You’re sitting in a presentation and the speaker ends nearly every key point with “right?” By the fourth or fifth time, you’ve stopped paying attention and started counting how many times they say it. You’ve probably also started to wonder whether they believe what they’re saying. That “right?” is one of many weak communication habits […]
"You’re wearing that?” How many of us heard this question when we were younger? Those wiser than us knew something important: first impressions matter. Before you say a word, what you wear influences how others perceive you. In business, those perceptions affect relationships, opportunities and results. The right shirt won't be the reason you close […]
Business owners often say they need to build a personal brand. The reality is that they already have one. Their reputation is shaped every day through how they communicate, how quickly they respond, whether they arrive prepared and what people find when they look them up online. The question is: are they intentional about it? For small and […]
You know executive presence when you see it, but can you define it? While it’s easy to recognize when someone possesses this “it factor,” it’s harder to describe exactly what separates the strongest, most effective leaders from everyone else. Here's a working definition. Executive presence is the blend of communication and listening skills, leadership behaviors and […]
Imagine sitting in a room with a prospect, and they scroll on their phone while you speak. You likely feel frustrated, annoyed, insulted, ignored — maybe even disrespected. Video calls are no different — others notice when you do things that show you're not fully present. If you often behave this way, they'll view you […]