $71,110
Unemployment Rate: 1.7%
Expected Job Openings: 64,200

In addition to cleaning teeth, dental hygienists educate patients on proper oral hygiene. Something else of note: Many dental hygienists work part-time, but the average salary for this job eclipses $70,000.

6. Physical Therapist

6. Physical Therapist

roger_mommaerts/flickr

Median Salary: $81,030
Unemployment Rate: 1.5%
Expected Job Openings: 73,500

A physical therapist’s job description might include helping someone who is paralyzed regain mobility or a cancer survivor renew his or her strength. The profession should grow 36 percent by 2022, which is much faster than the average of all occupations.

7. Computer Systems Analyst

7. Computer Systems Analyst

UC Davis College of Engineering/flickr

Median Salary: $81,190
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Expected Job Openings: 127,700

Applicants with a business background will have better chances of finding a position in this field, which involves consulting with organizations on the IT systems they might need and then coordinating the implementation of those systems.

8. Information Security Analyst

8. Information Security Analyst

George Frey/Getty Images

Median Salary: $88,590
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Expected Job Openings: 27,400

If you’ve watched the news this year, then you probably have a good idea how important this No. 8 job is for companies and the government. These analysts plan and monitor the security of computer networks, and the occupations should grow 36.5 percent by 2022.

9. Registered Nurse

9. Registered Nurse

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Median Salary: $66,220
Unemployment Rate: 2.0%
Expected Job Openings: 526,800

Nursing is an indispensable profession in health care; one in which workers are almost always needed. This year is no different, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates 19.4 percent growth in this field by 2022.

10. Physician Assistant

10. Physician Assistant

Flickr/isafmedia

Median Salary: $92,970
Unemployment Rate: 1.4%
Expected Job Openings: 33,300

Working under the supervision of doctors, physician assistants interpret X-rays and blood tests, record patients’ progress, conduct routine exams and treat a range of ailments.

11. Web Developer

11. Web Developer

Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

Median Salary: $63,160
Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
Expected Job Openings: 28,500

Web developers are responsible for the sleek fonts and clean layout you love on your favorite websites, and the profession is one of the fastest-growing jobs this decade.

12. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

12. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Don Richards/Flickr

Median Salary: $66,410
Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
Expected Job Openings: 27,000

These professionals must have the technical abilities to use medical equipment, as well the social savvy to deliver life-changing news (“It’s a girl!”) to parents and patients.

13. Occupational Therapist

13. Occupational Therapist

Ben Sklar/Getty images

Median Salary: $76,940
Unemployment Rate: 0.6%
Expected Job Openings: 32,800

Not all therapy involves evaluating clients reclining on Barcaloungers. Occupational therapists, for instance, help patients with physical, mental and developmental disabilities to assimilate in society.

14. Market Research Analyst

14. Market Research Analyst

Flickr/Myfuture.com

Median Salary: $60,800
Unemployment Rate: 3%
Expected Number of Jobs: 131,500

Market research analysts study our habits as consumers and use those observations to counsel companies on how to package, brand and sell products.

15. Marketing Manager

15. Marketing Manager

Mario Tama/Getty Images

Median Salary: $123,220
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
Expected Job Openings: 22,900

Marketing managers are behind the advertising campaigns that sway consumers one way or another in “iOS to Android,” “General Motors or Ford” or even “ChapStick or Carmex” decisions.

16. Accountant

16. Accountant

Justin Sullivan/Getty

Median Salary: $65,080
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Expected Job Openings: 166,700

Whether working with individuals, corporations or nonprofits, accountants must be detail-oriented, organized and skilled with numbers.

17. School Psychologist

17. School Psychologist

BSIP/Contributor/Getty Images

Median Salary: $67,760
Unemployment Rate: 2%
Expected Job Openings: 16,400

This job’s flexibility and potential for upward mobility help it claim the No. 1 spot in our rankings of the Best Social Services Jobs. It’s also the only social services job that landed on this list of the best 25 jobs across all industries.

18. Mechanical Engineer

18. Mechanical Engineer

Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP/Getty Image

Median Salary: $82,100
Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
Expected Job Openings: 11,600

This job is a perfect blend of right- and left-brain thinking: These engineers shepherd devices from the theoretical design phase to the technical production phase.

19. Occupational Therapy Assistant

19. Occupational Therapy Assistant

BSIP/Getty Images

Median Salary: $55,270
Unemployment Rate: 2.4%
Expected Job Openings: 12,900

In this job, you’ll work alongside occupational therapists, assessing patients’ abilities and devising a plan of action to improve their quality of life.

20. Operations Research Analyst

20. Operations Research Analyst

Vancouver Film School/Flickr

Median Salary: $74,630
Unemployment Rate: 3%
Expected Job Openings:19,500

Similar to a market research analyst, this No. 20 job is an advisory position that involves helping businesses and organizations operate more efficiently.

21. IT Manager

21. IT Manager

Flickr / Alper Çuğun

Median Salary: $123,950
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Expected Job Openings: 50,900

IT managers are the go-to personnel when your email won’t send or your word processor won’t open. As head of the IT department, they triage the operations of an organization’s technical network.

22. Civil Engineer

22. Civil Engineer

Flickr/USACEpublicaffairs

Median Salary: $80,770
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
Expected Job Openings: 53,700

Part of the payoff to this job is looking around and seeing the fruits of your skills and labor. Civil engineers have a hand in building bridges, retrofitting buildings and damming reservoirs.

