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Intro: A Note from Jen
Lifestyle: More than Miss Manners
In the
Media: Social
Graces
Spotlight On: Create Your Own Networking
Event
Gadgets & Gizmos: Connect Digitally
How To: Make Yourself a Media
Star
A Note
from Jen
Ah, social skills. Do you
ever notice that some people just can't quite get the hang of them?
Perhaps they interrupt you when you try to talk, or they let a door close
on you while you struggle up the stairs with a suitcase (of course, we
know this would never describe you).
Whether you realize it or not,
those little actions and nuances can sometimes mean the difference between
moving your career one step forward, or bringing it to a screeching halt.
If people enjoy the pleasure of your company because you are professional,
pulled together and considerate, your chances for success are
exponentially better.
And if you haven't yet learned the power of
networking to further your career or personal life, there's no better time
than the present, so this week's focus is on polish: etiquette, networking
skills, and learning how to navigate the social sphere of your career
path. These things do matter, and they are important, so read on and get
socially savvy!
Until next week,
Jen
Note: Please don't forget to add
newsletter@ysn.com to
your address book to ensure you receive our weekly updates. Thank you!
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Lifestyle: More than Miss
Manners
Your mother always told you
to keep your elbows off the table, but did she mention which fork goes
where, or what to do when you forget someone's name in the middle of a
meeting? Good manners are not only essential for civility, but for
success, too. If you handle yourself well, people will be impressed by
your professionalism, which never held back anyone zooming along a career
path.
We've found some excellent resources for staying on top of
those social skills, whether you put them to work at a business dinner, or
leverage them to understand the nuances of international cultures. If
you're wondering how to handle yourself while visiting a foreign country
on business, Geert Hofstede Dimensions has an
excellent collection of information outlining cultural customs everywhere
from Argentina to Venezuela, including tips on appearance and do's and
don't's.
Of course, no one does etiquette like the Emily Post Institute, which has a
web site that covers job interviews, making good first impressions, and
general business etiquette. You can also buy the book on the subject: The Etiquette Advantage in
Business.
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In the Media: Social
Graces
If you're having a hard time
polishing your social skills, imagine what it must be like to be a member
of a royal family, or a celebrity on the red carpet. With a life
constantly led in the spotlight, one little gaffe can mean global
headlines, so the pressure to be graceful at all times is intense. Let's
not forget the debutantes, either, whose entry into society is ornately
staged and often as costly as a lavish wedding. So how can you find the
same level of grace under pressure without that blue blood running through
your veins, winning the DNA lottery, or going to finishing school? You
might start with the Etiquette Grrls, who have taken
it upon themselves to tell you the Things You Need to Be Told. With two
books on the subject, you'll get a head-start on what to do - and more
importantly, what not to do - as you navigate your way through the world.
Ball State University also offers
dining tips useful in both business and social situations.
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Spotlight On: Create Your
Own Networking Event
So little time yet so many
people to see? We have a great trick that's helped us reconnect with our
friends on a few occasions when we've had more people to see than time to
schedule all the lunches, dinners, drinks and quick coffees it would take.
How, you ask? It's so easy, it's a shame even we don't do this more often.
Whenever we're out of town, we schedule a casual little get
together at a nice local bar or hotel lounge where we can take over an
area. This allows a bunch of people to float in and out over a few hours
when it's most convenient for them, and we get the chance to catch up with
everyone we want to see. The bonus is that it also creates a networking
opportunity for our friends, and you know how we love those!
All it
takes is a witty email to all your intendeds letting them know that you a)
miss them and thought it would be cool to get a few of your favorite
people together; b) have been slammed and thought they might appreciate a
great chance to steel away for a quick catch up, too; and c) are only
going to be in their town for a day or two and couldn't bear to miss
seeing them. Be sure to provide all the pertinent info (day, time range,
place, info on food and drinks), and let them know that you're inviting a
few other friends, colleagues, or whoever, and that they might really
enjoy one another.
By gathering people in this way, everyone gets
to order their own drinks and appetizers so you don't get stuck with a
huge (or the whole) bill! Letting everyone do their own thing also takes
the pressure off of you to organize every detail, allows people to come
and go without throwing off the flow, and even encourages people to mingle
in their own little subgroups. And after all is said and done, your
friends will get to make some new friends, and you'll get to finally see
everyone you've been wanting to!
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Gadgets & Gizmos:
Connect Digitally
If you've ever wanted a
savvy way to re-connect with someone after a networking event, don't
underestimate the power of your digital camera. And we DO NOT mean for
blackmail, either. If you've met someone at an event who could be a great
connection for you, have a shot taken of the two of you (if there's an
appropriate opportunity, of course), and send the photo by e-mail as a
follow up. It's not only a great conversation piece, but will help to keep
your face in the mind of your new pal.
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How To: Make Yourself a
Media Star
Now that you're all primped,
primed and ready to be the star that you are, we have the perfect people
to help you share your expertise, talents and any fabulous products or
services you might with the world - with more media exposure than you've
ever dreamed of.
Yes, it's time for the National Publicity Summit
yet again, and for those of you who missed out last year, this is your
fair warning. There are only 100 tickets sold to this one-of-a-kind event
and they're going on sale this week! Interested in the opportunity to sell
your story to The View, Today Show, CNN, ESPN, Entrepreneur and other tv,
radio and print publications around the country?
Block out time on
your calendar on Thursday, July 20th at 2PM EST or 7PM EST to hop on a
free teleconference with Steve Harrison, the founder of Radio-TV Interview
Report. This call will give you a sneak preview at what's available at the
summit, including insights from a former Oprah guestbooker and a FOX news
channel producer. Then register fast for the summit so we can all hang out
in New York in September together!
To register for the teleseminar
go to www.FreePublicity.com/Call874 or
call 800-989-1400 ext 874.
See you in September!
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