Get ready for a big gulp of gratitude!
The hot topic for 2011 is "Gratitude" (AKA: Showing Appreciation, Saying Thank You, etc...).
Two best selling authors are releasing new books on this topic early next year (Tim Sander's "Today We Are Rich", and Gary Vaynerchuk's "The Thank You Economy"), and countless articles on the subject are already appearing in magazines, newspapers and across the Blogosphere. Keynote speakers at conventions and company meetings across industry lines are delivering the message - "Say Thank You!"
Look around, you will see this too. It is the new "Buzz Word".
And this is a good thing!!!!
The concept of expressing appreciation is hardly new. Most people had a parent or grandparent who tried to instill the importance of sending that handwritten thank you note following receipt of a gift. One person recently told me of his aunt who would not send birthday presents the following year unless a thank you note had been received from the previous birthday (and she gave cash as gifts!). It is standard etiquette. Emily Post style.
But we lost our way from doing the simple things that really do matter. The "Me Generation" ran rough-shot over those things that took effort and produced no instant gratification. (Why send a note? You already got the gift!).
For all the boom-boom times and fun, the "Me Generation" (and all that went with those heady times) had some flaws. Today there is clearly a shift in our society to move "Back to Basics", and one of those basics is gratitude.
I have been writing and speaking about this topic for over five years. My first book (and all my books since) and early speeches included lessons of the power of sending hand written notes, and finding amazing and memorable ways to say "Thank You" to those who helped you succeed (beyond a text that reads "thx dude" as one person sent me recently!).
If you want people to send you opportunities then you must let them know you appreciate their efforts. Too many people get busy and forget this step. Those who send referrals are quick to send the next one to someone else if you fail acknowledge them. The well goes dry if you do not show gratitude.
As we move into this "Post Me Generation Economy" there will be many things that will surprise us as revolutionary ideas (that are really old-time common sense). The focus on gratitude is just one topic. We already see the younger generations looking for ways to simplify their lives and placing priorities on community, charity, environment and other non-self-centered causes.
What else is key to "Getting Back To Basics"????
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Great Reset - Richard Florida's Presentation in Austin
Leadership Austin and Capital One Bank brought Richard Florida to Austin for an engaging presentation at the LBJ School of Public Affairs on November 12th.
About 500 people attended the talk (leaving about 300 empty seats... which was a real waste, since this was a great event) where Florida shared his theories about the current recession and where we, as a society, go from here.
We are living in turbulent, trying and disruptive times, but we cannot fully realize or grasp the economic shift that is taking place because we are living through it. Florida pointed out that major changes in American life have happened before. While much attention in the press is given to the Great Depression, there was a more substantial long depression and cultural shift that took place in the late 1800s. We went from an agricultural society into the industrial revolution, and with that came massive change. Again, we are about to face a shift, what Florida calls a "Reset"..... and how we respond will be more important than ever.
Florida's first book, "The Rise of the Creative Class" chronicles the new leaders of our age which include those who work in science, engineering, education, computer programming, research, arts, design, media, healthcare, business and finance, the legal sector, and education. They make up 30% of the U.S. workforce, but are fairing much better in the recession, with only 5% unemployment compared to over 10% in other occupations.
Florida believes that everyone is creative, and that creativity is the core unit of our humanity. All industry should embrace the concept of the creative class. The gap between the haves and have-nots is getting bigger, and people see the successes in some sectors and they want what the "creative class" has achieved.
Some claim that those who make up the "creative economy" are elitist, but he disagrees. Florida does, however, challenges those in these expanding creative professions to stop saying others "don't get it", or pointing fingers.... and start leading. To successfully navigate the huge change that is coming, we need leaders!
"Place" is the cornerstone to much of Florida's theories. He believes that certain cities and regions will do better than others because they will adjust to the new norms rather than clinging to the ways of the past. Austin is one of those cities that is flourishing (compared to other places) because of the city's high levels of technology, talent and tolerance. As a region, the four major Texas cites can work together to prosper in the coming reset. The key to economic development is no longer just attracting large employers, but instead it is about "place-making". Cities and regions need to position themselves as attractive places for people to live and work, or they will go to other desirable places.