23. Cost Estimator

23. Cost Estimator

Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images

Median Salary: $59,460
Unemployment Rate: 1.9%
Expected Job Openings: 53,000

These professionals coordinate the technical, mechanical and fiscal elements of construction projects. Relative to other U.S. News Best Construction Jobs, cost estimators are typically paid handsomely for their work, pulling in a salary that’s second only to construction managers within the industry.

24. Esthetician And Skin Care Specialist

24. Esthetician And Skin Care Specialist

John Greim/Getty Images

Median Salary: $28,940
Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
Expected Job Openings: 17,700

While estheticians don’t get paid much compared to other U.S. News Best Health Care Jobs, they do typically enjoy flexible work schedules and the ability to improve people’s appearance.

25. Financial Advisor

25. Financial Advisor

University of Michigan/Flickr

Median Salary: $75,320
Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
Expected Job Openings: 60,300

No wonder financial advisors were able to slip into the top 25 jobs: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 27 percent employment bump in the profession between 2012 and 2022, meaning more than 60,000 new jobs to go around. More interested in hiring a financial advisor than being one? Check out the U.S. News Advisor Finder.

 

Businessinsider.com | January 19, 2015 |  JADA A. GRAVES AND LAURA MCMULLEN, U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

 http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/slideshows/the-25-best-jobs-of-2015#ixzz3PJ0BRlBR

Strategy: 5 Books That Will Change How You Do Business…Did you Know? 6 Minutes of Reading Can Reduce Stress Levels as Much as 68%

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If you’re anything like me, finding the time to read can be a challenge. But this time of the year I unfailingly find myself on the hunt for fresh insights from worthy reads.

Woman reading summer tablet kindle outside

 

There’s just something about the new ideas and inspiration that I inevitably find in a good book that help me get the New Year off to a good start. Also reading can be good for you.  A 2009 study by Mindlab International at the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels as much as 68 percent.

Research has also revealed that cognitive activities such as reading may keep the brain functioning efficiently and, as people age, literature consumption can offer valuable mental exercise.

The following five books are rife with inspired philosophies and visionary concepts and offer some well-rounded perspectives on leading well.

1. “The Confidence Code” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

Self-doubt can sabotage a career while overconfidence can get someone far in life. The authors of “The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know,” published last April, have presented significant research with a key conclusion — that a lack of confidence thwarts women’s success in the workplace.

Citing a Hewlett-Packard study, Shipman and Kay examined why more women at the company were not moving into top management positions.

“Women working at HP applied for a promotion only when they believed they met 100 percent of the qualifications listed for the job,” the authors said. “Men were happy to apply when they thought they could meet 60 percent of the job requirements.”

As an executive coach, I have encountered this: Women often believe their work should speak for itself and the best job opportunities, raises and bonuses should follow.

The truth is, women (and men) have to learn to position themselves positively and become their own advocates in order to showcase their work and integrate their efforts in a professionally appropriate way for maximum visibility.

The Confidence Code provides a laundry list of confidence killers as well as practical ways to break through negative thought patterns.

I found it encouraging to read interviews of high-profile, successful women who shared their struggles with confidence.

Yet, this book is not just for women. Men can also glean practical pointers for upping their confidence game. “It’s really important for men to understand that their female colleagues are not always speaking up about their own accomplishments,” Shipman pointed out in a Vox interview.

Related: Confident Entrepreneurs Deftly Overcome Impostor Syndrome

 

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2. “Uncontainable” by Kip Tindell

Kip Tindell, CEO of the Container Store, shared his seven foundation principles for achieving sustainable, profitable success in “Uncontainable: How Passion, Commitment and Conscious Capitalism Built a Business Where Everyone Thrives.” Long associated with the “conscious capitalism” organization, he has been consistently open about his company’s unique approach to business.

The aim is to hire nothing but the best while incorporating words like “love,” “compassion” and “excellence” in the corporate vernacular. Its heart-centered approach appears to be working beautifully.

The Container Store has been on Fortune magazine‘s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for 15 years. Tindell sums up its people-first approach like this: “Treating your employees with affection and respect is not only the right thing to do, it also happens to be the fastest road to success.”

This book is a must-read for anyone who is a business owner or in a leadership role. It proves that leading from the heart is not just a nice idea or theory — or some magical dream. Rather, as businesses grow and the pace of commerce intensifies, the core virtues of heart-centered leadership will become increasingly necessary.

Related: Do Women Leaders Walk a Tightrope to Be Seen as Effective and Likable?

3. “Executive Presence” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett

Based on a nationwide survey of college graduates working across a range of sectors and occupations, author Sylvia Ann Hewlett and the Center for Talent Innovation set out to define the qualities of authentic “executive presence” in “Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success,” published in June.

As it turns out, her winning executive-presence formula is a combination of appearance, communication and gravitas. Hewlett’s research found that gravitas is of particular importance and lays a solid foundation for the way a leader talks (communication) and looks (appearance).

The self-development approach recommended in this book hits the mark. It will help an executive reveal who he or she truly is and the path leading to achieving the highest potential.

Like it or not, people are constantly being judged by their appearance, body language and choice of words. Executive Presence is an excellent guidebook for anyone looking to establish a successful personal brand. As Hewlett wrote, “The amazing thing about Executive Presence is that it’s a precondition for success whether you’re a cellist, a salesperson or a Wall Street banker.”

