Archive for Personal Development
Business Card Design for Effective Networking
Posted by: | CommentsEven with all the technological advances that have come about in the past few decades, the business card is still a powerful way to communicate and network.
Elements of Good Business Card Design
The main thing you want to accomplish with your business card design is to stand out. If one attends many networking events they know just how many business cards people acquire.
Because a business card is a reminder of who one is, they will want to stand out among all the rest. One way to stand out is to change the shape of the card. There is no law that says that
business cards have to be 3" x 2." with the corners at sharp right angles. By simply rounding the corners it will make quite a difference. Another way to stand out are the elements that you put on the card. A humorous picture goes a long ways to eliciting a smile and reaction from those that receive the card. A funny tagline always makes a business card memorable.
Even changing your professional title can help. Small business owners and entrepreneurs should use something other than president or CEO. Be creative, even self-deprecating. Consider Yahoo, a large billion-dollar company and the founders refer to themselves as Chief Yahoo. Still, there are professions where comical or whimsical business cards are not well-suited. In cases like lawyers or morticians, the best tip for good business card design is to go minimal. Use plain text and offer as little as possible. Some business professionals could get away with just a name and phone number. For more information place only the name and title on the front, then put additional information on the back. This is a good way to get an initial impression from a minimal design, while still offering plenty of information about one's business.
Always Leave Room For Notes
A person should have plenty of room on their card to personalize it. Good networkers know to always personalize a business card with a note of some sort, like providing their cellphone
number. Handwriting something turns a business card into a personal note which has a higher value. Again the personalized business card will stand out among any others a person may
get.
Of course, if a person is not using the back of their business card it is all the room they will need. On the other hand should someone decide to use the front and back, there should be
plenty of room somewhere to write a note. Just make sure that the note space has a white or very light background to contrast against the ink of the pen for maximum readability.
How to Measure the Effectiveness of Your Design
Networking Is Like Swimming
Posted by: | CommentsBy TARA SCHMAKEL, The ONCE Timid Networker
It’s spring and you’re heading to the pool for the first time of the season. It’s finally warm out. No, it’s downright hot! All you can think about is getting cool in the pool! You know it will be refreshing, you will be with friends or family that you have been looking forward to spending time with and you may even lose that glow in the dark look that you’ve been sporting all winter! You’re ready to get in, but before you do, you test the waters with your toe… IT’S FREEZING. You know that you want to get in, but you can’t just “jump in” like everyone is hollering out to you. So you go back on the deck to psych yourself up!
To a lot of people networking is just like getting into that pool for the first time. It’s too cold and instead of just jumping in, they retreat for another time or until they are ready.
So what can a person do to ease into networking? Three things will help:
1. Think positive- If you think the pool is too cold, it will be. If you think the event will be intimidating, it will be. Tell yourself how great it will be and how good it will feel to have the sense of accomplishment! Just like you psych yourself to get into the pool, you can psych yourself for the event!
2. Dress for success- There are certain items of clothing that are suitable for swimming. It would be challenging to go for a dip if you were wearing a snowmobile suit. It could actually hinder your progress and weigh you down and you could even drown. If you are wearing something inappropriate for networking, you can also take a dive. Dressing according to your business is always a good idea, but many find it helpful to dress it up a notch. They find that little extra, gives them confidence, not to mention an edge over their competition. Also, don’t forget your smile. The most important accessory you could put on!
3. Be prepared- To swim in a pool, you need to have the water ready. To network at an event, you need to have your words ready. Practice what to say when someone asks you what you do. Memorize a phrase or two that will just roll off your tongue. Once you are comfortable and a person is truly interested in what you do, you will find it easy to speak from the heart. You will also find it helpful to have business cards and your calendar along!
By practicing these tips and making them your own, it will become easier to attend a function, just like easing into the pool a little at a time. However, you may find you reach a certain level of comfort that you decide to just go all the way in. Whether you become numb to the effects of your mind or just reach a level of comfort, the result will be refreshing and satisfying and you may even build some relationships and get some business!
Tara Schmakel
The Workroom at Tara’s - I’ve had the entrepreneurial spirit since I was 6 when I started my first business. My methods have changed but my enthusiasm has remained child like. However being a person who felt easily intimidated and shy I was hindered. I have been the recipiant of so much assistance and belief from others and I want to give back. This blog is my story, my ups and downs and lessons learned not just by me, but also others who have felt the same. If I can give to one person what others have given me, then I have succeeded.
The Different Leadership Styles
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There are three accepted types of leadership styles: autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire. Each carries its own advantages and problems, and you will often find that a situation often requires just one, rather than blending them together. These leadership styles, when used effectively and in a situation that bests utilizes their strengths, will offer success. When they are used in the wrong type of situation, however, you will easily see their weaknesses. We intend to show you how to choose between them and find a balance that works best for you.
Leadership styles: Autocratic
Of all the leadership styles, this is the most domineering and it requires a strong force of will to manage it. With this style, you make all choices. Your staff and coworkers have little, if any, say in what goes on with a project. You assign work and then make sure it gets done; you take on all major responsibilities and, if there are decisions to be made, you work them out. The autocratic approach is one that requires a strong personality. Those uncomfortable with positions of power and dealing with the consequences should not try this.
Of course, it must be noted that this is usually the most hated form of leadership. Your staff will want to have their opinions heard and the autocratic form does not really allow for that. Sometimes, however, a situation calls for this kind of strict leadership. Perhaps you have come in to a staff that is used to missing deadlines or being coddled? An
established authority may be a necessity, even if it does make you less popular.
