Who is this for? Professionals who struggle to convey their proposition in a concise, interesting and memorable way. It will be valuable for managers, leaders and those involved in sales or marketing.

What does it cover? Having studied what make some people and their propositions more memorable than others I have pulled together 7 principles.  This communication skills workshop shows you how to apply them to your unfolding business development conversations.

By the end of the session you will have:

• Techniques to ensure people want to hear what you have to say
• 3 concise, clear and conversational introductions that you feel confident using
• A formula for telling stories that demonstrate your credibility
• A memorable metaphor to illustrate your offering or positioning
• Identified ways to keep strengthening your key relationships – without being a pest
• An understanding of how to avoid being remembered for the wrong reasons
• Increased your confidence, motivation to get out there and meet more prospects.

To book: please call Melissa on 07855 105 865

Developing and deepening relationships takes time.  But it takes a lot less time, when the key people actually remember who you are and the value you create.

“Make yourself memorable is a valuable lesson on how to make that vital first impression. My opening statements now convey what I always wanted to say, but in a more structured and flowing format. A very worthwhile session which I recommend to all my team.”Adam Bamford, Area Premier Manager, HSBC

I attended one of Melissa Kidd’s ‘Make yourself Memorable’ workshops a couple of months ago.  Usually, when I tell people what I do they glaze over. With Melissa’s help the level of interest has increased 100% and I have actually run out of business cards! Brian Hill, Managing Director & Independent Financial Adviser

“I really liked the fact that all the advice was very down-to-earth and natural. You gave us some key phrases that we could weave into conversations in a natural way, rather than some horribly polished ‘elevator pitch’ that sounds like marketing-speak. I used some of the techniques at an event and now have a meeting with an MD of a firm who I’ve been trying to meet for sometime now.” Caroline Gourlay, Business Psychologist

To book: please call Melissa on 07855 105 865

For more information: please email melissa@coachingcreatives.co.uk

Why this?

Our lead generating ability is directly correlated to the way we describe our proposition. Given its importance, it is rarely given the attention it deserves by technical professionals. This can mean opportunities are missed as people don’t remember what we do or why we’re different.

Who is this for?

Professionals who struggle to convey their proposition in a concise, interesting and memorable way. It will be valuable for managers, leaders and those involved in sales or marketing.

What does it cover?

Having studied what make some people and their propositions more memorable than others I have pulled together 7 principles.  This communication skills workshop shows you how to apply them to your unfolding business development conversations.

By the end of the session you will have:

• Techniques to ensure people want to hear what you have to say
• 3 concise, clear and conversational introductions that you feel confident using
• A formula for telling stories that demonstrate your credibility
• A memorable metaphor to illustrate your offering or positioning
• Identified ways to keep strengthening your key relationships – without being a pest
• An understanding of how to avoid being remembered for the wrong reasons
• Increased your confidence, motivation to get out there and meet more prospects.

To book: http://www.bristolmedia.co.uk/contact

Developing and deepening relationships takes time.  But it takes a lot less time, when the key people actually remember who you are and the value you create.

“Make yourself memorable is a valuable lesson on how to make that vital first impression. My opening statements now convey what I always wanted to say, but in a more structured and flowing format. A very worthwhile session which I recommend to all my team.” Adam Bamford, Area Premier Manager, HSBC

I attended one of Melissa Kidd’s ‘Make yourself Memorable’ workshops a couple of months ago.  Usually, when I tell people what I do they glaze over. With Melissa’s help the level of interest has increased 100% and I have actually run out of business cards! Brian Hill, Managing Director & Independent Financial Adviser

“I really liked the fact that all the advice was very down-to-earth and natural. You gave us some key phrases that we could weave into conversations in a natural way, rather than some horribly polished ‘elevator pitch’ that sounds like marketing-speak. I used some of the techniques at an event and now have a meeting with an MD of a firm who I’ve been trying to meet for sometime now. “ Caroline Gourlay, Business Psychologist

To book: http://www.bristolmedia.co.uk/contact

For more information: please email melissa@coachingcreatives.co.uk

Why this? Our lead generating ability is directly correlated to the way we describe our proposition. Given its importance, it is rarely given the attention it deserves by technical professionals. This can mean opportunities are missed as people don’t remember what we do or why we’re different.

