Due to the efficiency of conference calls, more folks are using this method instead of meeting face to face. It is also more challenging for co-presenters hosting the calls. Following are some tips to ensure a conference will be an effective and successful one:

• Prior to the call, the facilitators need to have a meeting of the minds either by phone or e-mail. This is so they can agree on the purpose of the call and decide who will be facilitating the call.
• Two facilitators must agree which one will be introducing the different discussion topics.
• Never interrupt or talk over someone who is speaking.
• Before beginning to speak be sure to confirm the person who just spoke has actually finished.
• If you are using a speaker phone – please begin by stating the rules on using the mute button.
• Never get emotional or raise your voice. If there is a disagreement – be gracious about it.

Following these rules you will always have a productive conference call.

In the chaotic world of both our business and professional lives, it is important to have positive self-thoughts. Like most highly motivated and driven people we tend to be more self-critical rather than self-empathetic. As a good friend and highly respected psychologist suggested, when damaging toxic thoughts begin be kind to yourself and think of something that makes you feel good. It will help you feel better and allow greater enjoyment of life. In the long run positive self-talk will definitely help us be more effective.

Speaker phones are wonderful because you can have more than one person on a call. 

However, we all know that most folks use the speaker phone when speaking on a cell phone because the reception is sometimes dicey. 

It is acceptable to use the speaker phone when you are in secluded spot and no one else is around. It is not acceptable to use the speaker phone when you are having a private conversation with others around you and certainly not in a meeting with others unless they are a part of the conversation.

So, remember the purpose of speaker phone is being able to have more than two people involved in the conversation. Remember this rule and you will always be socially correct.

Facebook and Twitter are social media vehicles designed to help us communicate with others. They allow us to easily share information. However, what is posted is never lost plus it can have a tremendous reach to even millions of people.
 
So are these tools our friends or enemies? 

For example, take a recent court ruling reported in the Chicago Tribune by Ameet Sachev on October 1st “Judge backs car dealer that fired employee over Facebook post.”
 
For another example, see the Tribune story on October 9th which discussed that as many recruiters rely on Social Media tools  as they do “word of mouth” in candidate searches. 

Social Media can be a wonderful tool to promote yourself and your brand but it is definitely a balancing act. 

So be sure Social Media promotes your brand and rather than tarnishing it.

In today’s work environment most of us are working longer hours and spending a great deal of time at our desks. It would be great if each of us had our own office. However, in most cases we have a desk next to someone else or are separated by just a thin wall.

To insure you are the person folks will sit next to please follow these simple rules:

Don’t

Eat food that emits odors which will permeate throughout the floor (That means no hot dogs, pizza or Chinese food to name a few.).
Floss your teeth at our desk (The bathroom is perfect for this exercise.).
Talk or laugh loudly so the whole office can hear you.
Make personal calls at your desk where others can eavesdrop.

Follow these simple guidelines and you will be considered a model citizen at your office.

Paralanguage refers to non-verbal aspects of speech– specifically, tempo, intensity and pitch—because those characteristics dominate speaking performances.  A recent article in the Chicago Tribune talked about the presidential candidates and how their body language spoke volumes. Cited in the article were sociologists William Kalkhoff and Stan Gregory of Kent State University in Ohio who are studying paralanguage.
 
Our audiences, whether in front of a crowd or in an interview, remember us not only by what we say but how we say it.  As Kalkhoff said in the article, “There is a lot going on in these debates that’s occurring on a non-conscious level. The negotiation of power of and status in the “paraverbal” range is just a part of it.”

So, remember, your body language speaks louder than your words!

Here is the first guest blog entry from my go to person for writing and editing-

The generally accepted thought is that sans serif font (serif means the small projecting features at the end of strokes) is easier to read on a screen. Examples of sans serif are Arial, Calibri and Verdana. Serif fonts are easier to read in print. Examples of a serif font are Times New Roman and Courier.

With this in mind, and assuming that your resume will probably always be read first on a computer (or phone) screen, a best practice is to use a sans serif font on your resume and cover letter. Use an 11 point size.

– Always keep your resume to one or two pages (one is better, if possible). If you’ve been in the workforce for less than ten years or been with only one or two employers, most likely you can keep it to one.
– Avoid using an objective because that is all about you. Instead, write a summary of qualifications which coherently presents what you bring to the employer.
– If you’ve been out of school for less than two years, lead with education, otherwise, place it at the end of the resume.
 
Steve Wyrostek
No Cliché Copy
www.noclichecopy.com

The one-upper is the person who is always one step ahead of you. They have tried every experience even before you bring it up. Resist being this person even if you have actually done the activity.

If you are being one-upped by someone, smile and let them have the air time. Those around you will admire you more than the know it all!

I recently had dinner with a group and was shocked at these dining don’ts I witnessed at the table:

• Flossing teeth
• Putting on lipstick
• Starting to eat before everyone is served
• Introducing sensitive political issues

Avoid these critical don’ts. That way everyone will want you as a guest at their table!

Often, we forget these rules when talking with new or even familiar acquaintances to make sure we keep them fully engaged in conversation.

Use these Six Golden Tips to ensure success:

1. Never assume; question and clarify
2. Listen with total focus
3. Say thank you quickly when you receive information
4. Think what has been said and process – avoid commenting
5. Respond effectively (be brief)
6. Follow-up in a few days (suggest a by-when date)