4. “Culture That Rocks” by Jim Knight

This how-to business book, also published last year, uncovers the essential ingredients that make up a company’s culture and offers an innovative recipe for success.

Jim Knight, a training and development expert and former “hard rocker” with Hard Rock International, covered such topics as leadership, hiring talent, philanthropic initiatives and everything that it takes to understand today’s workforce in “Culture That Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture.”

Employees, he wrote, need to pass the three-C test: demonstrating solid competence, strong character and cultural fit.

Knight incorporated a rock-star theme with celebrity examples, quotes, case studies and catchy chapter titles such as “Rock Stars vs. Lip-Synchers.”

This book provides a unique out-of-box approach to business. It’s is a fun read yet offers serious, actionable and contemporary advice for any business owner or leader.

Related: The Benefits of Practicing Vulnerability in the Office

5. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown

This essence of this book, originally published in 2012, stayed with me long after I finished reading it. Those unfamiliar with Brené Brown’s groundbreaking work on vulnerability can start by watching a video and check out her TED talks. In “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead,” Brown highlighted a quote from Theodore Roosevelt:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly.”

It takes courage to step into the arena — and there will always be people who will take their shots. As Brown explained, “Whether the ‘arena’ is a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process, or a difficult family conversation, we must find the courage to walk into vulnerability and engage with our whole hearts.”

This is a powerful piece of advice. If facing fears and opening up to vulnerability creates more authentic and expressive communication, then unexpected and wonderful upshots may emerge in our relationships with others.

Brown’s years of research on the subject led her to assert that vulnerability is not a weakness — but a fast track to engagement and meaningful connections. She also argued that judging others offers clues about personal demons, saying, “We judge people in areas where we’re vulnerable to shame, especially picking folks who are doing worse than we’re doing.”

Businessinsider.com | January 19, 2015 | SUSAN STEINBRECHER,

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/241661#ixzz3PIpj9Boo

Strategy: 5 Business Strategies You Need to Know About in 2015…Expect “More Corporations Creating Content Brands Instead of Branded Content.”

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As a business owner/president/manager, you’ve probably noticed many of the core business ideas and strategies stay the same year after year. However, throughout the last couple of years technology and a surplus of information has changed the landscape for businesses. We can now reach our audience in essentially every corner of the world, anytime we want. And, we not only have the resources to connect with our audience, we also have the means to create personalized content for them.

SheepHerder

Because of how quickly technology and information spreads it’s more important than ever to make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest business strategies, like the following five business strategies…

1. Think Mobile First

In 2014, research showed that smartphones and tablets made up 60% of total digital media time spent – which was up 50% from 2013. This upcoming year we can expect mobile usage to continue to increase. Between tablets making a surprise comeback and smartphones decreasing in price, it’s anticipated that there will be around 2.97 billion mobile internet users, approximately of all 91% internet users, by 2017.

If your website isn’t mobile friendly, then you need to fix that immediately – remember, over half of your online visitors are doing so on a mobile device. Going forward, you need to keep mobile users at the forefront whenever you create a new webpage or marketing campaign. As small business expert Susan Solovic suggests on Business 2 Community, you should also “consider an app, beacons, QR codes, and more. Set aside time to study the topic and find the best ways for your business to take advantage of mobile and local marketing initiatives.”

Like this Article ??  Share it !   First Sun Consulting, LLC- Outplacement/Executive Coaching Services, is Proud to sponsor/provide our ‘FSC Career Blog’  Article Below.  Over 600 current articles like these are on our website in our FSC Career Blog (https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/)  with the most updated/current articles on the web for new management trends, employment updates along with career branding techniques  .

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2.  Improve the Customer Experience

As Andrew Reid, founder and CEO of Vision Critical, stated perfectly on Entrepreneur;

“Customers are beginning to understand that their true value to companies goes well beyond their wallets. This is the age of the empowered customer, when a single complaint on social media can cost a business millions of dollars, an online review can shape the fortune of a restaurant and feedback can significantly affect business decisions.”

That’s why in 2015 you should be implementing strategies that will enhance the overall customer experience. Some of these strategies include:

  • Get Personal – connect with customers personally and listen to their feedback.
  • Customization – by knowing your customers, you can provide customized experiences, products, and services.
  • Build Clot – As Reid states, “clout encourages friendly competition, creates a sense of ownership and keeps customers coming back for more.” Make sure you reward loyal customers and earn positive reviews from consumers.
  • Entertain – Offering entertainment is a great way to spread brand awareness, attract new customers and retain customers.

3. Go Back to the Basics

While it’s tempting to follow every newly-released marketing trend, Susan Solovic insists that you need to stop chasing trends. Instead, “in 2015 small business owners will look at the big picture and design their own ‘marketing blend’ that includes several” marketing strategies. This means merging traditional tactics – like direct mail – with Facebook ads, content marketing, SEO, and automated CRM.

Pam Didner, Global Integrated Marketing Strategist at Intel Corporation, adds on the TopRank Blog:

“Digital marketing will continue to morph and promotion channels will be further fragmented. The major change for 2015 is NOT about digital marketing. The major change will come from marketers by going back to basics: reevaluate the target audience, determine what works and what doesn’t. Re-prioritize and be smart about resource allocation and investment.”