Who is this for? Professionals who struggle to convey their proposition in a concise, interesting and memorable way. It will be valuable for managers, leaders and those involved in sales or marketing.

What does it cover? Having studied what make some people and their propositions more memorable than others I have pulled together 7 principles.  This communication skills workshop shows you how to apply them to your unfolding business development conversations.

By the end of the session you will have:

• Techniques to ensure people want to hear what you have to say
• 3 concise, clear and conversational introductions that you feel confident using
• A formula for telling stories that demonstrate your credibility
• A memorable metaphor to illustrate your offering or positioning
• Identified ways to keep strengthening your key relationships – without being a pest
• An understanding of how to avoid being remembered for the wrong reasons
• Increased your confidence, motivation to get out there and meet more prospects.

To book: http://makeyourselfmem.eventbrite.com

Developing and deepening relationships takes time.  But it takes a lot less time, when the key people actually remember who you are and the value you create.

“Make yourself memorable is a valuable lesson on how to make that vital first impression. My opening statements now convey what I always wanted to say, but in a more structured and flowing format. A very worthwhile session which I recommend to all my team.”Adam Bamford, Area Premier Manager, HSBC

I attended one of Melissa Kidd’s ‘Make yourself Memorable’ workshops a couple of months ago.  Usually, when I tell people what I do they glaze over. With Melissa’s help the level of interest has increased 100% and I have actually run out of business cards! Brian Hill, Managing Director & Independent Financial Adviser

“I really liked the fact that all the advice was very down-to-earth and natural. You gave us some key phrases that we could weave into conversations in a natural way, rather than some horribly polished ‘elevator pitch’ that sounds like marketing-speak. I used some of the techniques at an event and now have a meeting with an MD of a firm who I’ve been trying to meet for sometime now. “ Caroline Gourlay, Business Psychologist

To book: http://makeyourselfmem.eventbrite.com

For more information: please email melissa@coachingcreatives.co.uk

“Networking” – may well be thought of by internal HR teams as something that externals do to find work.  But that’s a tricky assumption to make especially during troubled financial times – where firms are constantly looking to cut costs and reviewing where the real value is being added.

I know from some HR professionals that their department can feel like a poor relation in comparison to others such as the high octane world of sales and marketing teams. So is it a case of helping them to assert their relevance, credibility and value?

Possibly.

But what else may be getting in the way?

Lots of people don’t enjoy it – so stepping out their comfort zone when they have a long list of tasks to get done – is right at the bottom. And frankly rarely gets done – except under duress at the Christmas party.

Not really knowing what to say.

If the HR professional is all about people and less about the workings of the business then they may feel that they are unable to hold relevant conversations.

Letting something slip

People may be worried that it’s unprofessional to mix too freely outside the department in case they ending sharing something that they shouldn’t.

Getting too close for comfort

Some think keeping a safe distance from their colleagues is a better option just in case they end up having to discipline them in the future.

So, if you agree with some of those reasons, you might be thinking why would I want to go and chat to Fred in accounts, I have got far too much to do.  In short, what’s in it for me?

The benefits of networking

Doing your job more effectively – You’ll probably have a whole host of formal internal commucniaton channels, from intranets to newsletters to  lunchtime briefings.  But casually asking people what they’re working on, as you’re making a coffee in the kitchen, can give you all kinds of insights.  Being curious and asking questions is really the only way you’ll get to know what’s going on in the wider organisations.  And with that knowledge under your belt you’ll be in much stronger position to demonstrate your relevance.

Additionally building relationships with those outside your teams helps to break down those silos that lots of people get stuck in.  And with good contacts in a diverse range of teams, you’ll be able to do clever things like sense the ‘temperature’ of an organisation before the evidence filters through official channels.

