Key tips for introductions and meetings-- part1

Attending a seminar several years ago re: persuasive communication skills for business Owners" with Suzanne Sherkin, CPO Highborn Communications on ”The Power of Presence” has given me some lasting thoughts on this subject. Introductions are one of the best opportunities to make that lasting impression, because quick judgments are made in the first few minutes of the encounter. 1- Practice and hone your personal technique for making that professional first impression. 2- People will remember how you make them feel- not what you say…Treat them like they are the most special person in the world- like they are the CEO of the company. Try to honor and respect them in a genuine and caring way. 3- Timing is critical in the introduction - it starts/ begins with (and your chance can be lost right there by their first impression of you), simply by failing to ignite a spark of dynamic interactivity between you and the person. 4- Pay attention to what takes place in the dialogue following the introduction. I recommend you get to know their agenda- do your research about them before introductions happen re: their interests. Google them first to research their involvement in the business sector/ industry, community involvements, achievements, publications written, etc… and familiarize yourself with them so you can bring these topics up in the discussion at the appropriate time. 5- According to Sherkin, the most critical factors we must keep in mind during the first few critical minutes of an introduction are: • Messages are sent out consciously and unconsciously. • “Communication Key Tells” are always the major non -communicative events. They are the interpersonal signs that you give out more often than you ever thought possible.

Don't forget to blog

Blogging is a great way to get your name and portfolio out there professionally speaking, of course. You can try Tumblr, Weebly or Wordpress for developing and writing your blog and crafting your online portfolio. Just remember to think before you publish your blog by ensuring it represents you in the best light at all times. Good luck!

'Social Media now drives recruitment strategies for companies

More and more companies are using social media to win the war for recruiting the best talent.


The big four are: LinkedIn, Facebook ( career page), Twitter, and YouTube.

Google + though will eventually eclipse LinkedIn for finding the best talent.

Remember when you post anything on these sites that it can be viewed by current and future employers so always practice due diligence.

Tips on maintaining your professional profile

To maintain your professional profile, remember to continually update your status on LinkedIn, your business profile on Facebook and Plaxo. Answer questions when you can and try to connect with those you can mentor or can mentor you.

Also, develop and maintain a professional blog at blogspot.com and wordpress.com

Good luck..

Joining the Digital Revolution

The 21st century is ushering in the Digital World—gradually shifting from the analog world.. Even Canada is getting onboard building its national Digital Media Action Plan across the spectrum. One example is the Canadian Digital Media Network.

Universities are also now exploring Digital Media opportunities by blending together liberal arts, computer science and business marketing.

Likewise we need to have a Digital Media Plan for our career. Most positions are now found through such social networking sites as LinkedIn and Facebook. As such, it is crucial that we map out a strategy for our Digital Media Action Plan and consciously implement it with all our actions and updates on these sites, along with the other business and career apps that these sites offer.

Furthermore, in our current knowledge economy, we need to focus on sensitivity,intuition and willingness to collaborate. These factors have to be an integral part of our digital media strategy and part of our personal brand.
.Workopolis is also leveraging the power of the net & digital social media to help companies find new talent . In fact, Workopolis has redesigned its site offering a new service called Employer Brand Optimizer .

Workopolis audience numbers is about 15 million potential employees with the help of Facebook and Twitter—once again showing the power of Digital Social Media in action.



Moreover, Facebook has recently developed a career app that is making strides in developing and promoting your professional portfolio. LinkedIn also has updated its professional follow of companies apps.

Those persons who fail to join the Digital Generation – Revolution will fall behind in the competitive workplace and professional world of the 21st century.

Invest in Technology and Social Media

The world is flat, especially when looking at it with the perspective of using Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 for building and maintaining online communities and fostering valuable business relationships within any industry.

Recognize this fact and the world will be your oyster.

It is crucial to invest in technology, in particular specialized software that enables us to be more efficient in our competitive and ever-changing industries.

More directives for your personal brand development

Here below are a few significant directives re: the crafting of your personal brand.

• Your personal brand provides the opportunity to explain attributes and benefits that aren’t readily apparent.


• Stand out. What makes your product or service different? In a crowded marketplace, you have got to dare to be different. Don’t come across as boring or indifferent in your word usage.


• The beginning words of your personal brand statement must be very well thought out. Remember that and choose these words very carefully.

• Know your targeted employer. Who are 'they'? What are the demographics of the population they serve. Step in their shoes( employers’ ) and get inside their minds, and speak directly to them. Find out who specifically they are( their work culture, social corporate responsibility directives, corporate directive/mission statement) before aligning your brand with them.

• Try to write the statements for your personal brand as if you're speaking to one person.

• In the accomplishments aspect of your personal brand ,be as much specific as you can. Use "26.74%" instead of "25%". Use "double your sales" instead of "increase a lot".

You also may be interested in this article: “ There Are Important Online Reputation Management Tips That You Should be Aware Of”—see this site for details. http://is.gd/aTA5q .

Remember too that your online reputation is a reflection and personification of your personal brand.

Social networking and people search engine service

I'm taking a break from "going green" for awhile and revisiting " social networking" once again.

Great social people search engine service, Spokeo, like Pipl , CVGadget, Wink and PeekYou can help you locate info on others for networking purposes and vital business relationship building … Spokeo now has a premium service, which you have to pay for that provides you with more detailed info.

Such search engines are new people-tracking utilities that can help you build a detailed dossier about yourself online, and about companies/ organizations and people you would like to work for.