How to build the right image to climb the corporate ladder (3)
Tips on managing
your online conversations and socialising with colleagues
7. PAPER WEIGHT: BUSINESS CARDS
Handing Them Out
In the age of electronic address
books, cards are becoming passé, yet they are an important part of a business
or social meeting. When giving out your business card — ensure the front of the
card is facing the reader at the right angle. If possible, hold the card with
both hands while handing it over.
Carrying Them
A well-maintained, sleek and uncluttered card case is imperative. Don’t use
it to store other people’s cards. This reflects that you are busy networking
and the person you are meeting is just another number on your list of must
meets. Try and match the card case to your clothes and accessories — anything
too bright and reflective, indicates you are trying to seek unwanted attention.
Design
For the card itself, a simple neat design is recommended. A dual-coloured print
on card paper is regarded as the ideal design. Too much colour indicates
flamboyance and youthfulness. The busier your business card looks, the more
disorganised you will appear.
My Tip: Never put your photo on the card. People will remember you if you
are important to them or if left an impression when you met them.
8. BE CONNECTED: ONLINE NETWORKING
Making Contact
If you are making new connections, ensure you do not stalk the person you
are trying to reach out to. A simple friend request on Facebook with an
accompanying message introducing who you are is recommended.
On Twitter, follow only those people you are keen to
know more about. Randomly adding people, may increase your contact list, but
will also reflect
that you know just about
everyone you shouldn’t.
Your Profile
Fill out basic information about yourself — who you are, where you live and
what you do. Leave your religious and personal affiliations blank. Business
associates are really not your ‘friends’
and need not know more about you than they should.
Customise privacy settings so people don’t post
embarrassing videos, pictures and conversations. Never mention your mobile or
direct access number, unless of course you like random calls and unwanted
callers.
Updates & Tweets
Refrain from posting too many personal updates, tweets, videos and
pictures. Not everyone is likely to be interested in knowing where you are,
what you just ate, how you feel, who you met or how drunk you got at a party.
Don’t randomly comment on everyone’s updates — your words will be noted and
taken seriously. And don’t invite people to join pages or groups that you like
or are interested in. They will find what they are looking for on their own.
Sharing links to articles, reviews and general interest
reading or research material (as long as it’s related to your line of work) is
recommended and is a good way to both promote your work as well as show how
interested you are in what you do.
Mobile Phones
Carrying a web friendly mobile shows that you like being connected. If you
use BBM and have added your business contacts or colleagues, don’t post private
pictures and information. Use instant messaging apps only to connect to people
you know really well or interact with regularly.
My Tip: Spend time online, but live in the real world. Don’t close
yourself to face-to-face interactions and handson experiences. Nothing’s quite
like the real thing.
9. GET YOUR GROOVE: PARTIES & SOCIALS
When to Arrive
If it’s a formal setting, be there on time and follow the indicated dress
code. You can arrive ‘fashionably late’ by about 20 minutes to a more casual
occasion. However large the gathering, make it a point to let your host know
when you have arrived.
Exchange pleasantries with the host when you meet them
— telling them that you made it a point to be there, even though you are on a
tight schedule. This will make them feel both important and wanted.
Handling One-on-one Conversations
When you meet someone new, keep your conversation pleasant, short and
brief. Begin with introducing yourself. If you know whom you are talking to,
don’t pretend not to. Acknowledging someone or what they do or may have
recently achieved will always earn you brownie points.
Having said that, a mistaken identity will kill all
chances of a positive conversation or a favourable end result. Never get too
familiar with the other person, either with your words or your body language.
Managing Groups
If you are interacting in a group, stay as involved with the flow of
conversation as possible. Acknowledge your participation by using few but firm
words and sentences like: ‘yes, you are right’, ‘very much so’ etc. Move your
head in an accepting manner, but don’t keeping nodding endlessly. You should
know that it’s a good time to join or leave a group when there are long pauses
between conversations. Excuse yourself in and out of conversations with a
pleasant smile.