Enhancing your team’s reputation – While sometimes HR is deemed by managers to be all about policing, best practice, training plans and the art of saying no, you need to emphasise the value and benefits that these activities bring.  Ultimately, it would seem to me that you’re responsible for maximising the output of the workforce, while minimising the financial risk.  An incredibly important role.

So it’s your job to don your marketing hat and spread this message across your organisation. Look for opportunities to bang the HR drum and show how relevant, credible and valuable you are.

Who is this for? Professionals who struggle to convey their proposition in a concise, interesting and memorable way. It will be valuable for managers, leaders and those involved in sales or marketing.

What does it cover? Having studied what make some people and their propositions more memorable than others I have pulled together 7 principles.  This communication skills workshop shows you how to apply them to your unfolding business development conversations.

By the end of the session you will have:

• Techniques to ensure people want to hear what you have to say
• 3 concise, clear and conversational introductions that you feel confident using
• A formula for telling stories that demonstrate your credibility
• A memorable metaphor to illustrate your offering or positioning
• Identified ways to keep strengthening your key relationships – without being a pest
• An understanding of how to avoid being remembered for the wrong reasons
• Increased your confidence, motivation to get out there and meet more prospects.

To book: http://makeyourselfmem.eventbrite.com

Developing and deepening relationships takes time.  But it takes a lot less time, when the key people actually remember who you are and the value you create.

“Make yourself memorable is a valuable lesson on how to make that vital first impression. My opening statements now convey what I always wanted to say, but in a more structured and flowing format. A very worthwhile session which I recommend to all my team.” Adam Bamford, Area Premier Manager, HSBC

I attended one of Melissa Kidd’s ‘Make yourself Memorable’ workshops a couple of months ago.  Usually, when I tell people what I do they glaze over. With Melissa’s help the level of interest has increased 100% and I have actually run out of business cards! Brian Hill, Managing Director & Independent Financial Adviser

“I really liked the fact that all the advice was very down-to-earth and natural. You gave us some key phrases that we could weave into conversations in a natural way, rather than some horribly polished ‘elevator pitch’ that sounds like marketing-speak. I used some of the techniques at an event and now have a meeting with an MD of a firm who I’ve been trying to meet for sometime now. ” Caroline Gourlay, Business Psychologist

To book: http://makeyourselfmem.eventbrite.com

For more information: please email melissa@coachingcreatives.co.uk

1. Networking is about farming not hunting – it’s a process that takes time because people tend to buy from those they know, like and trust.
2. Be well prepared – in the questions you ask, answers you give and the stories you tell. (Think of what would help to build the relationship over time – talking about networking can be a good start).
3. Do your homework – find out who’s going to be there, research what they’re working on and interested in – this will help demonstrate that you’re the savvy, switched on expert that you are.
4. Aim to be interesting and memorable – mostly done through giving people “stuff” ie – time, energy, attention, ideas, information, introductions or invitations. Always be thinking how can I help this person? Ask, “Who are useful contacts for you to meet here?”  If you act like the host, people who are agonised at networking events will appreciate it if you introduce yourself and help them feel comfortable.
5. Prep your opening gambits – You’ll have a number of different ways to describe what you do depending on who’s in front of you. Have these prepared before you go, so that they’re up your sleeve.  Also be able to illustrate with relevant short stories.
6. Set yourself some goals – if you have some names of people you want to speak to then great, if not aim to speak to 4-5 people you don’t know. Aim to meet 5 people that you’d like to see again.
7. Knowing who to approach and what to say – when you’re clear on both, walking into a busy room is less overwhelming. There are only ever 6 groups of people in a room – look for the open groups and individuals. Andy Bounds says there are 5 steps to an effective networking conversation – get in, ask about them, talk about you, chat, get out.
8. Have some answers prepared for the standard questions you’ll get asked. Think about what you want others to know about you.  You have the choice to tell them what ever you want to when they ask what’s new, how’s business etc? What do you want to be remembered for?
9. Exit strategies – Shall we go and meet some others?;I’ve really enjoyed talking to you…Is there anybody here you’d particularly like to meet?; I’ve enjoyed meeting you yet feel I’ve hogged you for too long…
10. Follow up – Keep your promises, review your goals – how many new people did you talk to? How are you going to keep in touch – Linked In, Twitter, coffee, other networking events? Make sure you’ve got permission and you’re adding value when you contact them. This will keep you out of the pest and stalker category.

