2010 — Get In Front Communications

Your A-Z Guide to Successful Business Blogging

Are you ready to launch a blog or ramp up your existing one?

Here are 26 tips to help you on your blogging journey:

Add pictures, visuals, and images to your posts to communicate with readers on different levels.

Be the solution. Help people solve their problems. Solve, don’t sell.

Consider all multimedia platforms such as video blogs, podcasts, and audio clips.

Define who you are, who your audience is, and what benefits blogging may bring you. The bottom line: Why are you blogging?

Eavesdrop on conversations to help you develop new content.

Forget the word count. Be clear and make your point. That’s it.

Grab people’s attention from the get-go with compelling and punchy headlines.

Highlight text, subheads, key phrases, and lists to emphasize important points and make your posts more reader-friendly.

Interact with your readers by asking them questions in your posts and responding to comments.

Jump into the fray. Don’t be afraid to take a stand on an issue or controversy in your niche or field. Boldness counts.

Kill the negative self-talk and judgment. You don’t have to be a professional writer to be a great blogger.

Listen to the conversations in chats and groups to determine what people are “stuck” on. There’s your content.

Move people emotionally through your words, language, metaphors, real-life experiences, and humanity.

Notice what other bloggers are doing. Get ideas on layout, colors, design, content, and self-promotion.

Open your eyes, heart, and mind. We’re in uncharted waters.

Position yourself as a credible resource in your field. Become the “go-to” guy (or gal)

Quit taking it personally (Q-TIP) if no one comments on your blog. Comments do not equal readers.

Remember we are in a real-time world. Post often so your blog doesn’t become static and stale.

Simplify your words. Blogging is not business writing, even though you’re probably writing about business. Be conversational. Consider yourself a creative artist.

Try using patience. You may get frustrated or overwhelmed with the pressures that come along with a blog. This isn’t a short-term commitment with fast results.

Understand the analytics, metrics, search engine optimization, keywords, and other important tools to help you determine content, audience, readership, and more.

Vary your posts but not your expertise. Stick with what you know without painting yourself into a corner.

Write when you have something to say. Your readers will appreciate it.

X-ray your life. Take a close look into the body and soul of your professional career and personal experiences. Shine a light on them to diagnose your ”lessons learned.” The result: Content. Lots of it.

Yearn for more. Your curiosity and willingness to learn about new trends in your industry, technology, and life in general will serve you well in your blogging endeavors.

Zero in on your readers. Write as if you’re speaking directly to them. A blog is merely the medium (vehicle) to reach mass amounts of people. Make each one feel special and connected to you.

Now I know my ABCs…

One final note: Here’s a free resource for you. Take advantage of my 21-day video series “Speaking of Communication.” It focuses on Social Media, blogging, PR, writing, and communication themes. Click on this link now for instant access http://www.getinfrontcommunications.com/

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, content, Writing Tagged With: Blogging, blogs, Business, content, Writing

3 ways to identify a social media expert

by Susan Young at 6:13 am 7 Comments

Have you noticed there are an awful lot of social media, blogging, business, and SEO experts out there? The SME acronym (subject matter expert) is always flying around networking meetings, chats, and online profiles. You can give yourself whatever title you’d like, but does it hold any credence? I can call myself a queen, but the reality is there’s no royal blood flowing through my veins. My roots go back to, well, Brooklyn, New York.

What does it take to be an expert? Business and psychology scholars K. Anders Ericsson, Michael J. Prietula, and Edward T. Cokely have written a fascinating article in The Harvard Business Review that’s titled, The Making of an Expert. They point to research that shows “outstanding performance is the product of years of deliberate practice and coaching, not of any innate talent or skill.”

Ericsson, Prietula, and Cokely contend that real expertise must pass three tests:

Real expertise must lead to performance that is consistently superior to that of the expert’s peers.
Real expertise must produce concrete results. Brain surgeons, for example, not only must be skillful with their scalpels but also must have successful outcomes with their patients. A chess player must be able to win matches in tournaments.
Real expertise can be replicated and measured in the lab. As the British scientist Lord Kelvin stated, “If you can not measure it, you can not improve it.”

