Sunday, February 6, 2011

Pay Attention to Social Media

There are still people who have no internet strategy for their career.  Social media is not a fad, and it is now just silly to avoid LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc...  These are real tools that are being used by serious business professionals.  If you are reading this and still making excuses about why social media matters.... get over yourself and pay attention.

I am not saying it is 100% for everyone, but some people have their heads buried in the sand.  Everyone is now responsible for creating and cultivating their own personal brand, and the internet is a powerful tool to make this happen.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Give A Speech

Public speaking skills are an important piece of a successful career.  Those who can clearly and concisely share ideas with others always rise to the top.  Additionally, those who take the stage can carve out their position as a leader.

However, the ability to speak to an audience is a learned skill.  Too many business professionals feel they can "wing it" when they take the stage, and thus too many audiences are underwhelmed by the presentations they must sit through.

Agree to speak often inside your company and industry and devote the time to craft a well thought out speech that will have a lasting impact on your audience.

If speaking scares you, join a Toastmasters Club and actively participate for one year. 

Friday, February 4, 2011

Do Not Give Up

No matter what you are doing, remember this: 100% of those who give up do not succeed. Some who keep going do not succeed, ..... but some knock it out of the park!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Value Others

Too often we all take other people for granted.  We fail to honor the benefits that people bring us.

You see it all the time.  People cancel on their friends or stand them up.  They call strangers and ask to "Pick Their Brain", without thinking of what they can do in return.  People seek advice, take up time, and then do not implement actions or ever follow up.... much less say "thank you".

Take the time to value the other.  Praise people in your life who are achieving success.  Let go of judgment and jealousy and be proud of those you know.

ReTweet people (if you are on Twitter), quote folks if you blog, and verbally talk them up around town.  Remind yourself daily that your success can never come in a vacuum.

Everyone wants to feel significant, but we cannot be significant alone in a field. We need others.  Embrace the philosophy of "Cooperative Significance"... and take you initial joy in seeing others find their victories.... yours will come, too!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Find A New Blog

There are so many people out there on the internet who are sharing interesting ideas, thoughts, advice and points of view.  Don't be a creature of habit and only read the same media everyday.  Discover new blogs, and other websites, and explore some new gurus.

It is easy to find new blogs.  Google a topic or follow the Blog Roll links from sites you are already familiar.

New information and perspectives will help you expand yourself.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Welcome Serandipty

Many of us feel we need to be in control, but some of the best things happen to us when we just go with the flow.  Resist the urge to schedule every moment of your day. 

Leave your lunch hour open and then see who is available to dine with you at the last minute.  Roam the halls of your office or post a message on Twitter to see who wants to grab a bit to eat.  You might be surprised at the seeds of success that can come out of chance meeting.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Host A Dinner Party

Having people to your home is a wonderful way to forge stronger bonds. Too many people shy away from hosting dinner parties because they over-think the whole process. They worry about if their house or apartment is nice enough, they question what to serve, and they wonder if anyone will have fun (or even want to come).

The reality is that if you just do it it will work out.

It can be a small group, or a larger gathering. You can host friends who all know each other or mix and match a variety of people you know from different parts of your life. Even co-workers or clients can be added to the mix.... just because you know people professionally it does not mean you wont enjoy them on a personal level.

Planning a menu and cooking dinner can ignite your creativity, and the bonus is that you will need to put in the effort to cleaning your house.

If you are overwhelmed by cooking for everyone, ask some of the guest to help out by bringing a side dish, appetizer, or dessert.