What is the first thing you think of when someone talks about networking? Chances are it’s schmoozing – or something similar it. You’re likely picturing a room full of hollow, exaggerated business people all looking to push their own agenda, passing out business cards like they were Halloween candy and uttering phrases like’ Let’s do.. read more →

“An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it” – Anonymous Having an open mind means being open to opinions that are different than yours, remaining flexible and open to new experiences and ways of doing things. Now more than ever the world is continually changing. If we limit.. read more →

Effective listening is hands down one of the most important customer service skills you can have.  When most people ‘listen’ in their mind, they are preparing what they want to say next rather than actively listening (concentrating on what the speaker is saying while monitoring their body language and emotions for additional cues) because active.. read more →

I’ve noticed when I ask my co-workers how they are doing today how many of them, regardless of their age answer ‘I’m really tired. I just don’t feel like doing much of anything today…add often they don’t.  It’s often these same people who complain when an opportunity is given to someone else.  It really got.. read more →

Do you often feel like your job is going to push you over the edge someday? Do you think that’s just how working for a living has to be? Perhaps what you need is to take a fresh approach. Let’s face it, the way you’re handling things now is leaving you feeling pretty lousy. Maybe it’s.. read more →

The practice of staying in the present moment has been growing in popularity and may be coming to your place of business. You heard right. From the US Army to Oxford University the practice of mindfulness is being embraced in some surprising places. The signs of a wide-spread mindfulness movement don’t stop there.The practice is.. read more →

What can you say about your competition…I mean really! You’re expected to know about them, what they offer and how they operate, but you really aren’t supposed to bring them up with customers. It can really be a bit confusing. So what do you do when a customer asks about them or worse bad-mouths your.. read more →

Work is serious business – but a serious attitude is entirely optional. A sense of humor is one of the most effective and underappreciated communication tools you can have. It can break the ice, diffuse a tense situation and can provide a mental break for customers and employees alike.   Good humor works because it.. read more →

Talking to customers on the phone is not the same as talking to them in person. People tend to pick up the phone and talk in the same manner they would if someone were standing in front of them.  The trouble is, over the phone customers can’t see your facial expressions, body language, gestures or.. read more →