The authors continue: ”To people who have never reached a national or international level of competition, it may appear that excellence is simply the result of practicing daily for years or even decades. However, living in a cave does not make you a geologist. Not all practice makes perfect. You need a particular kind of practice—deliberate practice—to develop expertise. When most people practice, they focus on the things they already know how to do. Deliberate practice is different. It entails considerable, specific, and sustained efforts to do something you can’t do well—or even at all. Research across domains shows that it is only by working at what you can’t do that you turn into the expert you want to become.”

Consider how the three points above relate to our digital landscape and SME’s. Like you, I read ad nauseum about analytics, measurement tools, metrics, and concrete results. I hear doubts from people who talk about return on investment and possible successful outcomes in social media. Self-proclaimed experts are hired all the time to address these issues. Credence anyone?

So, do you know any experts? If you want to be an expert, are you prepared to step up to the ”deliberate practice” mindset in 2011?

Filed Under: Business, Communication, Social Media Tagged With: Business, Communication, Social Media

10 Communication Tips to Help You Avoid Holiday Disagreements

by Susan Young at 10:18 am 2 Comments

Communicating during the holidays can be tricky. Conversations and visits can easily move from festive to fighting. In addition to shopping, entertaining, and visiting, most of us will have to interact with relatives, friends, and co-workers. The result can be stress and angst. Or a full-blown battle.

To avoid a communication debacle this holiday season, consider the following:

1. Plan to have a relaxing visit. Forget previous holidays, discussions, disagreements, and conversations. Go in with a clean slate and open mind.

2. Have a drink. Don’t overdo it because things could turn ugly. One drink can help take the edge off.

3. Focus on positive topics. Too many of us are dealing unemployment, money problems, and everyday challenges. You don’t know everything that goes on in other homes, marriages, or relationships. Don’t allow your conversation to become a ”pity party.”

4. Remember that not every comment or statement requires an answer. Silence and a smile can be very powerful. In other words, bite your tongue.

5. Go outside. It may be too cold or rainy to take a walk around the corner, but you can step onto the front porch for a few minutes. Invite someone special, or the entire group, to join you. The dynamics will shift and the crisp air can be rejuvenating.

6. Be prepared with a small supply of friendly and neutral small-talk starters or stories. Just in case things get awkward.

7. Pass on being a “topper.” If Uncle Joe’s raving about his week in Florida, allow him have his moment. Don’t ”one up” him by mentioning you just returned from a free cruise to the islands because you were the No. 1 sales rep. (Refer to No. 4)

8. Mingle with the kids. This can bring levity to the day.

9. Offer to help. Some of the best conversations I’ve had with family and friends have taken place while clearing dishes or taking out the trash.

10. Show gratitude. Regardless of how happy or unhappy you were during your visit, tell your host that you appreciate their efforts and invitation.

Cheers!

Filed Under: Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, rapport Tagged With: Attitude, Interpersonal Communication, Relationships

Your Social Media Blueprint for 2011

by Susan Young at 5:39 am 3 Comments

Mapping out a solid social media plan in advance can help you to stick with your goals and see results. Without a guide, it’s difficult to remember what your “big picture” looks like. It’s especially easy to get distracted when we’re putting out fires every day. Our eyes move off the target.

Here’s a month-by-month blueprint for your social media activity, growth, and influence.

January: Commit to a plan

Some may call it a New Year’s resolution. Others despise resolutions and simply have to “decide” that they’re willing to take action and make something happen. Take time to think, write down notes, and consider your big picture. What do you want from social media in 2011? What are you willing to do to make this mental image a reality? That is your plan. Know your target audience, ideal client, and position in the marketplace. Assess what you’ve been doing in social media, what’s working, and what may have faltered. Compile a list of your competitors, industry leaders, and people of influence that you can connect with and learn from. Tweak as necessary. Time is another important factor. Will you dedicate an hour a week to write a blog post? Three hours a day for Tweets, chats, and commenting on blogs? Be realistic. And ive by Gary Vaynerchuk’s rule: Family first.