If you are moving to another group, be gradual and
discreet about it. Leaving a group to instantly join another indicates that you
found the people or the conversation in the other group more convincing,
interesting or important.
What to Eat & Drink
Never drink more than you should — office and work parties are not the
place to let your hair or your guard down. Not eating (even if you are on a
diet) indicates that you are uncomfortable being there or with what the host
has laid out for you. Taking a couple of bites to make people happy. Try not to
offend anyone.
When to Leave
Make it a point to stay for as long as you are expected to. Don’t ever be
the first or last one to leave, unless of course the host specifically asks you
stay on.
Your Parting Shot
Before saying your bye-byes, compliment your host for the food, décor or
the setup — even if you noticed shortcomings. Make sure you sign off on a
pleasant note. People will always remember your parting words.
My Tip: Subtly mirror the body language and actions of people you
interact with. This is a powerful way of establishing the same status, building
relationships and creating a rapport.
10. FOOD FACTS: MEALS, DINING &
EATING OUT
Breakfast Basics
When meeting someone over breakfast, take your discussions straight to the
point as most people rush through breakfast meetings, as a spill over here will
eat into their day’s schedule. Don’t sit too close to the other person or talk
too loudly. In most cases, people prefer their own space in the morning and
only begin to get social by mid-day.
A Cup of Coffee
Meetings over tea/coffee should be kept short and brief. Taking slow sips
will make the conversation last longer and indicates that you are ready to talk
and aren’t pressed for time. Placing your cup down immediately after you drink
from it indicates you are convinced and interested, while keeping the cup in
your hand indicates that you are unsure or indecisive. As soon as the person
you are meeting empties their cup, it’s time to wrap up the meeting.
The Drinks Code
Always ask, before you take someone out for a drink. It’s important to know
your whisky from your rum and your white wine from red. Do your homework on
brands, types, mixers and combinations. Choose a location or seat that is quiet
(not dark) and a brand or drink you are familiar with and that you or the host
don’t mind paying for. Unless you know them well, never invite someone of the
opposite sex to discuss business at a bar — you are likely to be misunderstood,
even though your intentions may be good.
Lunch & Dinner
To make them feel secure and reduce stress and tension, sit the other
person with their back to a solid wall or surface. Most discussions come to a
standstill once you start eating and nobody likes to talk with their mouth
full. Try and complete all work related talk after you order and before the
food arrives. Compliment the food, but don’t overdo it. You are there to talk
business and not discuss your culinary tastes or personal food preferences.
My Tip: Even if you have been invited, always be the first one to offer
to settle the bill — it indicates that you are secure and can take care of
yourself.
11. SELF TRAINING: PERSONAL SKILLS
Time Management
Never be late for an appointment. Always plan ahead for accidental delays —
traffic, weather and other unforeseen reasons. If you keep someone waiting, it
reflects a disorganised nature. Some people make others wait to lower the
status and confidence of the person they are meeting. Not in good taste at all.
Energy Release
However busy your schedule, make
time for a good workout, a long laugh, a quick stretch,
a leisurely massage, a steam bath, a game or sport and doing some deep
breathing exercises. These are all good
ways to clear
the mind, beat
stress and vent out anger and negative energies.
Keeping physically (and mentally) active will lift your spirits, make you think
sharper and react a lot faster as well.
Stay Connected
Update yourself on just about everything — current affairs, politics,
economics, history, science, arts, sports and leisure. These subjects make
great conversation starters.
Be open to talk about things beyond your office,
business or industry. The more people think you know — the more respect and
authority you will command from them.
Personality
Act confident and you will be perceived that way. Learn to conceal your
emotions and never carry your personal issues to the office. Try and look as
bright and happy as possible — even at the end of the day or week. Greet, smile
at and acknowledge everyone — not just those who matter, but even the person at
the bottom of the pyramid.