4. Content Will Be Treated Like a Product

Arnie Kuen, CEO of Vertical Measures, recently shared his thoughts on the future of content marketing on Marketing Land. While each point and piece of advice is spot-on, his prediction that content will be treated more like a product is what I really took away from the article.

Kuen states “content isn’t just words or images on a webpage – it is information your audience is looking for.” In fact, “your content itself is a product.” Because of this, we can expect “more corporations creating content brands instead of branded content.”

As Kuen concludes, “By creating a content brand, companies enable users to have an enhanced experience with the first product they come in contact with: content.” This will enhance the experience of your audience, which will increase revenue.

5.  Invest in Training and Education

Research conducted from last year found that: “US spending on corporate training grew by 15% last year (the highest growth rate in seven years) to over $70 Billion in the US and over $130 Billion worldwide.” As Josh Bersin notes on Forbes, this is “a very good indicator of economic activity,” but it also proves that organizations have a “skills supply chain” challenge.

While the bigger picture behind this research shows companies should train team members if their industry is lacking in certain fields, it also means you need to ensure your employees are productive members of the team overall. For example, since Bring Your Own Device is a thing, you should take the time to educate team members on how to use their devices effectively and securely – you don’t want a Sony-like situation on your hands.

If your employees aren’t up-to-speed with the latest technologies or strategies, then how can you expect them to develop business strategies in the coming year?

 

Forbes.com |  January 19, 2015 | John Rampton

http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnrampton/2015/01/19/5-business-strategies-you-need-to-know-about-in-2015/

Script: Answering The Question ‘How Much Did You Earn At Your Last Job?’

/in /by

Rrring!

Emily: Emily Brooks!

Shaun: Hi Emily, this is Shaun Jimenez from Angry Chocolates. Have you got a second?

Emily: Sure. Let me just turn this heat down a bit here. I’m making supper.

Shaun: Oh, sorry!

sheepie job seeker

Emily: It’s fine. I’ve got it on simmer. What can I do for you, Shaun?

Shaun: You sent us a resume for our Office Manager position, and we were impressed with your background.

Emily: Thank you Shaun – that’s nice to hear!

Shaun: This is kind of an impromptu phone screen, and I apologize for intruding on your evening –

Emily: That’s fine – I have a moment.

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Shaun: I wanted to find out your salary history so we can see whether we’re in the same ballpark.

Emily: Oh! I thought I included that in my letter. I’m focusing on jobs in the low fifties.

Shaun: You did say that. I wanted to get your actual salary history, too.

BEAT.

Emily: Oh, okay, I understand. Let me ask you this, Shaun: is my low-fifties salary requirement a good match for this position?

Shaun: Er, I think so — I’m really supposed to get your salary history. They are interested in you, though!

Emily: I gave my salary requirement in my letter, Shaun, because my accountant would be quite unhappy with me if I shared my past salary information. It’s confidential.

Shaun. Oh. Our Director of Operations asked for it.

Emily: Do you happen to know why she wanted that information, Shaun?

Shaun: I guess, just to see if there’s a progression –

Emily: Okay, thanks. As you can imagine, I’d be interested also to know what you paid your last Office Manager, but I have to imagine that that information is confidential.

Shaun: [laughing] Oh, definitely!
Emily: Yes – so you understand. It seems to me that if your Director of Operations likes my resume and understands that I’m looking for an Office Manager job that pays in the low-fifty-thousands per year, then we have something to talk about! If that’s not your salary range, then of course I’m not a good fit.

Shaun: So I should tell her….

Emily: I would tell her that you’ve spoken with me and that I’m very interested in learning more. My low-fifties salary requirement is right in line with the research I’ve done on similar salaries in companies like yours, so I hope it will be a match with your range for this position — but if not, I completely understand.

Shaun: I’ll tell her. Wait a second — I’ll text her.

Emily: Oh — is this an emergency, Shaun? I’d hate to disturb her at seven-thirty p.m.

Shaun: Well, she wanted me to set you up with an interview if your salary history was in line with her expectation.

Emily: And what was that?

Shaun: Just that you’d been earning close to fifty thousand already, so this wouldn’t be a big jump.

Emily: Interesting. I would think that my track record would be more relevant — but to each his own. Her own.

Shaun: She texted back! Her name is Gloria. She said “Invite Emily to an interview.”

Emily: When is she thinking about?

Shaun: How is Thursday morning?

Emily: Thursday morning is great.

Emily went on the interview, and she got the job! She educated Gloria during the recruiting process. Gloria is a good boss, but she’s never thought much about the recruiting process before. She’s always heard that an employer should check a job-seeker’s salary history. Emily set Gloria straight!

Once Gloria realized that Emily isn’t your average Sheepie Job Seeker, Gloria got excited about the possibilities that Emily could bring to the company as its new Office Manager.

RRRRRRRING!

Emily: Emily Brooks!

Shaun: Hey, Emily. I’ve got that offer letter — should I put it in the mail? We’re all excited for you to join us!

Emily: I’m excited, too, Shaun! I can stop by your office and sign the offer tomorrow.

Shaun: You know what, Emily?

Emily: What, Shaun?

Shaun: At first when I talked to you a few weeks back, I was thrown off guard. I’ve never had a job applicant refuse to give me their salary history before. Not that you refused — I mean,  you were nice about it. But you got me thinking. What does salary history have to do with anything? Who cares what you earned before?