February: Identify and organize new resources

Years ago, the Internet was referred to as “The Information Superhighway.” For good reason. Set up a new “Favorites” list, and build your own library and archive. Bookmark and save links, resources, white papers, e-books, e-zines, and newsletters that contain information you can study and learn from. Then take it one step further. Actually read the material and digest it. Hmm. Quite a concept.

March: Apply your new knowledge

Knowing and doing are two different things. Yes the social media gadgets, tools, and technology can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential that you have this blueprint in place and chunk things down. This month, and each one that follows, choose one tool or resource that will move you closer to achieving your business goals (refer back to January). Focus on learning everything you can about this one particular thing, and practice, practice, practice. Once you’re comfortable with it, pick a new one and begin again.

April: Develop your online persona

One of the greatest challenges in social media is how to create your online voice, brand, and personality. An identity crisis is useless, especially when you have access to millions of people at your fingertips. Clarity, relevance, and brevity are the keys to building your persona, which is your online brand. What do you represent; what do you stand for? Why should people care? This is not an easy process, but it’s a must for social media (and business) success.

May: Keep your eye on the ball

Spring means baseball! Are you prepared to hit the social media ball out of the park? Rocker John Fogerty’s song Centerfield contains the lyrics “Put me in coach, I’m ready to play…” Are you prepared, or do you need to hire a coach? It’s ok to ask for help. A coach will hold you accountable. Have you been taking responsibility for your time, learning, and priorities? Are you in the midst of the action on the ball field, or are you hanging around the dugout watching everyone else?

June: Explore publicity

Summer brings a slow news cycle. Look around the social networks and identify media contacts. This includes traditional, digital, and bloggers. Where does your story and business fit in to their coverage and audience? How can your expertise, company, products, or services help others? Start writing tip sheets, press releases, articles, posts, video scripts, newsletters, and whatever else can showcase your expertise. Plan ahead and pitch your stories in advance of long holiday weekends when reporters and bloggers are scrambling for something interesting to cover. Be proactive and relevant. Publicity builds your credibility — big time.

July: Think interactive

While everyone is sunning on the beach complaining business is quiet, you keep moving. Use this slow season to learn how to record and post video blogs (vlogs), do podcasts, or webinars. Check out video platforms like Viddler and ustream.tv. Get engaged with your followers on a new and personal level. Interactive also means taking time to comment on blogs (especially of influential people in your industry), respond to questions posed in LinkedIn Groups, and support other businesses on Facebook. When it comes to communicating, social media is a two-way street.

August: Connect with industry leaders

Watching online conversations, chats, and posts will help you determine the movers and shakers in your field. Social media gives us access to CEOs, decision makers, and celebrities like we have never before experienced. Observe how your key people write and who they interact with. Read their posts, Tweets, and follow the chats they’re involved with. You’ll learn about their values and goals. When appropriate, ease into a conversation and get to know them. You may soon be asking them to swap links or guest posts. How cool is that?

September: Learn from kids

Children are naturally curious and eager to explore new things. We can model this mentality. September means back-to-school; a time for meeting new people, building on last year’s lessons, and pushing ourselves to acquire new skills. Be open to fresh ideas, different opinions, and new technology. This will also help your creativity and energy flow. The result: You’ll easily create compelling new content and business ideas.

October: Avoid wearing a mask

Yes it’s Halloween, but social media thrives on transparency. Don’t masquerade as something or someone you’re not. Be genuine, authentic, and helpful to everyone online. Oh, good manners and common courtesy will add to your success as well.

November: Enjoy the colors

The fall foliage is plentiful this time of year, and reminds us that colors are captivating, vibrant, and bring a sense of excitement. Do your website, e-zine, posts, and Tweets offer these same characteristics? Do people stop and take notice of what you’re doing, or are you blending in with the rest of the digital landscape?

