Archive for the ‘Networking’ Category
August 13th, 2011 | 
Author: Do you recommend someone when they ask you? Do you ask for recommendations? Does either recommendation have value if it’s mutual? Here are some thoughts about giving recommendations, asking for recommendations and writing recommendations that resonate.
1. Giving recommendations – If you’re asked to give a recommendation by someone you barely know, let them know how limited your comments would be and that it would be worse than having no recommendation at all. Giving a recommendation in response to a request from a respected business contact about whom you could say many good things requires input from them on the areas that they want to focus on. You want to reinforce their profile. They may be looking for a job that you can support with specific, relevant knowledge. Consider two things – Are you telling potential employers truthful information that has meaning for them and are you keeping it to supportable facts that prevent damage to your own reputation.
The content can be current chitchat; the role small talk plays, however, is far from minor. It’s an enormously important conversation starter and often determines if you want to keep talking – hence the opportunity to build a relationship – or make a quick escape.
Because the content may seem unimportant (let’s get right to the “what do you?” and “what can you do for me”), you may think it unnecessary to prepare… and wing it. That works for the few people who can think succinctly on their feet and then articulate their thoughts fluently and effortlessly.
Gender differences in communication can also be small talk hazards. Men have three main topics in their small talk repertoire: sports, current events, business/jobs. Women have hundreds and since they disclose more about their personal lives they may run into a blank stare when they start with children and spouses.
Posted in Networking | 
Tags: Auto, chitchat, conversation starter, Draft, emmy nominees, football baseball, gender differences in communication, Men, minor, politics and religion, Talk, three fingers, wing, Women | 
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We’ve all heard about the “blurb.” It’s that short phrase you use to describe what you do for a living. Often it’s the first and, maybe if handled incorrectly, the last, contact you’ll have when meeting a potential client. It’s more important than your name when introducing yourself.
When it comes to creating a blurb to describe what you do, think benefits. Most people are interested in what’s in it for them. Also, try to use a blurb that offers an open-ended question. Those are the kind where a simple “yes” or “no” isn’t going to cut it. It should beg for more info.
Saying something like, I’m a graphic designer,” is, frankly, boring and closed-ended. Its fitting reply is, “Oh, ok” Sorry, but the same thing goes for “I’m a photographer, a writer, a business consultant,” etc.
Posted in Networking |
Tags: Auto, benefit, client, contact, core benefits, designer, Draft, emotional level, last, last contact, marketing goals, open ended question, syllable words, table |
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