Kathy's Connection
EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR HEARS ONCE AGAIN COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS NEEDED
Last week I attended a social function and the topic came around to business communication skills once again.
It seems we are reaching a crisis in regard to communicating with each other. For the painfully shy people it is the need to be able to carry on a conversation with just one individual. For salespeople it is the need to be able to present to more than one person at a time or walk into a room and strike up a conversation to start the building of a relationship. For the "Y" generation it is a matter of being able to carry on conversations with individuals that does not include the "shorthand" that they have learned when text messaging on their cell phones or IM (Instant Messaging) on their computers.
What is the answer? It is apparent to me that those of us working in the communication field have to sharpen our skills and develop seminars and training on business communication tools that are easy to understand and easy to implement. There are many training exercises that quickly illustrate "why" something works or for that matter why it doesn't work. Since we are living in an era of quick fixes, there is no time to present fluff, practical applications are needed now.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
When giving a speech, make the font type about 16 point for your notes and then only use the top two-thirds of your page. That way it will not be so apparent you are reading your speech.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Kathy's Connection
EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF TELLING THE TRUTH
A few months ago I went through Eric Allenbaugh's Performance Coaching Certification. Eric constantly stressed "Be tough on the issues and soft on the people."
Now that I have been out there in the world using the tools he taught me, I realize that not only is that important, the sooner you do it the better. If there is something that is bothering you, the sooner you get it out in the open the less stress it will cause in your life.
In the case of working with people, they may not even know their actions may be causing problems. Once the issue has been brought to light, adjustments can be made if the person desires to make changes.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
Take file folders and label them 1-31 ---- one for each day of the month. When you have tickets, directions or invitations file them in the appropriate folder. No more misplaced airline schedules.
EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF TELLING THE TRUTH
A few months ago I went through Eric Allenbaugh's Performance Coaching Certification. Eric constantly stressed "Be tough on the issues and soft on the people."
Now that I have been out there in the world using the tools he taught me, I realize that not only is that important, the sooner you do it the better. If there is something that is bothering you, the sooner you get it out in the open the less stress it will cause in your life.
In the case of working with people, they may not even know their actions may be causing problems. Once the issue has been brought to light, adjustments can be made if the person desires to make changes.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
Take file folders and label them 1-31 ---- one for each day of the month. When you have tickets, directions or invitations file them in the appropriate folder. No more misplaced airline schedules.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Kathy's Connection
CAREER COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR ATTENDS MONTHLY VANCOUVER CHAMBER FORUM
Each month the Chamber of Commerce in my hometown of Vancouver, Washington holds a forum about important issues that concern our community. High-level executives give us an overview. Then the forum is open for questions from the community.
This month there was presentation on the architectural design for an area that will be transformed from a former airfield to an area that will become a huge complex that includes retail stores, homes and restaurants.
This forum provided an outstanding opportunity to for us to really learn first-hand about what is happening in our community, including traffic impact and new jobs.
For $10 (included breakfast provided by Nautilus at their World Headquarters) I was able to become a very informed citizen on the issue--important information for an Executive Coach to have in her tool
chest.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
On Sunday, in your local paper you will see
the listings for events that are happening in your
community the following week. Be sure to check out
the Business Section and decide which activity will
be important for you to attend.
Read my article on 15 Networking tips on my
website.
CAREER COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR ATTENDS MONTHLY VANCOUVER CHAMBER FORUM
Each month the Chamber of Commerce in my hometown of Vancouver, Washington holds a forum about important issues that concern our community. High-level executives give us an overview. Then the forum is open for questions from the community.
This month there was presentation on the architectural design for an area that will be transformed from a former airfield to an area that will become a huge complex that includes retail stores, homes and restaurants.
This forum provided an outstanding opportunity to for us to really learn first-hand about what is happening in our community, including traffic impact and new jobs.
For $10 (included breakfast provided by Nautilus at their World Headquarters) I was able to become a very informed citizen on the issue--important information for an Executive Coach to have in her tool
chest.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
On Sunday, in your local paper you will see
the listings for events that are happening in your
community the following week. Be sure to check out
the Business Section and decide which activity will
be important for you to attend.
Read my article on 15 Networking tips on my
website.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Kathy's Connection
EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING IN TOUCH
Recently, I have been the recipient of some wonderful notes from people I have not heard from in
a long time. We get so busy we lose touch with people
and then "think" it has been too long since we talked that "They probably wouldn't remember me or care if I was in touch with them."
I have discovered the opposite is true. There is nothing better than getting a phone call or a note from someone that you met at a conference or on a trip. It tells the receiver that you made some difference in her life--whether it was just an "aha moment" or quiet respite of time in a busy day where honest communication took place.
You can call it networking --- I prefer to call it
connecting with people and building relationships.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
If you are a professional, you will probably have a need for a resume some time in the near future. I don't mean you are going to be an employee on the way out, I mean you may need it for a grant application, an introduction of you or the expansion of your company. Keep a running list of your accomplishments. It will make it much easier to pull them together when you really need them.
Encourage your friends to sign up for Weekly*Wisdom on my website. They'll start the week out on a positive note.
EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING IN TOUCH
Recently, I have been the recipient of some wonderful notes from people I have not heard from in
a long time. We get so busy we lose touch with people
and then "think" it has been too long since we talked that "They probably wouldn't remember me or care if I was in touch with them."
I have discovered the opposite is true. There is nothing better than getting a phone call or a note from someone that you met at a conference or on a trip. It tells the receiver that you made some difference in her life--whether it was just an "aha moment" or quiet respite of time in a busy day where honest communication took place.
You can call it networking --- I prefer to call it
connecting with people and building relationships.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
If you are a professional, you will probably have a need for a resume some time in the near future. I don't mean you are going to be an employee on the way out, I mean you may need it for a grant application, an introduction of you or the expansion of your company. Keep a running list of your accomplishments. It will make it much easier to pull them together when you really need them.
Encourage your friends to sign up for Weekly*Wisdom on my website. They'll start the week out on a positive note.
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