December: Measure up!

How did you do? Go back to your goals and map from January, and review what you’ve accomplished. What have you learned and implemented? Who have you helped? How did you build or improve your online presence and influence? Have you gotten any paid clients or opportunities from your social media efforts? If you’re not looking at a return on investment, what’s your return on relationships; your return on engagement; your return on influence? How has social media helped you grow, both personally and professionally? Is your social media foundation solid? It’s almost time to continue building. Grab the blueprints.

Filed Under: Business, networking, Online Marketing, Social Media Tagged With: Business, Marketing, Social Media, technology

5 Easy Steps to Writing Your Own Top 10 List

by Susan Young at 2:09 am 3 Comments

Unless you’ve been trapped under a rock in some remote corner of the planet, you may have noticed the news is packed with year-end summaries featuring 2010′s “Top 10” lists. There’s a list for everything these days. Best movies, worst social media dating sites, celebrity divorces, vegan diets, ugliest cars, and more. You get the picture.

I’m always amazed that people would spend their time —their hottest commodity— to recall these far-fetched things. How relevant are they in your life? And who the hell cares about Bristol Palin’s dancing?

As the media focuses on these nonsensical topics, I encourage you to to make better use of your time and compile your own ”Top 10″ list for 2010.

Here are five easy steps to get you started:

1. Grab a piece of paper and pen (or the keyboard, I personally like to write mine down), and list your key accomplishments and successes over the past twelve months.

2. Think hard and don’t rush. If you’re like me, you’ve quickly ‘moved on’ and downplayed your triumphs. Start digging into the cobwebs of your mind.

3. Make one list for your professional life and a separate one for your personal achievements.

4. Take the spotlight and enjoy being center-stage. Many people who work in PR, myself included, tend to take the back seat when it comes to projects at work. We’re often “ghost-writers”” who brilliantly craft words, messages, content, and angles for our bosses and clients so they will look good in the public eye. We lurk behind the scenes. Not this time.

5. Celebrate your hard work. Pat yourself on the back and acknowledge your efforts and achievements. Who needs Bristol Palin or Donald Trump? This could be the most important exercise you’ll do this year.

Your lists will help energize you as you look ahead to a new year and a new decade. Give yourself credit for the projects you’ve worked on, the people you’ve helped, and the good that you’ve done. Then make your “Top 10 Goal List for 2011.” Build on the momentum of this year’s success. Consider this activity a look back, and a look forward.

And for the record, I’ll be working on my list, too.

Filed Under: Business, Motivation, Public Relations, Self-Confidence, Success Tagged With: Attitude, Business, Motivation, PR, Success

The Golden Rule for Creating Tons of Great Content

by Susan Young at 1:32 am 12 Comments

Social media is putting pressure on all of us to develop solid content for our websites, e-zine articles, and blog posts.

The feelings of writer’s block and a lack of creativity are frustrating. I’d like to offer you a solution.

It’s the golden rule I learned 25 years ago when I started my radio news career as a street reporter in New Jersey. It’s at the core of our world today in social media.

The Golden Rule

In addition to anchoring on-air newscasts, my job was to cover community events, press conferences, and government meetings. The first day in the newsroom, my boss growled at me, “Don’t come back without a story.” This my friends, is the golden rule.

Every reporter, whether it’s print, radio or TV, has heard the same mantra. It’s the marching orders for all news pros. I suppose we have to earn our keep. So do you.

How It Works

I would go to these meetings and events and often didn’t know what issues or things would pop up. Sure there were agendas, but there public portions and no one knew who would stand up to speak, or what they would talk about. That was part of the thrill. For the most part, things were interesting. There were controversial issues with huge impacts on people, businesses, and quality of life. Trash incinerators, massive construction projects, corruption, murders, taxes, and more. These were all good opportunities for interviews and snappy sound bites.

But there were also times when it wasn’t easy. I knew the rule: ”Don’t come back without a story.” I’d look at the meeting agenda and it seemed mundane.

