Tip of the Day Archive

Ever have to drive an hour or two for a big meeting, struggle to find a parking place on the fifth level of the paid public parking, go into the meeting and deliver a great presentation? You nailed it and everyone is in a good mood. As you are shaking hands they kindly say they will validate your parking and it is then that you realize you left your parking ticket in your car. DOH! Not a big deal really, but it is just one of those things where you kick yourself in the butt. While most likely it will not affect the outcome of your presentation, just remember to have that ticket in hand.

Ever have that small task that you just don't feel like doing? Well when you debate whether to do it or not, that time you spent contemplating your move, that task could have been completed. It's always easier than it sounds, but getting the small stuff done quickly and out of the way not only will free up more of your time, but the mental relief you receive knowing it is done and out of the way makes your day that much sweeter.

The Steroids scandal is catching up with baseball in a big way, especially with Alex Rodriquez. The sport is a business now, and while back then it appeared a good idea, taking those drugs are now costing the league and enhancement drug users their reputation. What would you have done if this were your business? Always take caution as we can only base our decisions on what data is currently available. Chances are, if it doesn't sound like a good idea, its most likely true.

Ever have those days where you're just not feeling it. Trying to get the most menial and simplest tasks seems a chore just cause you cannot focus. Perhaps the best thing you can do is bear down and try. If anything, it will help train you to overcome those sluggish modes of working.

How often have you walked by someone, whether in the work place or on the streets, and you are engrossed with your iPhone or other gadget or simply walk with your head down. You would be surprised by the reactions you might get by simply saying hello to someone. It might not be a huge PR move, but over time it will change the way people look at you. And who knows, maybe one day that hello will be to the right person. Give it a shot, befriending someone is not as difficult as we make it out to be.

There are those that love nine to five and hit the happy hour bar. There are also those that think the job comes first and finishing it takes priority. Then come the weekenders. Weekends are meant to catch up on some much needed Z's and to relieve stress. And again, some people use the weekends for just that while others catch up on work.

The Superbowl has come and gone, and with it so has the first month of the new year. Goes quick doesn't it? Now is a good time to check your priorities for the new year and see how they are coming along. If you are behind and not meeting your quota, do not fret. Do what you can to establish yourself and try to accommodate your goals as time allows.

Time for one of the biggest events of the sporting world, and also a good time to meet new people. Don't be afraid to bring business cards to the party. The key is not to advertise yourself. Let everyone enjoy the party without you shoving your job in their face. If you happen to meet someone and they are in the business or could use your help, chat them up and see what they are all about. Offer them your card and see what happens from there. Remember, following up is key.

With a month nearly gone in 2009, are you finding that the passion and zeal that you wanted to begin with is still there or are you starting to fizzle? If you are pressing or simply put too much on your plate, take a step back and reevaluate your goals. Take them at an easier pace or slowly fit them into your weekly itinerary. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step.

If you are new to calling, or even a pro, it is always a good idea to make sure you know what you are talking about. But having the knowledge is not always enough. When you make that call, whether it is a cold call or a warm lead, be sure you have practiced your speech and make sure you sound calm, confident, and collected. Believe it or not, the person on the other end of the line will be able to smell the blood in the water if you are nervous or stammer out words. That could make all the difference in the success of your call.

We have all had jobs we hate, and some of us still do. But all of us have a common goal: work towards success so that we will have both the job we enjoy and the payroll to live a great life. So while right now you might be in a job that doesn't quite provide you the enjoyment you want, make sure it is a job that heads towards your ultimate goal of establishing the career YOU want. For while money will make you happy to a certain degree, making money with a job you enjoy will make it that much sweeter.

It is okay to have someone to look up to and try to emulate their success. But sometimes there are methods that they use that may not feel comfortable to you, liking being very aggressive in conversations. If this pertains to you, find out why they make it successful and make it work for you in a style that feels right to you. Over time, you will develop your own unique style and use it to your advantage, but in the meantime just take what you can and make it your own.

The new year has come and is in full force. But do not get so caught up in the New Year's passion that you forget those that helped you along the way, most importantly clients. Follow up with them in a personal letter or card that expresses your gratitude for sharing their business with you. It may not seem a big deal to you, but you would be surprised just how far a little gesture like that can go.

If you are one of the lucky few who have the perks of working from home, be sure to create a place with few distractions. It is very easy to become complacent at home because there is no one to answer to if you click on the television or aimlessly surf the net. Stay focused on what needs to get done and treat it with the same respect as if you were at the office.

With the holiday festivities over, it is important to get back on track with the Brofessional world. The goals you made for 2008 and completed are certainly to be applauded, but the goals where you fell short and made for 2009 need to come to fruition. Look at what you have planned and make it happen. Do not start out with great motivation in January and fizzle in February. See it through to the end.