When you are speaking to them, always look people in
the eye or place yourself right opposite to them, This reflects that you are
sure about what you are saying and people will be easily convinced by what you
are telling them.
My Tip: When you speak, your facial expressions should look slightly
animated — people will believe your words if your face reflects what you are
saying.
Yatan
Ahluwalia ET 29JUL12
7. PAPER WEIGHT: BUSINESS CARDS
In the age of electronic address books, cards are becoming passé, yet they are an important part of a business or social meeting. When giving out your business card — ensure the front of the card is facing the reader at the right angle. If possible, hold the card with both hands while handing it over.
Carrying Them
A well-maintained, sleek and uncluttered card case is imperative. Don’t use it to store other people’s cards. This reflects that you are busy networking and the person you are meeting is just another number on your list of must meets. Try and match the card case to your clothes and accessories — anything too bright and reflective, indicates you are trying to seek unwanted attention.
Design
For the card itself, a simple neat design is recommended. A dual-coloured print on card paper is regarded as the ideal design. Too much colour indicates flamboyance and youthfulness. The busier your business card looks, the more disorganised you will appear.
My Tip: Never put your photo on the card. People will remember you if you are important to them or if left an impression when you met them.
Making Contact
If you are making new connections, ensure you do not stalk the person you are trying to reach out to. A simple friend request on Facebook with an accompanying message introducing who you are is recommended.
On Twitter, follow only those people you are keen to know more about. Randomly adding people, may increase your contact list, but will also reflect
that you know just about
everyone you shouldn’t.
Your Profile
Fill out basic information about yourself — who you are, where you live and what you do. Leave your religious and personal affiliations blank. Business associates are really not your ‘friends’
and need not know more about you than they should.
Customise privacy settings so people don’t post embarrassing videos, pictures and conversations. Never mention your mobile or direct access number, unless of course you like random calls and unwanted callers.
Updates & Tweets
Refrain from posting too many personal updates, tweets, videos and pictures. Not everyone is likely to be interested in knowing where you are, what you just ate, how you feel, who you met or how drunk you got at a party. Don’t randomly comment on everyone’s updates — your words will be noted and taken seriously. And don’t invite people to join pages or groups that you like or are interested in. They will find what they are looking for on their own.
Sharing links to articles, reviews and general interest reading or research material (as long as it’s related to your line of work) is recommended and is a good way to both promote your work as well as show how interested you are in what you do.
Mobile Phones
Carrying a web friendly mobile shows that you like being connected. If you use BBM and have added your business contacts or colleagues, don’t post private pictures and information. Use instant messaging apps only to connect to people you know really well or interact with regularly.
My Tip: Spend time online, but live in the real world. Don’t close yourself to face-to-face interactions and handson experiences. Nothing’s quite like the real thing.
When to Arrive
If it’s a formal setting, be there on time and follow the indicated dress code. You can arrive ‘fashionably late’ by about 20 minutes to a more casual occasion. However large the gathering, make it a point to let your host know when you have arrived.
Exchange pleasantries with the host when you meet them — telling them that you made it a point to be there, even though you are on a tight schedule. This will make them feel both important and wanted.
Handling One-on-one Conversations
When you meet someone new, keep your conversation pleasant, short and brief. Begin with introducing yourself. If you know whom you are talking to, don’t pretend not to. Acknowledging someone or what they do or may have recently achieved will always earn you brownie points.
Having said that, a mistaken identity will kill all chances of a positive conversation or a favourable end result. Never get too familiar with the other person, either with your words or your body language.
Managing Groups
If you are interacting in a group, stay as involved with the flow of conversation as possible. Acknowledge your participation by using few but firm words and sentences like: ‘yes, you are right’, ‘very much so’ etc. Move your head in an accepting manner, but don’t keeping nodding endlessly. You should know that it’s a good time to join or leave a group when there are long pauses between conversations. Excuse yourself in and out of conversations with a pleasant smile.
