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CAREERS FOR SINGLE MOTHERS
Working Women -
Strategy for
Success: Advancing
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STAND OUT:
Communication Tips for Getting Ahead
by workingwomen2000.com
Lindsey Pollak - Author/Career
Columnist
 Everybody
talks, but how many people really communicate? Here are some tips for
making your communications stand out in a world of continuous cacophony.
Introduce Yourself.
Don't wait for people to talk to you,
particularly if they are potential clients or more senior colleagues.
When I asked my most connected friend how she knew so many people, she
said, "When I see people I want to meet, I introduce myself." Could it
really be that simple? Yes, as long as you make the most of people's
attention after that first handshake.
Tell Stories.
When communicating one-on-one or to a large audience,
storytelling can be the most effective way to get your point across.
Politicians are masters at inserting an illustrative personal tale to
liven up a tedious policy address. Use stories—about clients, past
projects, volunteer work or personal experiences—to more persuasively
explain what you do and why you do it well.
Stay Positive. It is easy to make conversation at a networking
function by criticizing the speaker, the food, the venue or even the
weather, but this can leave people remembering you as a complainer. Make
an impression as a positive businessperson, especially in challenging
economic times when negativity abounds. This includes speaking
positively about yourself! 
Follow Up Religiously.
In order for people to remember you and
your words, you have to remind them. Send "Nice to meet you," "Great to
see you again," or "Hope you saw this article" communications to
contacts to stay on their radar screens.
Looks Matter…Even When People Can't See You.
We all know that
professional appearance is crucial to first impressions, but many people
drop their guard online—the place where so much communication takes
place today. Be sure that your email messages—from the subject line to
the body text to your sign-off—are 100-percent professional and reflect
you in the best light. And remember to spell check every message!
Take Every Opportunity to Say Thank You. Thank you notes never fail
to impress, yet few people send them, even after a lucrative business
referral or successful job interview. Thank you are also memorable when
sent to the host of an event you attended, the author of a book or
article you enjoyed or the personal assistant of an important contact.
The communication of gratitude is rarely forgotten.
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