This forced me to listen in a new way. All I heard in my head was the gruff bark of my boss, “Don’t come back without a story.” I’d have to keep my radar up and really pay attention. I had to always “be on.” I had to be more creative and listen for tidbits and nuggets to uncover. They were there; and it was my job to find them.

What This Means To You: Your 5-Point Action Plan

Even though you’re probably not a news reporter, we’re in a fiercely competitive world desperately searching for content. To meet this challenge, you always have to “be on.” It’s about keeping your radar in life fully activated.

I challenge you to live each day with the mantra: ”Don’t come back without a story.”

Here’s your 5-point assignment:

1. Awaken and fall asleep each day with a journal or small notebook in arm’s reach. Carry it with you all the time.

2. Start to listen in different ways to your breakfast conversation, a dialogue in an elevator, or a talk you have with your mechanic. Watch people. What are they saying or doing that can tie back into your world? Be curious. Jot things down. Don’t leave anything to memory.

3. Understand all the content you need is in front of your face. Connect what you’ve seen and heard back to your expertise, business, products, customer service, vacation, and computer crash. Think about how it fits in with trends in your industry.

4. Remind yourself that you are ’always on.’ Pay attention!

5. Remember your goal: “Don’t come back without a story.”

At the end of each day, review your notes, phrases, and nuggets. Select at least one topic that you can use for your blog, newsletter, bylined article, or video.

You’ll soon notice an improvement in your creativity.

Now that you know the rule, I’m sure you’ll come up with some great ideas. I hope you’ll share them.

Filed Under: content, Creativity, Social Media, Writer's Block Tagged With: content, Creativity, Social Media, Writing

7 Ways to Be a Kick-Ass Blogger

by Susan Young at 4:04 am 27 Comments

When it comes to blogging and creating content, clarity trumps confusion.

Some people have been blogging for five or 10 years. But for most of us, blogging is a relatively new communication medium. Too many people are unclear about what it takes to become a successful blogger.

Here are 7 ways for you to become a kick-ass blogger:

Kick-ass bloggers are clear on their expertise, niche, and passion. They don’t panic and lie awake at night trying to figure out their niche. They know they are the sum of all their experiences. They look at their professional and personal journeys and know what instinctively feels right. Lack of passion leads to lack of clarity, which brings on mental chaos, confusion, self-doubt, and sometimes therapy.
Kick-ass bloggers write when they feel inspired and compelled to share a powerful message that’s worthy of someone else’s time. If they feel like they need the structure of an editorial calendar, they use one. If they feel “trapped” by a calendar with topics, they don’t bother with it. They trust their gut.
Kick-ass bloggers who aren’t professional writers are OK with that. They are conversational. They don’t get rattled over grammar and style. They write from the heart; in their own voice and personality. Being a layman doesn’t stop them from participating.
Kick-ass bloggers look back at where they began and are proud of their persistence. They realize that the only way to be a kick-ass blogger is to keep practicing and improving. Their mantra: ”Just keep writing.” They are keenly aware that it takes a long time to get noticed.
Kick-ass bloggers have soul. They watch for lessons in life and those light bulb moments that lead to wordsmithing, editing, critical thinking skills, organization, and expression. They create content that moves, educates, informs, and entertains people because they are willing to show their own humanity.
Kick-ass bloggers understand that comments, or lack of, may mean something, but it doesn’t mean the end of the world. They know deep down inside that as they continue to write and attract readers, the comments will follow.
Kick-ass bloggers have studied and learned what their audience wants. They are clear in their role as a blogger. They relate to their community. They engage with all kinds of people and personalities. They follow prestigious and well-known bloggers. They offer meaningful comments. They guest post. They analyze stats and traffic. They follow trends, know keywords, are aware of the importance of strong headlines and titles, and so much more. In the end, they consistently deliver.

They have earned the title of kick-ass blogger. Have you? Or are you still nervously biting your nails wondering why three people unsubscribed from your RSS feed yesterday?

