What to Say to a Speaker
One of the biggest benefits of hearing someone speak live is the opportunity to meet and greet afterwards. Suddenly, you have access to someone you admire or is an expert in a topic you are curious about. Guide the conversation with an organized approach! Make the most out of the few minutes you have with that […]
How to Network Without Leaving the House
The main obstacle to networking is finding the time to do it. Meeting up for after-work happy hours, weekend conferences, or mid-day lunches, may not work with your schedule. If you are looking to maximize your time and effort, while also meeting new people in your industry, you may wish to rethink your on-line resources, […]
Making the Most of a Networking Event
The holiday season has come to an end. You might be all partied out, but your calendar says otherwise. It’s time for a networking event. Networking events are an easy way to meet new people in your industry. They are also a great way to expand your circle of friends and gain new contacts for […]
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 […]
Remember Thy Name
It is said that one of the best ways to build rapport with an audience is by learning their names. Sounds easy, right? Can you remember thy name? Have you ever introduced yourself to people, shook a hand, and heard a name, just to forget seconds later? Chances are you have – it is human nature! […]
Making A Great First Impression
A first impression takes only seconds to form, and can be very difficult to change. Most importantly, that first interaction will set the tone for any opinion or relationship that may follow. Be prepared.
Guitarist Steve Morse on Listening
Listening Is a Lot of Detective Work Steve Morse is a guitarist best known as the founder of the Dixie Dregs; and since 1994, the guitar player of Deep Purple. He was briefly a member of Kansas in the mid 1980s. Morse’s career has encompassed rock, country, funk, jazz, classical, and fusion of these musical genres. The […]
Fifteenth Birthday – Thank You
Improving Communications is 15 years old! That’s a significant accomplishment. The Small Business Association claims that 30% of new businesses fail during the first two years, 50% during the first five years and 66% during the first 10. We managed to get past a lot of hurdles, despite many standard new-business challenges. When Improving Communications […]
Are Listening Skills a Lost Art?
Listening skills require concentration. Focus lets the brain process the words. It is a two-part process, Hearing is only the first step.