Emily: You’re a great HR person, Shaun!

Shaun: I learned how to do HR a certain way. Now I’m learning a lot of new tricks!

Emily: Rock on, Shaun! See you tomorrow.

What would Emily have done if Gloria had insisted on knowing Emily’s salary history? Emily would have gone to work somewhere else. Emily knows her value. She knows that since she’s worth at least fifty thousand bucks a year to lots of different organizations, she might as well hold out for an organization that will pay her target rate AND treat her like a human being.

After all, the salary surveys that Emily consulted didn’t say “The salary range for a person like you is fifty thousand dollars with emotional abuse, or forty-five thousand dollars without it.” Emily knows that not every Office Manager in the world can deliver what she brings to her employers. Why should she grovel? Emily gave up being a Sheepie Job Seeker long ago.

How about you?

 

Forbes.com | January 17, 2015  | Liz Ryan 

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Your Career: Are You Happy With Your Job? Then It’s Time To Start Job Hunting…Waiting until You Need a Job is The Worst Time to Look for One

/in /by

Waiting until you need a job is the worst time to look for one. Even if you like the job you have, looking for the next opportunity is a smart career move. And if an opportunity comes along, you don’t have to take it. The choice is yours.

fired-layoffs-let-go-box-leaving-work-3

 

Here are three reasons you should be looking for a new job even if you are happy where you are:

1. Your Ideal Job May Not Be Available the Next Time You’re Looking

Whether something happens and you decide to quit or you’re laid off, you’ll be looking for something quickly and may end up taking a position that isn’t ideal simply because you need a job.

If you’re looking for a job while you’re still gainfully employed doing something you like, your job search is really about making a step up—whether that’s an increase in your position on increasing your scope and responsibilities. If you wait until you need a job, your next job may end up being lateral or even a step backwards. Looking for a job before you actually need one is more of a career move than a job hunt.

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2. The Job Network Won’t Wait for You

Many jobs aren’t advertised, particularly more senior positions, and if they are, you are much less likely to find out about them if you aren’t looking. If you wait until you need a job to start networking, connecting with headhunters, and keeping your ears to the ground for available positions, it will be too late.

If you’re not in a hurry for new job, that’s even better. You can foster a network within your industry (which you should be doing anyway) and lay the groundwork by asking people in your network about the job market. You can even plant the seed that, while you are happy where you are, you would like to hear about new opportunities. Something might come up next month or next year, but at least you will hear about it. Be sure to share the job market knowledge you pick up with others in your network. In other words, be sure to give, not just take.

You should also connect with headhunters who deal in the industry and type of position you are interested in. Let them know what you’re looking for so if a job comes up that fits your requirements, they will check to see if you’re interested. There’s nothing wrong with being approached about a new job. If you want, you can pursue it. If not, just say no thanks—this time. And if you can, help them out and pass it along to someone else in your network who may be interested.

More AllBusiness:
99 Inspirational Quotes for Entrepreneurs
The Biggest Mistake I Made in My Business – And What I Learned From It
10 Invaluable Tools for Running a Small Business
The Top 25 Home-Based Business Ideas

3. When You Don’t Need the Job, You’re in the Best Position to Negotiate Salary and Benefits

Human resources managers know that if you’re out of work and looking, you’re likely to settle for less. If you already have a job you like, you have more leverage with the company that wants to hire you.

Getting a new job in a different company is the easiest way to improve your financial position. Unless a promotion is imminent within your existing company, your compensation is unlikely to improve very much where you are. And sometimes, even internal promotions come with limitations in the percentage your salary can increase.

Starting the job hunt while still gainfully employed allows you to stay in control of your career, find out about great opportunities you may not have been aware of, and potentially increase your salary significantly. What are you waiting for?

Read all of Michel Theriault’s articles on AllBusiness.com.

 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/allbusiness/2015/01/15/are-you-happy-with-your-job-then-its-time-to-start-job-hunting/

Your Career: How To Apply For a Job at a Company That Isn’t Hiring…Enclosed is a Template to “Apply” for a Job Even If the Company Isn’t Hiring

/in /by

Welcome back, economy.  USA TODAY reports employers added an average of 246,000 jobs each month in 2014, the best year for job growth since 1999.Fifteen years is a long time, but it finally seems companies have started to hire in a meaningful way.

PeopleAwaitingInterview

That’s why you should rethink what it means to look for new opportunities.Typically, you apply for the positions you find on job boards and company websites.

What if you discover a company you love but find it’s not hiring — or at least not hiring a position relevant to your skills?  Spurred on by the positive job market, you should do the unusual: Apply even when there are no open positions.

First of all, what do you have to lose? Nothing. Exactly.  Second, what if your email pitch is compelling and puts you on the company’s radar?  Then if the boss does need to make a hire, you come to mind.

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That’s the case at my own PR firm. Recently a college student introduced herself even though we had not posted any open jobs. Now the girl is high on our list once she graduates.

I created a template to “apply” for a job even if the company isn’t hiring.

You never know where a single email can lead.

Subject line: [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Your job title, for instance, “Website developer”] interested in career opportunities

Hi ______,

My name is ________, and I am a [recent grad from _____ or job title and your expertise; for instance, a “web developer who specializes in small business websites.”] I hope you’re doing well.