If you are moving to another group, be gradual and discreet about it. Leaving a group to instantly join another indicates that you found the people or the conversation in the other group more convincing, interesting or important.
What to Eat & Drink
Never drink more than you should — office and work parties are not the place to let your hair or your guard down. Not eating (even if you are on a diet) indicates that you are uncomfortable being there or with what the host has laid out for you. Taking a couple of bites to make people happy. Try not to offend anyone.
When to Leave
Make it a point to stay for as long as you are expected to. Don’t ever be the first or last one to leave, unless of course the host specifically asks you stay on.
Your Parting Shot
Before saying your bye-byes, compliment your host for the food, décor or the setup — even if you noticed shortcomings. Make sure you sign off on a pleasant note. People will always remember your parting words.
My Tip: Subtly mirror the body language and actions of people you interact with. This is a powerful way of establishing the same status, building relationships and creating a rapport.
Breakfast Basics
When meeting someone over breakfast, take your discussions straight to the point as most people rush through breakfast meetings, as a spill over here will eat into their day’s schedule. Don’t sit too close to the other person or talk too loudly. In most cases, people prefer their own space in the morning and only begin to get social by mid-day.
A Cup of Coffee
Meetings over tea/coffee should be kept short and brief. Taking slow sips will make the conversation last longer and indicates that you are ready to talk and aren’t pressed for time. Placing your cup down immediately after you drink from it indicates you are convinced and interested, while keeping the cup in your hand indicates that you are unsure or indecisive. As soon as the person you are meeting empties their cup, it’s time to wrap up the meeting.
The Drinks Code
Always ask, before you take someone out for a drink. It’s important to know your whisky from your rum and your white wine from red. Do your homework on brands, types, mixers and combinations. Choose a location or seat that is quiet (not dark) and a brand or drink you are familiar with and that you or the host don’t mind paying for. Unless you know them well, never invite someone of the opposite sex to discuss business at a bar — you are likely to be misunderstood, even though your intentions may be good.
Lunch & Dinner
To make them feel secure and reduce stress and tension, sit the other person with their back to a solid wall or surface. Most discussions come to a standstill once you start eating and nobody likes to talk with their mouth full. Try and complete all work related talk after you order and before the food arrives. Compliment the food, but don’t overdo it. You are there to talk business and not discuss your culinary tastes or personal food preferences.
My Tip: Even if you have been invited, always be the first one to offer to settle the bill — it indicates that you are secure and can take care of yourself.
Time Management
Never be late for an appointment. Always plan ahead for accidental delays — traffic, weather and other unforeseen reasons. If you keep someone waiting, it reflects a disorganised nature. Some people make others wait to lower the status and confidence of the person they are meeting. Not in good taste at all.
Energy Release
However busy your schedule, make
time for a good workout, a long laugh, a quick stretch, a leisurely massage, a steam bath, a game or sport and doing some deep breathing exercises. These are all good
ways to clear
the mind, beat
stress and vent out anger and negative energies. Keeping physically (and mentally) active will lift your spirits, make you think sharper and react a lot faster as well.
Stay Connected
Update yourself on just about everything — current affairs, politics, economics, history, science, arts, sports and leisure. These subjects make great conversation starters.
Be open to talk about things beyond your office, business or industry. The more people think you know — the more respect and authority you will command from them.
Personality
Act confident and you will be perceived that way. Learn to conceal your emotions and never carry your personal issues to the office. Try and look as bright and happy as possible — even at the end of the day or week. Greet, smile at and acknowledge everyone — not just those who matter, but even the person at the bottom of the pyramid.
When you are speaking to them, always look people in the eye or place yourself right opposite to them, This reflects that you are sure about what you are saying and people will be easily convinced by what you are telling them.
My Tip: When you speak, your facial expressions should look slightly animated — people will believe your words if your face reflects what you are saying.
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