Today is Valentine’s Day, the day set apart to shower the special people in your life with all the love they deserve. If you’re scrambling to find that perfect way to demonstrate your affection beyond the usual heart-shaped cards or box of chocolates, I understand. Wanting others to know what they mean to you is … Continue reading 15 Ways to Love More Effectively →
While you may be reluctant or, even worse, scared to give a presentation in front of a group of people, it is one of life’s greatest personal growth experiences. When you have the opportunity to share your insights with a group, accept the invitation and watch your self-confidence and value to the market grow! Over … Continue reading 15 Tips to Speaking in Front of People →
Meeting with groups of people is something we all experience. Whether it’s board meetings, business meetings, office meetings, church meetings, or small group meetings, you can do some simple things to build your personal brand and have your words carry more weight. 1. Learn about the participants. If you are attending an important meeting where people will be present whom you have not yet met, learn about them in advance. Google their names, read their websites, review their LinkedIn profiles, or whatever options are available to you. How would you view someone who took the time to learn about you in advance? 2. Dress appropriately. The way you appear in meetings will impact how you are viewed—both at the subconscious and conscious level. When you take pride in your appearance, people will regard you more seriously and will place more value in what you say...read more
We are living in an era of constant change. Because businesses are becoming less dictatorial and more social, the understanding and value of soft skills to an organization are growing daily. In Top 10 Soft Skills to Master, I touched on a couple reasons why soft skills are important, but those were just the tip of the iceberg. The more I look at the distinguishing traits of people who are advancing their careers, the more convinced I am that soft skills are more important today than ever before. Soft Skills versus Hard Skills “Soft skills” is a term relating to a collection of personal, positive attributes and competencies that enhance your relationships, job performance, and value to the market.... read more
Our relationships influence every area of our lives. From the friends we attract to the promotions we receive, all of our personal and professional success is built on relationships. This is why it is critical that we do the little things that nourish and strengthen our relationships with others. Every day we interact with people. During these conversations, it is important that we be fully present and give people our undivided attention. If we aren’t careful, we can be distracted and run the risk of being viewed as rude, inconsiderate, and disrespectful... read more
Since you will be celebrating Christmas and New Years during the next two weekends with family and friends, I want to give you a few timely reminders on what I call party etiquette. When my family makes sure to do these things at other people’s homes, our efforts are noticed and appreciated. Consider these 12 little things when you’re invited to someone’s home this holiday season...read more
As we move into prime flu season, I want to share with you what I do to stay well. A key part of my success and happiness is that I seldom get sick and I believe it is because of the little things I do that keep me feeling good. When you understand how viruses and germs are spread, there is a lot you can do to keep yourself healthy. Here are 15 tips to help you feel good, look good, and stay well. As you will see, it’s all about playing the odds and reducing your risks. 1. Wash your hands frequently. Since your hands are the main carriers of viruses and germs, make it a habit to wash them often, especially EVERY time you use the restroom. 2. Carry anti-bacteria hand cleaner in your car, briefcase, or purse. This is the best way to sanitize your hands when water and soap are not available...read more
You probably can’t remember the last time a neighbor asked to borrow a cup of sugar. Those days seem long gone. But I’ll bet you remember the last time you loaned something to a friend, family member or co-worker and had to follow up to get it back. Worse yet, you got it back but in poor condition. Or, do you often find yourself on the other end of the transaction? For example: Do you have items which belong to someone else that you’ve been meaning to return, but haven’t gotten around to yet? Have you lost, accidentally damaged or broken something borrowed and are ashamed to face the owner so you’re just hoping he never brings it up...read more
From a very young age, all of us were taught how to accept a gift: say thank you, say something nice about the gift and, above all, don’t say you don’t like it (even if you don’t) because that will hurt the feelings of the giver. This advice is as good today as it was when you were five years old. It still applies whenever you receive a gift—and that includes the gift of a compliment. Graciously accepting a compliment in any setting is not only good manners, it’s a sign of someone who is confident and self-assured. It’s also a way to build rapport by acknowledging the compliment paid. Today’s lesson on accepting compliments will help you see that this little thing can be a huge boost to your reputation....read more
What is the number one thing people do that bugs you? Think about it for a moment. Do you have something in mind? How do you feel about people who do that? Do you want to shake your head in disgust? Do you want to roll your eyes? Do you want to bite your tongue as you resist saying something? Do you want to blow your horn? How does this affect your impression of them? Recently, I posed a question on the Little Things Matter Facebook page asking people to comment on what types of things other people do that bug them. More people responded to this post than any other question posed since starting this page. I hit a nerve...read more