3 Ways to Connect with Your Readers on Your Blog
Writing your blog is an excellent way to connect with people. It can help to build your credibility as an expert in your field, generate a loyal following in Social Media, and share value and insights with others. You may find it’s much easier to connect and engage with people in person or with short Tweets on Twitter. Writing can be a challenge.
I’ve been writing for 25 years. Here are a 3 quick tips to engage people with your blog posts.
1. Be yourself. Write the way that you speak and avoid “talking down to your reader.” People enjoy authenticity more than a stage show.
2. Bring your reader into the post. Ask questions like: “What do you think?” or “What about you?” Connect them to the point of your message. Bring it full circle to get them engaged: thinking, feeling, reacting and involved.
3. Reveal something. While being professional, it’s perfectly fine and recommended to give readers a peak into your personality. Show a brief example of a situation that brings your message home. It can be a quote from your favorite grandparent, a holiday ritual that ties into your theme or a lesson you’ve learned on your journey.
Blogs are your personal podium and microphone that allow you to offer your unique views, expressions and insights. The words will come easier when you write from the heart. Can you do it? Can you be yourself? Remember, when you are genuine, you’ll never make a mistake!
Business Growth Strategy for the Summer: Go Outside
In 2006, 60 billion e-mails were sent worldwide every single day. That’s according to the School of Information Management and Systems at the University of California at Berkeley.
In our busy worlds, networking and face time are rare commodities. Regardless of your industry, you probably find yourself using more gadgets and technology that saves precious time and helps you to operate more efficiently. That may be true, but nothing a can replace a handshake, smile or our human communication. Are you hiding behind technology instead of connecting face-to-face with your fellow humans?
As the summer unfolds and our frenetic paces slow down, try this exercise.
Look through your database or Rolodex and call several former clients, colleagues, networking acquaintances and others that you have not heard from in at least six months. Spend a few days meeting with each one for an early cup of coffee or breakfast at 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. This helps you to make sure your face time doesn’t interfere with normal business hours and it allows you to catch up.
Here are 3 tips:
1- Go to the meeting with the sole intention of reconnecting and nurturing relationships.
2- Use your good listening skills to truly hear what the other person has been doing.
3- Fill them in on your latest projects and accomplishments as they may be able to connect you with new opportunities.
Together you can help one another to cultivate new business and enrich each other’s lives. Take the time to build rapport and invest in human communication. Repeat this exercise once or twice a quarter.
A cold computer keyboard will never replace a warm handshake. Happy networking!
Grow Your Sales Based on Value
If you have business cards, it’s likely that you have your job title emblazoned in a very prominent place. When you meet people and network, you probably mention your title in the first few minutes of the conversation. Titles offer people validation of our self-worth. Titles may reflect our achievements. But they do little to show prospects and clients the value we offer them so they can achieve and be successful.
In order to grow your business, you must be able to communicate the return on investment and value you offer to people. Why should someone take their hard-earned money and give it to you? How will you and your business/expertise make their lives easier and help them reach their goals?
The bottom line and harsh reality: no one cares about you. They care about themselves. They have no regard for your job title.
That is why you must position yourself by concept and not title.
This is a very powerful approach to business and sales. I learned it from a small, 75-page gem-of-a-book by Mark LeBlanc. It’s titled “Growing Your Business!” LeBlanc writes, “Titles are hard-earned…but focus on the outcomes of your work and what happens when customers use your products and services. That should be your primary strategy for differentiation in the marketplace.”
Every time I write a marketing piece for my public relations and communications training company, I flip the switch. Shift the focus off of yourself and onto the customer. Show them value.
Position yourself by concept, not title.
Quality Questions Reveal Quality Information
In 1970, Barbara Walters wrote a book titled “How to Talk to Practically Anyone about Practically Anything.” She says it was intended to help people start conversations and break the ice. These days, the questions can apply to networking, sales and casual conversations.
The book ended with a chapter titled “When All Else Fails-Twenty Sure-Fire Conversation Starters.” Walters, a pioneering woman in broadcast news, knows plenty about asking quality and thought-provoking questions. She says she still uses the following timeless questions in her interviews today. Consider your own responses.
1. If you were not doing the work you are doing now, what would you most like to be doing?
2. If you could live in any time in history, when would you have wished to live?
3. If you could be any person in history, who would it be?
4. If you were suddenly given a million dollars and told you had to spend it just on yourself, what is the first thing you would buy?
5. If you were hospitalized for three months but not really too sick—whom-and it can’t be a relative- would you want in the next bed?
