From the category archives:

Professional

These reflections and resources are for those who want to become a master at business relationship-building: with co-workers, clients, and customers or donors.

The Magic Connection Tool

June 8, 2010
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I was reminded today of a powerful connection tool that’s easy to use and absolutely free: the pen and small notepad. I first was impressed by the use of this simple, low-tech tool years ago when used by Warren B. French, Jr., retired President of Shentel and an international leader in the telecommunications industry. He [...]

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Start by listening

May 26, 2010

The foundation of any business or personal relationship is LISTENING. How can you possibly respond to the needs of your constituents if you don’t know what they are? Pay attention to every conversation, whether it’s in person, on the phone, or through social media. Stop multi-tasking and focus on the other person. You’ll be amazed [...]

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Find their missing puzzle piece

May 26, 2010
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Too often I see people who are warm, caring and thoughtful in their personal lives, yet when they’re dealing with employees, co-workers, customers, and prospects, they seem much stiffer and more focused on what they need to get out of these people instead of how much they can give them. A service mentality should be [...]

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Revive the Art of Personal Note-Writing!

May 26, 2010
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The personal note or letter is a time-honored tool for staying in touch with people who mean a lot to you: family, friends, loved ones, and even business associates, customers, and prospects. Electronic media have given us so many other options, that it’s hard to maintain the practice of picking up a pen and paper [...]

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The First First Impression: a business connection tip

May 13, 2010
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We entrepreneurs may blithely assume that a prospect’s first impression will occur the first time they meet us in person somewhere. This is sometimes true, but often, their first impression comes long before this. Have you done everything you can to ensure that this first first impression is a positive one? ONLINE: Your website or [...]

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Speak from the Heart

April 17, 2010
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I try very hard to speak from the heart in all my deliberations, both personal and professional. I disagree that you have to be somehow different when you’re at work than when you’re at home, though admittedly there are perhaps different filters through which to process your words. But the source of your words — [...]

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