I realize you don’t have a job posting for a [job title; for instance, “web developer,”] but I would still like to make introductions and explore ways I can help your team on [however you can add value; for instance, “website projects.”]

I checked out the [company name’s] website and like the projects you do, in particular [name two and explain why; for instance, “the landing page for the Tampa hospital system and the ecommerce page for the rental car startup. The two sites are fresh and easy to navigate. That’s the kind of work I like to do.”]

[Then, give a little info on your experience; for instance, “For the past _____ years, I have worked with (talk about your experience so far and list examples of past clients); for instance, “various media firms in Houston to create sharp websites for a range of clients. I have completed websites for a veterinary clinic, auto body shop, 24-hour gym, family-owned grocery and a teacher’s supply store.”]

Please see a few examples of my work down below:

  • [link to examples of your work, if available; you can also attach files if it makes more sense]
  • Example #2
  • Example #3

[If you are a recent grad with no real-world experience, provide links to college projects, case studies, internship projects or volunteer efforts. Let the person see what you’re all about.]

I have attached my resume to the email. Please let me know if I can provide more information.

Thanks so much,

You

Email Signature

Notes: In the email, prove you researched the company, link the reader to your own projects, attach your resume and ask nicely for a reply. Then, step back and see what kind of response you receive. The result might surprise you.

More from News To Live By:

Businessinsider.com | January 14, 2015 | DANNY RUBIN, NEWS TO LIVE BY

http://www.newstoliveby.net/2015/01/12/how-to-apply-for-a-job-hiring/#ixzz3Opdoy0j7

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Strategy: 5 Things Your Resume Must Convey In 10 Seconds…Reach Out to Your Hiring Manager Directly With a Pain Letter & Human-Voiced Resume Sent Straight to the Hiring Manager’s desk.

/in /by

If you pitch your resume into Black Hole recruiting sites, you’ll be resting your job-search hopes on a keyword-searching algorithm. That’s why I don’t recommend that approach to job-seekers, no matter how closely a job-seeker’s resume matches the posted job spec.

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The Black Hole

The Black Hole – HR Managers, Posted Ads, Job Sites, Recruiters, etc.

I recommend that you reach out to your hiring manager directly with a Pain Letter and Human-Voiced Resume sent straight to the hiring manager’s desk.

Your Pain Letter will speak so directly to your target hiring manager’s specific issues that your resume is sure to get a look if the manager opens the envelope at all. That’s why we write ultra-targeted Pain Letters versus boring, boilerplate cover letters.

That being said, your resume still has its own heavy lifting to do. In the typical ten-second glance, your resume has to convey at least these five critical points:

Your resume has to convey the fact you know exactly what sort of pain your hiring manager is facing.

You may have written the best Pain Letter in the world, but you still have to get across in your resume the idea that you understand exactly what your next manager needs to have done. Let’s say you’re going after a Business Development role.

Your Pain Letter makes it crystal clear that you understand the challenges associated with selling a brand-new cloud software application to mid-market businesses. Luckily, that’s what you’ve been doing for the past five years, very successfully. Still, your career history includes a wide range of selling experiences, not just in the software realm and not just for startups.

When your manager flips your Pain Letter to see your Human-Voiced Resume just behind and stapled to it, s/he has to see immediately that you’re the kind of Business Development person who can step right into the organization and get the sales pipeline activated.

If your resume isn’t customized to talk about opening new accounts for brand-new software releases, you’ll need to make that experience clear before sending your resume-Pain Letter package in the mail to the startup VP you’ve got your eye on. It’s very easy to lose sight of the fact that Business Pain is specific.

In our bodies, back pain is different from toothache pain. It’s the same way in business. We want to know that you can be effective in the situation we’re facing, specifically, so make that connection plain!

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Your resume has to make it clear that you’re intelligent and business-savvy.

If our second point sounds so obvious that it’s not worth mentioning, you may not spend your days reading resumes the way I do. Your resume has to convey your intelligence and sophistication. That means that it can’t have one typo, one misspelling or one usage error in it, and the language you choose to describe your background has to convey your maturity and intellectual depth.

This is why I warn job-seekers away from cliches like “Results-oriented business professional with a bottom-line orientation.”

When your hiring manager scans your resume, s/he has to think “I want to meet this person,” not “This looks like every boring resume I’ve ever read before.”

 

Your resume has to communicate your story.

Some people use a functional resume format rather than a chronological one, typically because they’re nervous about some gap or blemish in their career history and hope that the functional resume style will obscure or minimize it. That’s a bad move in my opinion.

The number one thing you want to get across to your next manager is your story. There’s nothing wrong with your story, no matter what twists and turns you’ve taken to get here.

When you can see the soundness and logic in your path, other people will too. Don’t hide your story and make your manager hunt for dates and titles and the chronological aspect of your career. That’s the part they’re most avid to know!

Your resume has to tell Dragon-Slaying Stories.

Your former titles and the dates of your past positions are important to give your hiring manager the broad outline of your career to date. Inside that outline, he or she wants to know what you’ve left in your wake at each past job. You can make it easy for him or her to do that by telling short Dragon-Slaying Stories in your resume, like this:

  • After our acquisition of Angry Chocolates, I led the integration of the two firms’ databases for customer, vendor and product information in three weeks without affecting our day-to-day processes on either side.