P.S. Here’s a free resource for you. Take advantage of my 21-day video series “Speaking of Communication.” It focuses on Social Media, blogging, PR, writing, and communication themes. Click on this link now for instant access http://www.getinfrontcommunications.com/

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Creativity, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: Blogging, Business, Social Media, Writing

2 Reasons Your Company Needs Brand Ambassadors in Social Media

by Susan Young at 1:07 am 1 Comment

Who is the president of your fan club? You know, your biggest cheerleader. Who is the person with fierce loyalty who absolutely believes in what you represent? (Let’s exclude relatives from this.)

In our world, these fan club presidents and cheerleaders are also known as your brand ambassadors. Regardless of their title, social media channels will help them cheer you on and tout your business far and wide. They market for you when you are asleep, in meetings, driving your car, or coaching soccer with the kids.

I recently interviewed Shel Holtz, an online communication authority with more than 30 years of experience consulting with companies including PepsiCo and National Geographic. He told me that its essential employees in small and large companies have access to the Internet and social media channels while at work. Shel maintains if they don’t, you’re missing huge opportunities.

1. “Superficially, organizations might think they’re protecting themselves, but in keeping employees from networking in ways that they’re comfortable doing it, it prevents employees from engaging on behalf of the organization. I don’t mean as official spokespeople, but to talk enthusiastically about where they work.”

2. “There is no better way to get someone to believe in a company’s product than employees being enthused when talking to their social networks about the quality of the products and services that they work on. There are countless ways that employees can improve a company’s bottom line by engaging with their own networks. So this really means that there has to be a shift away from preventing contact with employees to educating employees how to behave in those kinds of contacts. There is no better recruiting tool.”

Consider these brand ambassadors the new way of gathering testimonials or business references. The greatest difference is that brand ambassadors do what they do without being asked. Talk about authenticity and credibility.

Unsolicited testimonials from people who think you’re the best thing since sliced bread are priceless.

Filed Under: Branding, Online Marketing, Social Networking Tagged With: brand, Marketing, networking, Social Media

13 Communication Tips to Help You Survive Thanksgiving

by Susan Young at 4:49 pm 4 Comments

I usually blog about business communication tips but since most of us won’t be working on Thanksgiving, we’ll have to communicate with relatives and/or friends. It may be easier to go to work!

Here are 13 quick communication tips to help make your day festive and enjoyable. Bookmark this post, as it will come in handy for the entire holiday season!

1. Forget previous holidays, discussions, disagreements, and conversations. Go in with a clean slate and an open mind that you will have a fabulous and relaxing day.

2. Have a drink. I didn’t say get drunk, because things could turn ugly. One drink can help you relax and take the edge off.

3. Remember, not every comment or statement requires an answer. Silence and a smile can be very powerful. In other words, bite your tongue.

4. Use the phrase, ”Isn’t that interesting?” If Uncle Grouch starts in at the table with off-color remarks, recite these three magical words. ”Isn’t that interesting?” neutralizes virtually every situation. This phrase leads to a verbal dead-end. Then smile politely.

5. Mingle with the kids. This can bring levity to the day.

6. Take a walk. Invite someone special, or the entire group, to take a walk around the corner. The dynamics will shift, the conversations will lighten up, and the fresh air will be rejuvenating.

7. Keep a few friendly and neutral small-talk starters or stories in mind. Be ready to drop one in if things get awkward or tense.

8. Pass on being a “topper.” If Uncle Fred is bragging about his week in Florida, let him have his moment. Don’t chime in that you just returned from a free month in Bermuda because you were the No. 1 sales rep.

9. Be nice. Gossip often rules at family gatherings. Steer clear of pettiness. Don’t say anything behind someone’s back that you wouldn’t say to their face.

10. Avoid touchy subjects. There’s a lot of angst out there with unemployment, money, and everyday life. You don’t know everything that goes on in other homes, marriages, or relationships. Focus on positive topics and stay away from turning your feast into a “pity party.”

11. Cite three good qualities of someone who is with you that you dislike. Think of these qualities before you join the crowd so you can get rid of “old baggage.” Plan to relax and have a good day!

