Archive for October 2009

business etiquette tip: Sitting on a future client or colleague? What may be habit for you, may be considered disrespectful to another. Proper etiquette when receiving a business card is to take a brief glance at it, say “Thank you <Name>”, and place in your shirt pocket, handbag or briefcase – never in your back…

Do you think of your client as THEM or vice versa? Often times it’s hard to determine how each side began competing for control of the relationship. Regardless, it’s imperative to not let the relationship spin out of control to enemy territory. Examples: 1) Focus on rehearsing call vs. planning how to get the conversation…

Speaking skill tip: Really, you want me to hug the audience? No, but metaphorically I do! If you want an audience to truly listen, trust your expertise and feel connected, it’s essential to connect on a human level. Remove the physical and energetic barrier by stepping away from the podium. Proximity creates vitality and gets…

How do you recognize executive presence? Have you ever been in a meeting or chatting where one participant stood out? Where personal engagement level, clarity of thought and expression deemed them exceptional? You were likely witnessing executive presence in action. Several attributes consistently characterize the very best executive presence. They encompass interpersonal engagement skills that…

Dress codes are really vague. Most senior company leaders say that they understand that the days of suits and dresses are long gone. I’m often told by them that they “get it” that their employees want fewer rules and regulations which have little to do with performance. But later, they will make inconsistent comments. Behind…