Jodi Glickman, author of Great on the Job,  has developed a tool called Your Personal Matrix.  Essentially it’s a way to think about where you are now, where you want to get to and how to do it.

Starting point

If you’re at the start of your internship it’s a good idea to set some goals around what you want to achieve. So

• What specifically do you want to learn?
• Who do you want to meet?
• What do you want people to say about you?
• Where do you want to be by summer’s end?
• What types of projects do you want to work on that are reasonable and realistic?
• What do you need to learn or master?
• What do you want or need exposure to?

Granted you don’t know what you don’t know.  So these goals may be aspirational and that’s fine for now.

Half way

But by the time you reach half way – you can put a bit more flesh on the bones.  Jodi suggests you list projects you’ve worked on, teams you’ve led, assignments you’ve asked for and experience you’ve gleaned…

• What have you learned and/or contributed thus far?
• Who have you worked with or connected with?
• What are you particularly proud of? What do you find yourself speaking about with colleagues or at social events?

This isn’t your resume; it’s your dashboard of exciting projects or proud moments, notable wins or important milestones.

Make sure you can concisely and conversationally communicate your achievements.  You’ll need to be able to do these in variety of contexts – Informal conversations, to conversations at networking events to those one to one meetings you may have with your seniors.

Wish List

Your Wish List is hopefully more fun to dream up and represents your strategic direction or goal post.  You can ask the same questions of yourself that you asked at the start:

• Where do you want to be by summer’s end?
• What types of projects do you want to work on that are reasonable and realistic?
• What do you need to learn or master?
• What do you want or need exposure to?

With this in mind, you now need to get clear on the relationships that you need to build to make this happen….

• Who are the people that can help make those goals happen?
• Who are the decision makers, power brokers or wheelers and dealers in your organization who you can and should establish and build relationships with?
• Who are the rock stars that you can learn from?
• Who are the people slightly senior to you that might serve as mentors?
• Who are the executives who might serve as champions?
• Have you reached out to anyone on your list?
• Have you begun to build friends and allies within your organization?

Now What?

Once you’ve got your matrix, you have your starting point (Point A) and your end goal (Point B). You now need to fill in the important blanks.

Jodi says, “Start plotting points that will get you from A to B with tangible, manageable steps. You can sit down with your manager for an informal conversation or at your midpoint review and ask to work with certain people or projects on your Wish List.

Volunteer for new initiatives, ask for a specific project or assignment or just highlight your desire to work with Ben, Steve or the product development team in the coming weeks.”

“Whether or not you actually share your matrix with your manager or mentor, use it to guide your discussions around career development and next steps. If you’re so bold as to whip out the sheet of paper and show your boss that you’re thinking critically and strategically about what you want to accomplish or learn and who want to work with, you’re likely to impress.

Even if you simply use the information to start a dialogue around your career development, you’re still in great shape. Essentially, you’re doing your manager’s work for her by giving her an outline of how to best put your talents to use over the next several weeks or months. Who wouldn’t appreciate that?

Lastly, keep your Personal Matrix tucked away for that next job or career change — and update it as needed. It’s a tool that will come in handy not only during your summer internship but over time in lieu of those college professors and advisors guiding you along the way.”

You can find out more about Jodi’s work and the book here:

http://greatonthejob.com/about/jodi-glickman/

I’m getting increasingly asked to help people take a more strategic approach to their relationship building.  So I’ve jotted down some questions to help you start thinking about how to put your plan together.  This is part one…

1. Who are your key players?
2. Who influences your key players?

You should have a list of names.  For each person you need to develop a strategy so you can build the relationship and strengthen your personal brand.

1. What do you want each of them to think of you?
2. What will you do to make yourself memorable to each of your key players?
3. How do the colleagues you respect demonstrate their values?
4. How often do you plan to have contact with your key players?
5. What form will that contact take?
6. How else can you add value at every meeting?
7. What might you need to do before you meet with each of these people?

