 We struggle with being humble and yet letting people know that we're more than capable of doing the job. We don't want to brag and yet we want to promote our skills and talents. There will always be a tension between the two. The solution lies in accurately reflecting who you are and what you can do. It's absolutely appropriate to let people know you can do the job, that you're unique skills are just what they need. It's okay to promote yourself. But there's a slight catch. |
Add Comment  We all get stuck occasionally, unable to come up with that next good idea or solution to a problem. We've got a challenge right around the corner and can't think of a good way to handle it. We get writer's block. What to do? Here are three tips. Do something different I was out doing yard work this weekend, absorbing the sunshine and getting my hands dirty. It's a great change of pace. As I was edging along the flower beds, I realized how easily thoughts seemed to flow. I got the idea for this post.
 There's no question that video has mushroomed into a massive new communications and marketing opportunity. What some people may not realize is how inexpensive it is to create short videos for instructional, promotional or educational purposes.
During a recent speaking engagement, I told the audience that they could create their own videos at almost no cost and they didn't even need a video camera. Of course, I got a few stunned looks, but it's true. Let me explain.  When we think of improving our communication skills we typically think of becoming a better speaker. Most of us, however, would be better off focusing on listening, the other part of the transaction.
Listening goes beyond hearing. How often have you been in a conversation, hearing the other person's words, only to realize after a few moments you had no clue as to what they had said? Here are some clues to really "hear" the other person:  Today's social media, social networks and online communities make sharing content easier than it's ever been. We can write a blog post like this one, create a podcast or a video, write an e-zine article or create a digital product at little cost.
So, the question is why aren't you doing it? As an executive, business leader or creative professional you have tremendous knowledge and expertise that would benefit others, expand your influence, raise your own profile and set you apart from others within your field. Sure, it takes a little know-how and time. But after that, you really have no excuse. Here's how to begin: What are you known for at your office or in your sphere of influence? Conflict or collaboration? There's a world of difference and results.
We celebrate the 100th birthday of President Ronald Wilson Reagan on Sunday, February 6th. In tribute, here is Reagan at his best -- an impromptu speech at the 1976 Republican National Convention after he barely lost the nomination to President Gerald Ford. Notice his poise, gracious and upbeat delivery and the remarkable ability to come up with such a stirring speech on the fly. The video clip is from "The American Experience." We've all used ASAP at the end of a request, as in, "I need this ASAP." Some of us use it way too often. In the book Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hannson, the authors say that ASAP, "devalues any request that doesn't say ASAP. Before you know it, the only way to get anything done is by putting the ASAP sticker on it." They go on to explain that most things just don't warrant that kind of hysteria. Nobody is going to die, it won't be the end of the world if it's not done this instant. They say what it will do is create artificial stress, which can lead to burnout or worse. So, "reserve your use of emergency language for true emergencies." Ever have that crazy out of body experience when you're in a meeting discussing a topic, plan or strategy and you keep wondering to yourself, "Why are we even talking about this?"
One of the biggest hurdles to clear in just about any meeting is the "reason" for doing something. And yet, the temptation is to jump ahead to the tactics, without knowing the "why." | Wes BleedThanks for visiting my blog. You'll find ideas and inspiration for improving life, work and play. Check out my bio page for more about me, and my speaking page to book me for your next meeting, conference or special event. ArchivesMay 2012 | ||||
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