Americans navigated other tough times, and we were more prosperous following the 1800s and the 1930s. We moved from the farms to the cities. Then we moved from the cities to the suburbs. How we lived our lives morphed and eventually became common. We are due for similar changes again, and we have to be willing to go with the flow or be left behind. There will be people who will prosper in these tough times and new industries and institutions will be formed, while old ones will die off (this happened in the late 1800s and again in the 1930s).
Are you ready for the Great Reset? I suggest reading his new book "The Great Reset"
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
P.S. - Richard Florida is a great public speaker. I study those who present to audiences of all sizes, and many, ..... especially academics (Florida is a Ph.D), have great ideas and concepts, but lack the ability to communicate. My theory is that just because someone is smart or has done something great - it does NOT mean they belong on a stage. They must have speaking skills or they should stay home and write white papers. Richard Florida has both... wicked smart, and a first class speaker.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Eye Roller / Pre-Judger
Are you an "Eye Roller / Pre-Judger"?
You know the type of person I am talking about: as soon as they hear about someone, something, some place, etc.... they roll their eyes and have an instant opinion. They have no first hand experience, but they are instant to proclaim it as "lame".
We all do this to some degree, but many do it to obscene levels. Having this trait in over-drive limits opportunities.
I see this sometimes when I speak at large conferences. People hear the keynote speaker will be talking about "The Power of Business Relationships and Networking", and they assume they know exactly what they will be getting from the presentation.
How do I know they roll their eyes and pre-judge me before they hear the talk? Because they come up to me after the speech and tell me this. A woman last month and said "Wow. That was a great presentation. When I saw the schedule I thought this talk about networking would just be 'fluffy', but you surprised me. I am glad I came because I almost skipped this keynote to go catch up on emails".
That sounds like a weird compliment, but I hear it often.... and I understand what she is saying; "I am an eye roller / pre-judger and I had my own false opinion of you and your speech long before I arrived".
It is not just speech titles and keynote speakers that get the eye rolls. It happens everywhere to everyone. I told a friend that McDonald's new smoothies are really good. Her eyes almost disappeared in her head. But a month later she called to tell me I was right, as she tried one and found it tasty and healthy. She admitted that she prejudged McDonald's without investigation. Now she drinks them often.
People, movies, restaurants, vacation destinations, companies, books, stores, activities, bands, bars, cars, etc..... Everything gets pre-judged based on people's own perceptions without the need for facts!
Granted, we cannot try everything, but the smartest and most successful people I know are always seeking out new experiences... not shutting them off instantly.
When we pre-judge we limit our opportunities. We miss out on cool things, places and people who could have a positive impact on our life.
I ask audiences if they know people are quick to "eye roll and pre-judge", .... and everyone seems to know these people. They always have negative opinions of that person in their universe who does this, and then I challenge them to look at themselves. Many admit they are guilty too.
I catch myself ... and when I do, I try to get past it. And it never fails, the thing I thought would be "lame" turns out to be fun, educational, or otherwise amazing.
How about you?
Have A Great Day
thom
You know the type of person I am talking about: as soon as they hear about someone, something, some place, etc.... they roll their eyes and have an instant opinion. They have no first hand experience, but they are instant to proclaim it as "lame".
We all do this to some degree, but many do it to obscene levels. Having this trait in over-drive limits opportunities.
I see this sometimes when I speak at large conferences. People hear the keynote speaker will be talking about "The Power of Business Relationships and Networking", and they assume they know exactly what they will be getting from the presentation.
How do I know they roll their eyes and pre-judge me before they hear the talk? Because they come up to me after the speech and tell me this. A woman last month and said "Wow. That was a great presentation. When I saw the schedule I thought this talk about networking would just be 'fluffy', but you surprised me. I am glad I came because I almost skipped this keynote to go catch up on emails".