You can gain insight into people’s personalities, interests, values and challenges by asking quality questions. On the list above, I thought my answers were pretty good, until I heard my husband’s responses.
Develop Your Personal Brand for Networking & Business Growth
Whether you’re a business professional, work for a nonprofit or are looking for a job, your personal brand is essential to networking and growing your business (making more money). It helps your self-confidence too.
Consider yourself a special commodity. People who meet you and those who know you should be able to repeat your personal branding statement on your behalf. This leads to word-of-mouth referral network for you. It’s a beautiful thing.
In developing your own branding statement, consider the following points:
1- What makes you special? What do you do better, different, cheaper, faster than your competition?
2- Identify your DNA- dynamic natural ability.
3- What value have you gotten for clients that have helped them to grow and be more successful?
4- Weave in your personality and accomplishments in a charismatic and friendly way without sounding pompous or arrogant.
5- Come up with a 6-8 word “catch phrase” or one-liner that addresses the above points. You may have to begin with a longer sentence and start editing!
6- Use punchy words and think in “sound bites” like newscasters. Go for the golden nugget that will compel someone to say “tell me more…”
Creating your own special brand that is relevant, distinctive, valuable and memorable can be fun…and it affects your bottom line.
Bridging Communication Gaps with NLP
One of the greatest and most exciting discoveries in business, communication and psychology in the past 30 years has been Neurolinguistic Programming. NLP was developed in the 1970’s at the University of Santa Cruz in California. The founders of NLP, Richard Bandler and John Grinder, began discussing how some people are able to “get through to difficult people, and others can’t.” That’s how NLP was born.
It examines the relationships between thought, communication, and behavior. This methodology is used by top business leaders, politicians and athletes around the world. There are connections with Emotional Intelligence, but NLP goes beyond EQ (empathy, compassion, assertive communication and self-awareness).
NLP focuses on four key areas: rapport, sensory awareness (modalities), outcome thinking and behavioral flexibility. NLP teaches us how to bridge communication gaps, looking for similarities rather than differences. It helps us to become aware of how others understand and process information so we can communicate with them more effectively. It includes the secrets of nonverbal communication, influence and trust-building, limiting self-talk and modeling human behavior. It’s fascinating.
The core of NLP is based on our sensory modalities. If we listen carefully when others speak, they will drop cues and clues as to which modality they prefer. The three main modalities are:
• Visual – Most people are visual. They learn by seeing. They need to actually see how something is done in order to comprehend it. They use expressions like “I see”, “I get the picture” and “That’s crystal clear to me.”
• Auditory – Others learn by hearing. They can hear something explained once or twice and have a full understanding of the subject. Auditory people tend to use phrases like “That’s music to my ears”, “That sounds good to me” and “That rings a bell.”
• Kinesthetic – These folks learn best through touch and feel. Artists and creative people are usually kinesthetic. They may say things like “I get the point”, “I can embrace that idea” and “I have a bad feeling about that.”
If you tend to be more visual and you are disagreeing with someone who is an auditory person, it’s as if you are speaking Spanish and they are speaking French. It’s extremely difficult to communicate. When you identify someone else’s prime modality, you can use it to bridge the gap, build rapport and engage them. The outcome will be quite different than if you were butting heads and feeling frustrated.
Take time to learn more about Neurolinguistic Programming and how it can be used in all areas of your life. Having this skill set can enrich your relationships.
Living with Emotional Intelligence
Ninety percent of people are fired from their jobs because of attitudinal or relationship problems. Only ten percent lose their jobs due to lack of skill or ability. That’s according to a survey by U.S. News & World Report. A huge part of our success is based on our attitudes, communication and mindsets.
Regardless of your education or SAT scores, your IQ can not be changed. The number you were born with will stay with you for life. IQ measures spatial and cognitive reasoning and is mathematically-based. It can help you in solving right angle problems and theorems but will not help you in resolving a breakdown in communication while planning a team retreat, budget meeting or website overhaul. While education is important, it doesn’t ensure that you have adequate communication skills to connect with others and be successful in the workplace.
Emotional Intelligence (or EQ) is what I call “street smarts”. EQ is a huge factor in interpersonal relationships, communication and conflict resolution, both at work and at home. Individuals with high levels of EQ have compassion, empathy, congeniality, patience, assertiveness and self-awareness. The good news is that EQ traits can be developed. EQ often comes to us through life’s experiences.