I’m currently designing some tools to put all of this information into a usable form.  Watch this space!

• Set goals. Sounds boring but is a must.This is such a precious opportunity. Goals will help you make the most of it. So what specifically do you want to learn? Who do you want to meet? What do you want people to say about you? At the end of the internship, you need to be able to show how you have developed as a professional.

• Get to know a lot of people early on. If someone asks you to join him or her for lunch, go. At team outings, company-sponsored social events, avoid the temptation of only talking to those you know – set (more) goals to help you make new contacts. Be well prepared to talk about your internship experience and what you’ve learned so far. Read the 7 principles to make yourself memorable to help you stand out.

• Leverage the key players. The people you meet and work with will fall into one of five categories: managers, recruiters, mentors, peers and subordinates:

Managers: Demonstrate that you can perform the responsibilities that you want to be hired for. Ask for feedback early and often. Find out the things you are doing well, be aware of your weaker areas and work towards improving yourself. Remember – even the most senior people have areas of development.

Recruiters: Chances are, they helped you get the internship in the first place.  Keep in touch with them. It’s likely they’ll have their ear to the ground.  Ask them to help facilitate further networking opportunities.   And, of course, to discuss the recruitment process.

Mentors: Mentors are not people you directly report to or work with on a daily basis. They are great people to ask those questions that you’d rather not ask your manager or peers. Make sure you keep in regular contact with them.

Peers: Find out if anyone at the firm graduated from your university. Alumni are often a great support system and resource to learn about other areas of the firm. They can also get you involved in conversations with other alumni who are willing to help steer you in the right direction. Go for lunch and have coffee with them.

Subordinates: Don’t ignore junior members of the team. They often are key in the recruitment process and can give the most relevant insights into the role and whom you should meet.

• Ask lots of intelligent questions. The more you ask, the more you know. Expanding your understanding of the business will show your commitment to the firm. Be a sponge. And carry a notebook at all times.

• Find ways to add value to a conversation. Take the time to learn about the people you are speaking with. Find similarities or common interests with people you meet; leave them with a good impression of yourself.

• Don’t compare yourself to others. Different people suit different roles.

And finally, remember that networking is about building relationships,which you’ve been doing since you were two years old. Earn people’s respect and trust and you’ll be onto a winner.

Who is this for? Professionals who struggle to convey their proposition in a concise, interesting and memorable way. It will be valuable for managers, leaders and those involved in sales or marketing.

What does it cover? Having studied what make some people and their propositions more memorable than others I have pulled together 7 principles.  This communication skills workshop shows you how to apply them to your unfolding business development conversations.

By the end of the session you will have:

• Techniques to ensure people want to hear what you have to say
• 3 concise, clear and conversational introductions that you feel confident using
• A formula for telling stories that demonstrate your credibility
• A memorable metaphor to illustrate your offering or positioning
• Identified ways to keep strengthening your key relationships – without being a pest
• An understanding of how to avoid being remembered for the wrong reasons
• Increased your confidence, motivation to get out there and meet more prospects.

To book: http://makeyourselfmem.eventbrite.com

Developing and deepening relationships takes time.  But it takes a lot less time, when the key people actually remember who you are and the value you create.

“Make yourself memorable is a valuable lesson on how to make that vital first impression. My opening statements now convey what I always wanted to say, but in a more structured and flowing format. A very worthwhile session which I recommend to all my team.” Adam Bamford, Area Premier Manager, HSBC

“I really liked the fact that all the advice was very down-to-earth and natural. You gave us some key phrases that we could weave into conversations in a natural way, rather than some horribly polished ‘elevator pitch’ that sounds like marketing-speak. I used some of the techniques at an event and now have a meeting with an MD of a firm who I’ve been trying to meet for sometime now. ” Caroline Gourlay,Business Psychologist

To book: http://makeyourselfmem.eventbrite.com

For more information: please email melissa@coachingcreatives.co.uk