The reader of your resume wants proof that you know what’s up and how to deal with the curve balls life throws at us. You can share that proof in quick Dragon-Slaying Stories that tell us all we need to know to pick up the phone and call you!

Your resume has to prove that you’re human.

Apart from their value as ‘proof points’ for your hiring manager’s benefit, there’s another big benefit to Dragon-Slaying Stories and the Human-Voiced Resume format in general. The other benefit is that when you write your resume in a human voice, your manager instantly knows that s/he’s dealing with a living, breathing person rather than a corporate automaton or an empty suit.

The more personality and spark you can put into your resume, beginning with the Summary at the top of it, the better. If your hiring manager reads your resume and knows immediately that a coffee date or phone call with you is going to be lively and intellectually stimulating, you’re going to get a lot more responses.

You might feel like you’re taking a risk putting a human voice in your resume, but that’s only  because we’ve been trained to write resumes for automated recruiting portals rather than for humans. When you know that you’re writing to a person at his desk (or hers), it’s much easier and more fun to use a conversational tone.

The reception to your Pain Letter/Human-Voiced Resume combo is going to be more human, too — and the resulting conversation when the two of your connect will make sparks fly! I’ll be rooting for you. Dig your sparkly, behind-the-suit personality out of mothballs and bring it across in your Pain Letter and Human-Voiced Resume. Wait until you see what happens next!

 

Forbes.com | January 14, 2015  | Liz Ryan 

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Strategy: 9 Times Bill Belichick Outsmarted The Entire NFL…Waging the Information War — Even With the Injury Report

/in /by

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been voted the best coach in the NFL for years on end.

Bill Belichick

 

You can see why when you look at how he’s outfoxed his opponents — again and again.

 

2000: Drafting Tom Brady with the 199th pick.

2000: Drafting Tom Brady with the 199th pick.

AP

Belichick has earned a reputation as a brilliant talent scout.

That includes what might be the greatest draft pick in history: taking Michigan quarterback Tom Brady in the sixth round in 2000.

“The thing with Brady was really the traits: his work ethic, his intelligence, his decision-making,” Belichick said in an interview. “I think a lot of the draft process is [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][about] not where the player is right now, but where the player will be a year from now. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player improve as much as Tom did. That’s certainly a big credit to his work ethic and his determination.”

It paid off: Brady has two MVP awards, three Super Bowl wins, and 10 Pro Bowl selections.

 

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2003: Giving up points — to get more in return.

2003: Giving up points — to get more in return.

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Flash back to November 2003. The Broncos are up 24-23 on the Patriots with 2 minutes 51 seconds left in the game. The Pats are in the perilous position of 4th and 10 from their own 1-yard line.

Belichick’s solution?

“Belichick was unwilling to give the Broncos strong field position, so he ordered his long snapper to air one over his punter’s head, giving the Broncos two points on the safety and possession,” John McTigue reports for ESPN.

It worked.

The Patriots forced the Broncos to go three-and-out, and Brady had over two minutes to come back and score the winning touchdown.

2008: Waging the information war — even with the injury report.

2008: Waging the information war — even with the injury report.

Elise Amendola/AP

Belichick listed Brady on the Patriots’ injury report for three years straight.

During that time, Brady played 127 straight games.

Crazy, right? Anything to confuse opponents.

It had an effect on how the league operates.

“The NFL has altered the format for the injury report, in part because of the Patriots,” the Boston Globe reported.

2008: Showcasing talent, then trading it away.

2008: Showcasing talent, then trading it away.

Wesley Hitt / Getty

In 2008, Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first week of the season. Matt Cassell stepped in as the starter that season, passing for over 3,500 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Belichick promptly traded him away to the Chiefs for a second-round pick.

Five years later, Belichick used another Brady backup as trade-bait: Ryan Mallett was sent to the Houston Texans for a late-round draft choice.

The underlying story: Belichick maximizes value every time.

2012: Embracing the no-huddle offense.

2012: Embracing the no-huddle offense.

Adam Hunger/Reuters

When the Patriots are rolling on offense, the game looks more like basketball than football.

By turning up the tempo, Brady can find and exploit weaknesses in the defense — and force them to stay that way.

As Deadspin writer Chris Brown detailed:

Modern defenses want to match offenses in terms of strength and speed via personnel substitutions. They also want to confuse offenses with movement and disguise. The up-tempo no-huddle stymies those defensive options.

The defense doesn’t have time to substitute, and it’s also forced to show its hand: It can’t disguise or shift because the quarterback can snap the ball and take advantage of some obvious, structural weakness.

And when the defense is forced to reveal itself, Tom Brady can change into a better play. The upshot of this tactic: Brady, of all people, sees defenses that are simpler than those most other NFL quarterbacks go up against.

Like with the six-receiver play against the Ravens on Jan. 10, the no-huddle strategy is an example of Belichick capitalizing on the structure of the game itself.

2013: Coaching his players on how to deal with media.

2013: Coaching his players on how to deal with media.

Getty

In 2013, the Patriots had a public-relations catastrophe when former tight end Aaron Hernandez was indicted for murder.

But Patriots players knew how to handle the media intensity.

Take it from former Patriots lineman Ross Tucker:

Quotes from the players when asked about the Hernandez situation in the coming days will be almost identical because that is what they will be told to say. I spent seven years in the NFL with five different teams, and I had never had a coach spend as much time talking about the media [as Belichick] and there was no close second.

