Calling it ’knowledge philanthropy’ rather than ‘pro bono’ makes me feel like I am giving, rather than giving something away
As an entrepreneur I get a lot of requests to give away expertise ‘for a good cause’. Many times I have to say no. However, I have started to intentionally incorporated knowledge philanthropy into my lifestyle portfolio (not my business portfolio). Here are some of the lessons I learned around how I say ‘YES!’ to…
People are two times more likely to remember you if you shake hands with them
Apparently there is some controversy over the question of whether businesswomen should hug or shake hands. My vote goes to the handshake. Here’s why: A study on handshakes (by the Income Center for Trade Shows) showed that people are two times more likely to remember you if you shake hands with them. The trade-show researchers…
Don’t pass up the opportunity to expand your network and build your personal brand
The holiday office party is a wonderful time to mingle with colleagues in a less pressured setting. Which makes it a great time for networking. Never thought of an office party as a networking event? Then you are missing a key opportunity to develop or deepen relationships with co-workers, to personally thank those who have…
Respecting another person's space can help you build rapport with your colleagues and close sales with your clients
As a consultant and professional speaker, I often travel by myself and frequently dine alone. This affords me the opportunity to combine two of my favourite pastimes: eating great food and watching people. One night at dinner in an ocean-side resort, I noticed a man and a woman seated across the room. It was a…
Francesca Moi of Empowering Events talks about building your following and being active and consistent on social media
Francesca Moi is CEO/director of Empowering Events. You describe yourself as the Meetup Queen. What does that mean and what do you do? Moi: Five years ago I wanted to grow my life-coaching business and I couldn’t find a way to get clients until I started a Meetup group and a Facebook group. Within three…
Moji Ajele of BNI Alberta South talks about why businesses are more likely to thrive if they work together through strategic alliances
Moji Ajele is executive director of BNI Alberta South. What is BNI and what does it do? Ajele: With over 260,000 business owners in 70-plus countries around the globe, BNI (Business Network International) is the world's largest business networking organization. Our mission is simple, we help our members build powerful personal networks that help them…
In the Western world, too little eye contact is interpreted as being impolite, insincere, or even dishonest
You're at a business networking event and the colleague you've been having an intense conversation with begins to shift her gaze from your face to look around the room. Ever wonder why that makes you feel as if she has stopped listening? You know it's not logical. A person doesn't have to look at you…
Speaker Peter Legge to focus on adapting to change and empowering entrepreneurs
An upcoming event in Calgary is aimed at helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenging economic environment they are faced with these days. Doing Business in Tough Times will feature well-known speaker, author, CEO and philanthropist Peter Legge. “My presentation in Calgary is based on Rev. Robert Schuller’s quote Tough times don’t last, tough people do’,” said…
Tom Short of Kudos talks about why employee engagement is so crucial to business success and how his company helps
Tom Short is founder and chief customer officer of Kudos. What is Kudos and what does it do? Short: Kudos supports organizations that want to improve team morale and enhance their corporate culture with the power of recognition and communication. Our system is a private social network that allows everyone to recognize and appreciate anyone…
Kerry George of the Canadian Imperial Business Network on the kind of game-changing information you get when you make connections
Kerry George is CEO at Canadian Imperial Business Network. What’s the Canadian Imperial Business Network and what does it do? George: The Canadian Imperial Business Network or CIBN is a business networking organization that brings business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals together for networking and knowledge. Our mission is to help Canadian business owners to thrive.…