Leadership styles: Democratic
If you happen to have a team that is reliable and filled with people of good ideas, then this can be the right style for you. With democratic, you spend less time making sure everything gets done and more listening to the input
of others. When you have a team that does not require your constant supervision, you can enjoy their opinions and have the time to actually sort through them. The team is a part of the company, not just a part of you.
This is considered the most popular of styles as people will work harder–theoretically–for a leader who includes them. Still, this style will only work if you have a group that is willing to put their ideas into action, not just wait for your signal.
What can we learn from charismatic leadership?
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Fidel Castro and Winston Churchill. Jesus and Mohammed. All exemplify charismatic leadership, one of the three forms of leadership classified by sociologist Max Weber.
At the heart of Weber’s classification is a belief in the “exceptional sanctity, heroism or exemplary character of an individual”. Significantly, it is a neutral term, implying neither good nor evil. Hitler, for example, was a charismatic leader as was Mohandas Ghandi.
One of the most fascinating attributes of charismatic leadership is that followers are drawn to the individual because of their personality or charisma. Like Ghandi, they do not have to hold a position of authority in order to inspire or lead people.
Instead, followers may see the leader as a parental figure who will nurture and guide them or as a prophet who can reveal higher truths. The leader may also be heralded as a hero based on previous triumphs or as a person of integrity, regarded for living by strong principles.
In recent years, charismatic leadership has fallen out of favor. Yet, it still plays a role in our society. When a Fortune 500 company needs a CEO to turn the tide of failing fortunes or a lackluster political party wants to boost its popularity in the polls, a charismatic leader can be relied upon to inspire renewed faith and optimism among the ranks.
Despite the naysayers, charismatic leadership can benefit society in multiple ways.
• Vision: these leaders express a compelling view of the future.
• Passion: they embody their belief.
• Energy: they commit boundless energy to realizing their goals.
• Creativity: they develop solutions to the problems that bog others down.
• Inspiration: they arouse confidence, faith and belief in their followers.
Given such positive associations, why would anyone question the role of charismatic leadership in our society today? The answer lies in how easily faith can be misplaced. When we consider a cult like that of the notorious Jim Jones, we can see how blindly following a leader can bring about pain, suffering and death.
Building a corporate culture of creativity
Posted by: | CommentsBuilding a corporate culture of creativity as well as accepting new ideas will capture the talent, energy and commitment of employees. Take 3 minutes to watch the movie “A Peacock in the Land of Penguins” to inspire you and your team.
Personal Success Factors and You
Posted by: | CommentsAs I was exploring my success library I am amazed at how frequently I have devoured great books on marketing, personal development and business development. Reading and surrounding yourself with positive, action taking and result focused materials really increases your Personal Success Factors. Here are a few of my recommendations. What are your favorites?
10 Tips For Effective Prospecting
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When you are starting a home business, you must be accountable and engaged in your daily action plan. 10 tips for effective prospecting of your home business will pave the way for executive level income opportunities are:
Smile when you talk on the phone:
You will be amazed to see how smiling can bring about a change in your business prospects. It makes a great difference to your voice also.
Show enthusiasm:
Your prospect will be a lot more interested in your business proposal or strategy, if you are excited about it. People want to be a part of excitement and enthusiasm.
Be polite:
Even if you feel that you would not want to work with someone, it is necessary to be polite and end the call before moving over to someone else.
Make more calls:
Always challenge yourself with a new vigor to dial the phone and make more calls than you did the day before. It enhances your prospects.
Practice before you call:
Before you make a call, practice on the phone. Make the conversation sound normal and easy.
Do not waste your time on prospects missing appointments:
If a prospect misses an appointment more than once, be sure to take the hint and move on. Do not waste your time.
Talk less and listen more:
It is advisable to listen to the demands of the prospect carefully; it helps you decide on what you can offer.
Never quit:
10 Ways To Improve Communication
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How to Become an Ideal Leader
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Are you a leader
When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don’t seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to be? You see people milling around but nothing gets accomplished. And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that – goals. Then maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it.
Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And it isn’t unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen – to be the head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership just suits you fine.
Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership.
You must also remember that good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.
First of all, let’s define leadership. To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group.
Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a leader not a boss.
First of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this accomplished?
People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don’t follow me, I’m lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you’re headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all.
The only sure way for your people to lose is if they give up.
Posted by: | CommentsFollowing leadership article is from ArtWilliams.com
“The only sure way for your people to lose is if they give up. Your lack of encouragement should never be the reason a person quits. A leader must always keep believing in people, no matter what.”
No. 1 – Have confidence in your people.
- See each person as a winner.
- Expect success from everyone.
- Let people know you think they can win.
No. 2 – Recognize each accomplishment, no matter how small.
- Show people that you know what they do.
- Make each small accomplishment seem major – it really is.
- Make your praise public – people love to be recognized among their peers.
No. 3 – Sell the dream, again.
- Never think you can stop “selling the dream.”
- People need to be constantly reminded of the rewards of their hard work.
- Encourage people to talk about their personal goals and dreams. (You could have a “dream” session and ask each person to tell his personal “success dream.”)
No. 4 – Don’t give up on people when they make mistakes.
- Live with them through the tough times, as well as the easy times.
- Care about each person as an individual.
- Allow people to learn from their mistakes. Never criticize.