Here are 3 Tips to Improving Your Emotional Intelligence:
1. Start watching people. Identify a few people who you admire for their empathy, self-confidence and assertive communication. Observe how they interact with others. Be aware of how people with strong EQ’s handle difficult individuals and situations. Those with high EQ tend to bring people together and not divide them. They are able to articulate and convey their opinions, recommendations, feelings and thoughts in a confident and calm way that is considerate and respectful to everyone. They don’t blame others. They take full responsibility for their actions and behavior.
2. Develop assertive communication skills. People with high levels of EQ understand that every spoken sentence does not require an answer. They don’t react and they definitely don’t over-react. Silence may initially feel awkward but silence in conversations and in conflicts can be extremely powerful. By asking good questions and truly listening, you will show others that you genuinely care about them and are empathetic. Practice with the approach of less talking and more listening.
3. Validate the other person’s feelings. Avoid shifting the focus of the conversation. It’s important to allow others to express themselves without judging, criticizing or interrupting. If a co-worker complains to you that their items in the budget were cut, allow them to vent for a few minutes. Don’t spend too much time talking about how you felt when you fell victim to a budget crunch at your old job. Even if you have never experienced the swinging budget ax, you can still be compassionate and listen. You don’t have to fall out of a window to know it hurts.
Awareness is critical. Be brutally honest with yourself. Think about how you behave, react, and respond in stressful situations and conflicts. Your verbal and nonverbal communication is critical in EQ. Understand the “triggers” that can potentially set you off. Who pushes your buttons? Where can you make improvements?
Management and business guru Jim Rohn said, “Work on your career and you’ll make a living. Work on yourself and you’ll make a fortune.”
12 Tips to Successful Networking: Build Relationships
Whether you own your business or work for someone else, effective networking will add to your success. It will also help to build your self-confidence, speaking skills and interpersonal relationships. In the end, networking leads to new relationships and referrals. It will help you make more money.
Use these 12 strategies to sharpen your networking abilities and widen your business circles. Don’t collect business cards; build relationships!
1- Arrive in a good mood. If you go to a meeting, event or trade show with a positive attitude, everyone you encounter will notice. Decide ahead of time that you will have a great experience and meet your ideal clients. If you think you’re wasting your time, you’ll probably have a negative experience. If you had a bad day, skip the event and attend another when you’re in a better mood.
2- Set a goal. Consider why you are attending this specific event. Know your ideal client. If you do business in the real estate industry, determine where the decision-makers spend time and which events they attend. Go find them. Travel in their circles.
3- Stand by the door. Arrive early and hang around by the entrance to the room. When people register and begin moving into the room, you will be one of the first people they see. This is especially helpful to others who may attend alone and could be looking for someone to chat with and break the ice.
4- Forget the food and drinks. Do not focus on your appetite; you are there to mingle and do business. Food can easily become a distraction. Celebrate at home after the event with a drink—having met your networking goals and ideal clients.
5- Sit with people you don’t know. It may feel awkward at first but introduce yourself to new people with a smile and friendly demeanor. Find a table that has an empty chair and ask if it’s ok to join them. Remember your goal is to meet new people, not spend time commiserating with people you already know.
6- Be aware of your body language. Avoid “darting eyes” and stay focused on the person you are speaking with. Stand tall, strong and proud.
7- Prepare your “30 second commercial.” This should be a quick description of the results you get for clients. Dump the cutesy catch phrases that may confuse people. Structure your commercial by this example that I use for my public relations company: “I work with businesses and nonprofits to increase their publicity, credibility and revenues.” Position yourself by concept, not title. This is extremely important for business growth.
8- Make small talk. Even if it’s simply the weather, a local sports team or vacation plans, be sure you are able to strike up a light conversation with strangers. Avoid touchy topics including politics, religion and jokes. Try to stay up-to-date on current news stories. Also, don’t fall into the trap of adding to a conversation that’s filled with complaining and negativity. It’s poison; try and gently move the conversation onto something more positive.
9- Ask good questions. Steer conversations towards the other person, their business, challenges and needs. When someone asks you what you do, answer in a quick line or two and suggest, “I can share more about my business in a minute but I’d really like to learn what your company does.” Listen closely and you’ll soon be able to determine if this person could use your expertise. Dig deep.
10- Work the room. If you are in a conversation that seems to be a dead-end, politely excuse yourself to use the restroom, make a call or find an associate in the room. Spend a few minutes with each person instead of an hour with one individual.
