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When “How’s it going?” or “What’s new?” get you nowhere…

Apr 25, 2024

We all have them: the standard greetings and inquiries we use when we’re attempting to make conversation with a friend, neighbor, co-worker, customer, prospect, fellow networker, Great Aunt Janelle, or whoever. Problem is, many of these standard questions, such...

Five secrets to staying young

Apr 18, 2024

Are you wondering where I’ve been for the last several weeks? Maybe not. In this era of email and information overload, you probably didn’t even notice I’d gone missing!  If you’re remotely interested, I was preparing for, enjoying, and...

Your first step toward better conversations

Mar 11, 2024

“Ugh! I’m just not very good at this,” she said. This person was a participant in an online community gathering where I was the special guest. We were deep into a Q&A session that was generating a lot of rich discussion. The woman elaborated, saying, “I interrupt...

Have a few Drainers & Downers in your world? Some helpful tips.

Mar 7, 2024

This week I had the pleasure of leading a virtual program and discussion on how to identify and deal with the Drainers & Downers (D&Ds) in our lives and workplaces. I must admit, I’m passionate about this topic. Why? Because I think many of us have been...

Shift your job search and networking mentality

Feb 12, 2024

These days it’s common to hear about a friend, peer, or acquaintance who has been laid off. I can think of several people who have had this experience in the last few weeks. If it’s you, I feel for you!  As a speaker / consultant / solopreneur who is continually...

What’s your conversation-and-connection mantra?

Feb 2, 2024

As a writer, I love words. They are fun to learn and play with, not to mention they are helpful in communicating. And, as it turns out, they are very powerful. This powerful-ness applies to the words we write, but also to the words we speak (and sing) to others...

Transform brief conversations into valuable connections

Jan 16, 2024

Ever wonder where the best networking happens? I get asked that question a lot. My answer is short and sweet: “Everywhere and anywhere.” This sounds vague and random. Like I’m dodging the question. But I believe in the truth of my answer with all my...

10 Networking Mistakes to Avoid in 2024

Dec 14, 2023

Wisdom tells us we can learn a lot from our mistakes — and the mistakes of others. So to cap off 2023, I’m sharing a list of ten networking mistakes I see frequently. See if you recognize or are guilty of practicing any of them. (And yes, I freely admit...

How to impress others in conversation

Dec 6, 2023

In my last post, I shared several commonly-asked questions that centered around conversation and connection. Many readers found the answers to these helpful. This week I’m showcasing and answering two more questions you might find interesting, especially as we...