Jordan Rudess on Listening
At Improving Communications, we ask professional musicians to tell us about their “money maker;” their ability to listen and interact well with others. We ask these gifted artists to teach us more about listening so that in business, we can use similar practices to be more successful. Below is what Jordan Rudess had to say […]
Rude Business Phone Antics
What is proper Business Phone Behavior? Have you ever made a phone call to a business and gotten the answer, “So-and-so isn’t here right now. Can you call back in 15 minutes?” Do you find anything wrong with that? In a tennis game, when a player hits the ball, the second player hits it […]
Happy New Year from the People at Improving Communications
Well lookie here… the Earth has revolved around the Sun once again! Three hundred sixty-five days have elapsed (or as the cast in the musical Rent would sing, “525,600 Minutes”). A year is a good marker for progress made. Once it’s completed, it all starts again. Happy New Year. Two thousand seventeen has been Improving Communications’ best year yet. We owe […]
Listening: One Cohesive Unit (Rod Morgenstein)
NOTE: As you read, apply Rod Morgenstein’s message of listening to your profession by substituting the discussion of “music” with “work,” and terms related to “musician” with “colleague.” Listening is the practice of being in the moment, in touch with my surroundings, and fully aware that I am part of a creative process that involves […]
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Make It Happen – Erin Bagwell
It’s impressive when you encounter someone who turns dreams into reality. This week, we shine the spotlight on someone whose mind was sparked with an idea that was brought to fruition last year. Filmmaker Erin Bagwell did just that, and she’s got an inspirational story. After having founded a storytelling blog called Feminist Wednesday, she […]
English Degree Preferred
Hiring a tech writer or copy writer? Have you thought to consider that an English degree would come in handy? There is a readwrite article by Matt Asay, vice president of business development and corporate strategy at MongoDB, Inc. In his article, the author makes a strong case for why we need good writers on staff in all our business ventures. It’s well […]
Leadership Training: The Power of Praise
Praise is an extremely powerful motivator. When praised, people feel good about themselves. Subsequently, they perform better. Don’t underestimate the power of praise. Why don’t we praise others more? It’s often easier to criticize or say nothing. But constant criticism is bad. It kills ambition. It creates a negative workplace. Employees feel unappreciated and do […]
Nick Beggs on Listening
Nick Beggs is an English musician, noted for playing the bass guitar and the Chapman Stick. He is a member of Kajagoogoo and formerly Iona and Ellis, Beggs, & Howard. Nick has worked through the years with Steve Hackett and Steven Wilson. His current project is The Mute Gods. Listening Means Understanding Relationships There are […]
An Executive Summary About Executive Summaries
The Executive Summary may be the only thing the reader will read. It is your chance to gain an advantage and make the persuasive case, ultimately to promote the reason why they would want to select your ideas.