11- Bring plenty of business cards. Remember, the reason you are attending the event is to meet people! If you forgot your cards, you may seriously want to consider going back to get them or skipping the program. Be prepared. Also, don’t feel obligated to give your cards to everyone you meet. Hand them to people who request them.
12- Dress appropriately. Wear business attire and look polished and professional. Check the mirror and brush your teeth as needed…and ladies, only touch-up makeup, including lipstick, in the restroom.
Bonus: During sit-down programs, do not check your calendar, messages, or texts. Use good manners and pay attention to the speaker and those around you. People are watching. Be congruent –from the inside, out.
Body Language Tips: Using Your Hands to Build Rapport
“What should I do with my hands?” is the common question I get from people in my communications and body language programs.
Your gestures are important because they can be used to your advantage in conversations, meetings and interviews. The key is to be comfortable with your body movements so they seem natural and not awkward. A combination of strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills will help you to build rapport with clients, prospects and colleagues.
Here are 5 tips on gestures and how they affect your communication:
1- Fold your hands neatly in your lap when you are seated in a meeting. Avoid fidgeting or tapping your pen or fingers. This indicates you are anxious or nervous.
2- Open your palms and face them up to the ceiling when you are in a sales meeting with a prospect. This indicates you are open to his ideas and information. You are friendly and learning.
3- Place your palms down on the table when you ask for the sales or business. This indicates you are assertive and confident.
4- Avoid clenched fists. This gesture shows an emotional state of either anger or excitement. In a meeting, it can also indicate you are closed or tight.
5- Keep your hands to your sides when standing and speaking to someone. To gesture in a confident and casual manner, keep your elbows at your sides and extend your hands up out to the shoulder-chin range. Think of yourself inside of a 20-inch TV screen with a close-up shot that frames only your head and shoulders. As you speak, move your hands appropriately to match your words.
Some Fun Bonus Tips:
Hand or Finger on Nose= Deception-“Pinocchio”
Hand on Ear= Unwillingness to Listen Anymore
Hand Resting on Chin= Attentive
Scratch of Neck or Back= Disbelief
Some people are naturally more animated than others. Gesturing may not feel comfortable to you if you are more subdued or unaccustomed to using your hands and body to enhance conversations. My advice is to watch how others who are confident and successful move and tie-in gestures when they speak. After some observation and practice, you’ll be able to casually use your hand movements in a way that feels natural.
10 Tips for Delivering A Powerful Speech
Stage fright can paralyze people. Even well-educated, polished professionals often have difficulty delivering a fabulous presentation. As a communications expert and trainer, I want to share the following tips with you. These pointers will help you supercharge your public speaking skills. Just remember, the following tips are for delivering your message, not preparing the content. For that aspect, watch my short video on YouTube. http://tinyurl.com/dc2pml
1. Practice- Stand up and read your speech out loud. This opens up your diaphragm and allows more air in, which gives you energy. This will also allow you to project your voice and get comfortable with how it sounds and the flow of your remarks.
2. Memorize as much as you can. Start with the first few lines, practice out loud whenever possible (driving, at home, in the shower, etc.). Keep adding a few lines to it, building on the beginning. You will soon have the speech memorized. This will allow you to speak to the audience, scanning the room with good eye contact and only referring to your written notes periodically.
3. Write key points on an index card. These “buzz words” will help jar your memory and keep the flow moving.
4. Speak from your stomach and not your throat. This will give you volume.
5. Say each word as if it were a word in its own right. Avoid rushing through the sentences in order to finish. (Listen to TV and radio newscasters for delivery and pacing tips)
6. Emphasize the important, funny and touching words. Let the audience know this is critical information. Grab and keep the attention of your audience and truly engage thme with your words and verbal/nonverbal communication.
7. Pause. Take a split second or two during key points to give the audience an opportunity to digest and take in what you are saying. This will also give their emotions a chance to react to your words. Silence is extremely powerful.
8. Get out from behind the podium. If you hide behind the podium, you will be a “Talking Head.” Walk around a bit and use gestures and your body to help make your words come alive.
9. Visualize the success of your speech. Days or weeks before, make a mental movie of how you will stand and deliver your remarks. See yourself in vivid and clear pictures looking superb, dressed impeccably, calm, and feeling excited and confident about your speech. See yourself on statge calmly and gracefully delivering the best speech of your life! See the faces of the audience who are silent and captivated by what you are saying. Hear the applause as you wrap up and the many compliments, handshakes and hugs that follow your speech. Picture yourself as a huge success and you will be flawless!
10. Smile and relax. Tall, strong and proud! Remember- You are the Message.