Again, Belichick knows the power of information — and teaches his players to respect it, too.

2013: Using the environment.

2013: Using the environment.

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Late in the 2013 season, the Patriots were hosting the Denver Broncos. The game went into overtime.

The Pats won the toss. They then elected to defer.

The reason? Winds were gusting at over 25 miles an hour at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.

Instead of taking the ball, Belichick took the wind.

It worked. Denver kicker Matt Prater didn’t think he could knock in a 37-yard game-winner with that much wind in his face, and the Pats won with the winds at their backs.

2014: Not giving away any information.

2014: Not giving away any information.

NFL

In September 2014, the Patriots were struggling.

But Belichick kept his poker face.

When reporters asked him about the team’s perceived weaknesses, he said some version of “We’re on to Cincinnati” five times in a row.

The transcript is gold:

Reporter: Do you feel like the talent you have here is good?

Belichick: We’re getting ready for Cincinnati.

Reporter: Do you think you’ve done enough to help Tom Brady?

Belichick: We’re getting ready for Cincinnati. That’s what we’re doing.

2015: Using defense-destroying formations.

2015: Using defense-destroying formations.

NBC

On Jan. 10, the Patriots came back to win against the Ravens with a little bit of cunning.

For three plays, Belichick’s offense set up with only four offensive linemen and a wide receiver lined up in the traditional left-tackle spot.

It was a game of hide-and-seek — one that the Ravens lost. 

After the game, Ravens coach John Harbaugh objected to the tactic, saying, “It was clearly deception.”

“We had six eligible receivers on the field, but only five were eligible,” Belichick retorted.

http://www.businessinsider.com/times-bill-belichick-outsmarted-the-nfl-2015-1?op=1#ixzz3One4g7Dg[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Strategy: 10 Simple Things My Dad Taught Me About Networking…Looking Out for How you Can Leverage Your Contacts to Help Others Is the Foundation of Being a Connector

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It’s often said that whether or not we like it, we end up morphing into our parents as we grow older.

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I was fortunate to have my dad role model for me some really critical lessons about the power of being a connector and master networker, and I’d like to share his top lessons with you:

  1. Always remember birthdays. My dad taught me the value of remembering things that are going on in other people’s lives. One thing he does is makes it a habit to calendar the birthdays of the important people in his network and send them a snail mail card each year. This is generally dozens of cards a month and it makes a lasting impression.

 

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2. Be a connector. Looking out for how you can leverage your contacts to help others is the foundation of being a connector.  It’s about giving without the expectation that you will get something in return.

3-Look at the world as a puzzle. Whether you’re speaking with your friend or person you met at an event, listen carefully to what they’re telling you. Are they expressing concern or frustration about something? Have they expressly mentioned a need? Is there someone in your network with whom you could connect them to help or move them forward on their journey in life? Look at the world like a puzzle, using your network to connect others to help both parties advance.

4-There aren’t six degrees of separation…there are two, you just have to think hard about how to get there! This builds off of lesson number three. It’s easy to visualize now when you look at tools like LinkedIn that document for you how many degrees of separation exist between you and someone with whom you’d like to connect. The statistic is technically that there are 4.74 degrees of separation, but thinking of it as two simply served as a perspective shift for me on the power of your connections.

5-It’s not necessarily what you know, but whom you know. Think back to the last time you needed something intangible and how you got it. Getting a job is certainly easier if you know someone. Closing that big deal goes more smoothly when someone refers you. The examples go on and on. Certainly what you know is not to be discredited entirely, because once you get in the door, you have to back it up with something. But, would you have gotten in the door without a connection? Or would it not be a boost to have had someone singing your praises before you arrived?

6-Do talk to strangers. My dad is the king of striking up a conversation with anyone, especially his plane seatmate. He’ll know your life story by the time the flight lands and in all likelihood, you’ll have an email in your inbox within 24 hours connecting you to someone who will be of value to you. He is never out for anything for himself in these chats; he rarely even tells the other person much about himself. But, he’s been able to gift the power of his network to countless people over the years simply by saying hello and asking questions.

7-It’s all about your follow-through. If you don’t follow up, send a thank you, do what you said you’ll do or keep in touch, a relationship falls flat.

8-Being on time is late; 5 minutes early is on time. A big part of networking is what happens after an initial meeting and the impression you make. Part of that is being respectful of someone else’s time by arriving early.

9-Relationships often pay dividends years down the road. If you can do something for the people you meet right away, that’s a bonus. But sometimes, it takes years to find that opportunity. Either way, a relationship in itself has value.

10- Never underestimate the power of someone’s rolodex (or CRM, LinkedIn contacts, or whatever other modern-day version you prefer). Being kind to someone could result in their singing your praises or connecting you to someone who becomes a great influence. Being unkind, cold or selfish could result in the opposite — never, ever burn bridges.

Finally, a bonus tip: Use proper grammar and dress the part during meetings. Both contribute to the impression you’re making and the way you carry yourself. Thank you, Dad, for all the valuable lessons that have served me well as an adult.

Darrah Brustein is a writer, master-networker, and serial entrepreneur with businesses in merchant services, networking and financial education for kids; she is also the founder of Network Under 40, a networking organization young professionals.

 

Forbes.com | January 13, 2015  | Darrah Brustein 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/yec/2015/01/13/10-simple-things-my-dad-taught-me-about-networking/