12. Offer to help. Some of the best conversations I’ve had with family and friends have taken place while we’re clearing dishes, taking out the garbage, or loading the dishwasher.

13. Communicate your gratitude. Regardless of how happy or unhappy you were during your visit, tell your host that you appreciate their efforts and invitation.

If you’re hoping for a stress-free Thanksgiving, just think about the hardships the Pilgrims had to endure.

You’re good.

Filed Under: Communication, Interpersonal Relationships Tagged With: Attitude, Communication, Interpersonal Communication

The Top 10 Communication Tips of the Year

by Susan Young at 5:01 am 18 Comments

Communication is at the core of all of our relationships, both business and personal. As the year (and decade!) winds down, let’s take a look back at 10 defining moments in communication. You’ll recognize some because they made news. But I believe you’ll relate to all of these tips and lessons.

1. Your attention is a hot commodity. Back in the dark ages of 1971, Nobel Prize winning economist Herbert Simon wrote: “What information consumes is rather obvious. It consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.” Did Simon have a crystal ball? How did he know the attention tsunami was coming? In ’71, there was no Google, information superhighway, or text messages. Carefully guard your time, attention, and mind.

2. The word “I” doesn’t have to be self-serving and arrogant. Art Petty, who runs a management and leadership consulting firm, says we can use the word “I” for empowerment, active listening, and accountability. “I am responsible for this outcome.” “Here’s what I understand about your opinion on this matter. Am I correct?” ”I could use your help.”

3. Understand the emotions of communication in marketing. Simon Sinek, author of Start with Why writes about ‘The Golden Circle’ and how most companies and people try to sell their ideas based on what their product or service is. Then they talk about how it will work. But the most successful are those who are able to connect with the public on an intimate level. These folks begin at the center of the circle. That’s where the ’WHY’ resides. The ‘Why’ creeps into the core of a lifestyle, emotion, and belief that people latch on to. The ’What’ and ‘How’ come later.

4. Whoever has the message has the power. This is what social media has become in the past year. The news and the way it is consumed has changed significantly because of technology and Twitter. The immediacy of real life can be broadcast around the world by someone with a flip cam or cell phone. An angry customer at the Hertz counter in Florida suddenly puts on his ‘news hat’ and reports on shoddy customer service. You don’t need the media to capture the public’s attention.

5. Communication must be H.O.T. That’s honest, open, and two-way. That’s according to business writer and blogger Dan Oswald. He says the H.O.T. approach is an effective and powerful force. Amen, Dan.

6. Bullies suck. Criticizing, judging, and making people feel bad sends negative energy into the world. We have too much of that. Common sense and common courtesy in our communication—in person and online— is always appreciated. Snarky comments and dirty looks are included here. Remember, mean people have little mean people.

7. Rapport is critical in conflict and camaraderie. In our ‘crazy busy world’, it’s essential to know how to connect and engage with all types of people and personalities. This is especially true if you want to resolve a conflict and build consensus. Rapport is the bond that brings us together.

8. Authenticity is priceless. Just ask executives at BP, Toyota, and Goldman Sachs.

9. Influence comes in many different forms. It may be a quick Tweet, a blog post, a speech, or a handwritten note. Our words wield power. With social media and other technology, be aware that your influence (impact) can affect people in other countries. People you’ve never met and never will. Choose your words carefully.

10. Embrace a creative community. Being shy won’t serve you well in our interactive, engaged world. This year I’ve learned to appreciate that life demands our participation. Force yourself to learn, watch successful people, and develop your own creativity and style. Meet one person at a time to build confidence. You must begin now or you will be left behind.

It’s been an amazing year. There’s always time to learn.

P.S. Here’s a free communication resource for you. Take advantage of my 21-day video series, “Speaking of Communication.” It focuses on interpersonal communication, social media, blogging, public relations, and sales. The sign-up box is on the top right of this screen.

Filed Under: Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, Social Media Tagged With: Business, Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Social Media