That sounds like a weird compliment, but I hear it often.... and I understand what she is saying; "I am an eye roller / pre-judger and I had my own false opinion of you and your speech long before I arrived".
It is not just speech titles and keynote speakers that get the eye rolls. It happens everywhere to everyone. I told a friend that McDonald's new smoothies are really good. Her eyes almost disappeared in her head. But a month later she called to tell me I was right, as she tried one and found it tasty and healthy. She admitted that she prejudged McDonald's without investigation. Now she drinks them often.
People, movies, restaurants, vacation destinations, companies, books, stores, activities, bands, bars, cars, etc..... Everything gets pre-judged based on people's own perceptions without the need for facts!
Granted, we cannot try everything, but the smartest and most successful people I know are always seeking out new experiences... not shutting them off instantly.
When we pre-judge we limit our opportunities. We miss out on cool things, places and people who could have a positive impact on our life.
I ask audiences if they know people are quick to "eye roll and pre-judge", .... and everyone seems to know these people. They always have negative opinions of that person in their universe who does this, and then I challenge them to look at themselves. Many admit they are guilty too.
I catch myself ... and when I do, I try to get past it. And it never fails, the thing I thought would be "lame" turns out to be fun, educational, or otherwise amazing.
How about you?
Have A Great Day
thom
Friday, November 12, 2010
Six Networking No-No's
The below article originally appeared on the MSNBC website on November 8, 2010, and then appeared on dozens of other media sites and blogs. It is written by Eve Tahmincioglu, and I am quoted.
I hate to bug you, but.... Six networking no-no's
by Eve Tahmincioglu
thom singer
I hate to bug you, but.... Six networking no-no's
by Eve Tahmincioglu
One piece of job-hunting advice you’ll hear over and over again is that you have to network to land a gig. Unfortunately, networking isn’t easy for everyone and doing it badly can cause more harm than good.
So what is networking exactly?
“The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business,” according to Merriam-Webster.
The key part of the definition is the word “exchange.” Too often people think networking means you just harass people until they give you a job or help you make a connection. But browbeating your LinkedIn connections into getting you a job, for example, won’t get you much job-hunting honey.
“Do not monopolize the conversation [by talking] about your career needs,” stressed Thom Singer, author of “The ABC’s of Networking.”
Instead, find out what your contact needs, Singer added.
“You might know the person who can help them solve their biggest challenge, but if you are not asking questions, and listening to their answers, you will not even know you can help.”
Networking is all about helping each other.
For those networking novices out there who need a bit of help, here are six networking no-nos from hiring managers, human resource pros and people who are often hit up by networkers:
1. Don’t be an amateur
Networking is a bit more laid back than an actual job interview, but that doesn’t mean you should leave professionalism at the door.
“One of my job-networking pet peeves is the style of communication that people use when networking to get a job,” said Kurt Ronn, president and founder of national recruitment firm HRworks.
Good grammar and spelling should not go out the window. Texting in incomplete, hard-to-figure-out sentences, poor punctuation, and random capitalization, he said, “is too personal” and “should be left to social networking and texting friends. Networking for a career needs to stay in the realm of corporate communication.”
2. The fake informational interview
An informational interview is one of the greatest networking tools. It helps open doors and also helps you figure out if a job, a company or an industry is right for you.
The key to such an interview is to make it seem like you’re not looking for a particular job, but you’re just doing some exploratory research and want to sit down with a hiring manager or a contact to find out what a person in a particular position does.
People sometimes want to pull a fast one, though, and that’s a big no-no, said Steve Langerud, a workplace consultant and director of professional opportunities at DePauw University.
“In good times this is a benign game. In times like this it is an annoying and sometimes sad conversation,” he said.
Many of the employers Langerud works with are open to informational interviews and they are open to job interviews.
“Just be honest. The bait and switch game is just annoying,” he explained.
