Building Successful Careers

Most of our communication in the business world is done on a one-to-one basis or through announcements in a conference setting.   Consider using another effective way to communicate and get connected with your people, customers and business partners’ - parallel communication. Parallel communication means that you are talking to people while you are doing something else together. For example if you have difficulty talking with your teenage children, you might want to join them in cleaning their messy rooms. While working together, take this opportunity to chat with them.   Ask about their friends, what they are doing in school; ask their opinions about the things happening around them.   Usually they will open up the communication channel between you. Hiking, playing games, dining, watching games and movies together are all good opportunities for parallel communication where you can strengthen the bond between you and your children and friends. Team building activities at work are for...

Networking can happen anywhere, sporting events, holiday programs, children's parties and dances. December is always a golden time for networking. Send cards to your family and friends updating them on your life. Attend fund raising events and holiday parties both public and private. Talk to people, show your genuine interest in their lives, ask about their holiday plans, their accomplishments, their children's accomplishments. You will be surprised what they share with you, perhaps unveiling opportunities that might be mutually beneficial. Holiday time is also a perfect time to say thank you to all the people who helped you, but never received your appreciation in writing. Write a note or card and make your appreciation known! After the party, link to your new friends, send them follow-up emails and invitations to your private network. Schedule follow-up events such as lunches. Remember our 52 lunch networking tips? (Have lunch each week with a person you either nev...