Here are some thoughts on how to keep the job you are in. They could be perceived as ‘common sense’, however not always ‘common practice’.

E — Go the Extra mile — Take on additional responsibilities and do your job with both energy and enthusiasm.

M — Manage your time — We all have the same amount of time in a day, yet some people are more productive then others. Motivate yourself, which is only something you can do for yourself.

P — Be Professional at all times — You are truly on 24/7 — someone is watching us and making a judgment in the way we Present our self and the type of Poise we possess; take Pride in your work.

L — Listen with both your ears and eyes. We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason — use them in proportion so that we listen more then we speak.
Show your loyalty to your company in all that you do.

Continue reading " Staying Employed "

[Part II of II - To read part I, click here.]

5. When your advocates recommend you. This is the best form of advertising you can ever get. It’s so easy to take the time and go back to our advocate and say, “Thank you for referring me to ____. I will keep you posted and informed on what develops. It means a great deal to me to know that you’re willing to recommend me. I appreciate it.” This type of “thank you” might include a small gift as well.

6. When your contacts are patient; or not so patient. Our contacts help us when they give us time to learn how to best serve them. Often this requires their patience. On the other hand, they give us a “wake-up call” when they ask us to hurry up. When this happens they might really be saying, “Hey, remember me? Keep me in mind, or I just might get swept away by the competition.” In either case, pull out a note card again and let them know how important they are to you. Perhaps say, “Thanks for keeping me on my toes. I appreciate how you help keep me on my toes.”

7. When someone says “no” to you. You’ve gone on an interview or meeting and you didn’t get the job, this time. It’s still the opportunity to write a short note. Thank them for their time, their consideration and their honesty. Keep the door open by being friendly and courteous. Research I conducted in the last four years shows that almost 20 percent of jobs and opportunities comes from prospects that said no the first time. People remembered the notes and can make a difference.

Continue reading " TAKE NOTE: Key Ways to Say “Thank You” When You Are Building Your New & Empowered Network (cont.) "

[Part I of II]

One of the easiest and most effective ways to stay in touch is with the power of the personal note.
As you are ‘networking’ to grow and build your contact base, always take the opportunity to reach out and say thank you through a personal note — beside e-mails and texts!

Look over these tips written in two installments — take one and apply and see what happens when you do these consistently.

Whether you are looking to grow in your current public relations position or find a new one — the power of the 42 cent investment plan works!

1. When someone does business with you — every time. Write a short, personalized “thank you” on an interesting card, letterhead, or even a postcard that says, “I appreciate your business, thank you.” You can never say thank you to someone too many times. We all appreciate the fact that people go out of their way to make us feel important and recognized.
2. When they compliment you. When a contact compliments you about something, it’s an opportunity to jot off a little note of thanks, saying, “Thank you for taking the time for making my day. I appreciate it.” Compliments are given so rarely, so take the lead to say thank you when you get one.�
   

Continue reading " TAKE NOTE: Key Ways to Say “Thank You” When You Are Building Your New and Empowered Network "

A- Action, Attitude.
B- Belong to Industry Groups.
C- Call your Contacts; Connect.
D- Deliver what you say.
E- Empathy and Eye Contact.
F- Friendly Approach.
G- Set Goals – “Go for it”, Gratitude, Give.
H- Humor and Help Go Hand in Hand.
I- Be Interested and Have Integrity.
J- Join and Get Involved.
K- Keep in Touch and Be Kind.
L- Listen, Learn.
M- Motivate Yourself.
N- Niceness Pays.
O- Ask Open-ended Questions; Opportunity.
P- Practice — Be Professional.
Q- Set a Quota.
R- Be a Resource and Do Your Research.
S- Strategy and :-) Smile.
T- Timing Is Everything – Trust Is Key.
U- Understand Others.
V- Be Versatile.
W- Write Letters.
X- Do It With Love XoXo; at Least “Like.”
Y- Focus on “YOU” the Other Person.
Z- Zoar With the Possibilities of New and Nurtured Connections.

Continue reading " ABCs of Networking "

Networking is an important business tool, resulting in new business, jobs and internal connections and alliances. The idea that networking is for people with outgoing personalities is really false, because introverts have strengths that they can use with strategies that blend well with their personalities.

There are different ways to network — one size does not fit all; and it involves more than just talking to a bunch of people at a function and collecting cards.

It is sometimes strategic and structured at the event. Often it is serendipitous in that we meet and connect in all areas of our life throughout the day and just don’t call it ‘networking.’

Characteristics of Introverts and Extroverts:

Introverts                                                                                             Extroverts 
Recharged by being alone                                                               Energized by contact with others
Prefer listening                                                                                   Talkative
Thoughtful and reflective                                                                  Action oriented
Focused                                                                                               Multi-taskers
May be mistaken as aloof                                                                 Seen as friendly and outgoing
Speaking means they are ready to act                                           Want to speak anytime
Need time and space for themselves                                             Like to surround themselves with others
Keep thoughts to themselves                                                          Talking is “thinking out loud”
React internally                                                                                   React externally

Thoughtful Listeners

Listening carefully to others is a skill that comes easy to introverts, who naturally absorb and use what they hear. Introverts generally spend more time listening and less time talking. This rare trait makes them particularly liked and respected by those who come in contact with them.

Continue reading " You Are An Introvert — and Still Need to Network — Here Is a Simple Plan "