Professional development

Have a dream? Run with it!

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Your dream can become a reality with effort

Do you dream about accomplishing something? Think you have a really hot idea, but haven’t done anything with it? Could be a book, a movie, a trip; just about anything big.

have a dream, I have a dreamI have a dream. Have had it for years, in fact. You see, I’ve had this movie churning in my head. I think it’s a pretty good one, too. (Don’t we all feel that way about our ideas?)

Finally in September 2012 I started putting words to paper. Currently, the script is merely a collection of scenes; dialog, mostly. The script needs more scenes and transitional segments. The writing requires editing and polishing, then conversion to screenplay form. In other words, I’m a long way off.

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Are you a good listener?

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Develop good listening skills to set you and your firm apart One component of good customer service is good listening skills. By listening well, we prevent many problems from occurring, thus avoiding situations that could irritate a customer. In this video I review an incident that teaches two lessons: Listen carefully and speak professionally. The incident … Read more

Small audience? Plow on!

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Ever face a really small audience? If not, you will. It happens to every speaker at least one time. You owe it to yourself, your host and your audience to put on a professional performance. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

1. Remain positive. Keep a smile on your face and in your voice. Show enthusiasm and interest, even excitement. Act as if you expected–even preferred–a smaller audience.

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Be disciplined with your time

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Time management tip: Review non-productive emails after hours

If you’re like most people, you volunteer for a number of non-profit organizations. That’s great. I highly recommend it. (I’m involved with the Rotary Club of New Berlin, the New Berlin Chamber of Commerce, the southeastern Wisconsin chapter of JDRF and a Milwaukee-area ham radio organization.)

Those organizations and the volunteers involved with them regularly send out emails asking for advice, help or information. I imagine you promptly respond to each message. I have. It’s difficult not to. Due to my background in customer service and sales, I tend to react to messages quickly. That’s the problem.

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Small steps can lead to big success

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Much like with exercising, becoming more productive (and therefore more successful) is possible by taking smaller steps. The key is to ingrain those steps in your brain so they become habit.

These steps include:

Taking steps - up stairs1. Cut out wasted time. I’m sure you can find 10 unproductive minutes during your day. Spend less time checking email, surfing the ‘net, or chatting on personal calls. You’d be amazed at how much of your day is wasted. Want to find out? Request your free time analysis sheet.

2. Eliminate distractions. Turn off your phones or send them to voice mail. Turn off the TV set. If the scenery outside is eye-catching, close the blinds. (Open the blinds after completing your project. That’s your reward.) Ask coworkers or kids to be quiet. Adjust the temperature in your room so it’s comfortable. You get the picture.

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