3. The two-timer
Networking is about making a connection with one person at a time, not 100 people.
How do you expect to nurture a relationship with someone and get her to help you if she thinks you see her as just one person on a long list of contacts?
“I don’t like getting what looks like a personal message that turns out to be (one sent) to the universe,” said Steven J. Elliott, tax director for Schwartz & Company in Bellmore, N.Y.
And not every person out there is a potential networking source, even though social media sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter make us think so.
“LinkedIn and other social media tools are not like a phone book,” said author Singer. “You would not take all the phone books from Los Angeles Country and tell people you have 10 million people in your network ‘hey, you have their phone numbers, you could call any of them.’ Thus linking to strangers makes your social media not better than a phone book.”
4. Ingrates don’t rate
There’s nothing worse than taking your connections for granted.
The one thing Mary Ann Gontin, managing partner for talent management firm OI Partners in Danbury, Conn., hates is “people who don’t say thank you. I give of my time, knowledge, information, contacts, etc., and there are people who don’t call or write to say thank you.”
She also doesn’t like it when she offers help and never hears from the person, that is until they need help, again.
“Everyone can afford to make a call or send a note or e-mail to say thank you,” she said. “If possible, people should offer to buy you lunch or find some way to show appreciation. Most of us in this field are more than willing to help so many people, but we would like our time and talent to be recognized and appreciated.”
5. No sob stories
Many of us are desperate to find work in this economy, so it’s totally understandable if your personal and financial lives are in turmoil.
That said, don’t dump this on your networking contacts, and don’t tweet or Facebook that stuff either.
It’s not that people won’t be understanding or sympathetic, but human nature makes us gravitate to people who seem to have things together and don't seem hopeless.
“It is never okay to beg for a job,” said Joe Kran, a managing partner with OI Partners in Parsippany, N.J.
And he doesn’t want to hear about how bad your situation is, whether it’s your marriage, your finances or your former employer.
That doesn’t mean you should keep the conversation formal, especially if a friend or connection asks you about how you’re doing, experts advised, because that builds a good relationship. Just don’t go overboard and keep complaints to a minimum.
6. Beware stalking
There’s this feeling out there that you should do just about anything to get your foot in the door, but that doesn’t mean you should ambush people in public, at their office, or on the Web.
“Do not approach me at lunch,” said Matt Murray, founder of SwarmJobs.com, a job site for young professionals. “No one likes to interview with spaghetti hanging out of their mouth.”
Same goes for cyberspace.
I see lots of people on Twitter publicly asking other tweeters if they can send them a resume, or asking them to connect them to someone they know.
That’s why Murray said he hides his connections on LinkedIn from public view. He doesn’t want a bunch of people hitting them up for jobs or job leads.
And he doesn’t like it when public messages are sent to him via social media with the actual intent of being seen by one of his friends or contacts that may be able to get them a job.
It’s all about being polite and sincere.
Eve Tahmincioglu writes the weekly "Your Career" column for msnbc.com and chronicles workplace issues in her blog, CareerDiva.net.
Have A Great Daythom singer
Celebrate Veteran's Day With A Free Book!
Yesterday was Veteran's Day in the United States. I meant to post this yesterday, but the day got away from me. So let's just call it "Veteran's Week" (they deserve more than a day!).
To celebrate the people who are serving our country, or those who have bravely served in the past, my publishing company, New Year Publishing, is offering 25 copies of "Batteries Not Included: 66 Tips To Energize Your Career" to help inspire those who have committed part of their lives to our armed services.
Anyone who sends me an email at thom [at] thomsinger.com and requests a copy will have one mailed to them at no cost. The only catch: they must be active duty US Military... or a veteran. Honor system in play here folks, I am not expecting to see ID.
Please include name, what branch of the service in which you serve(d), and a mailing address so that it can be sent to you. The first 25 soldiers to respond by Monday, November 15, 2010 will get the books.
Happy Veteran's Day.
thom singer
Thursday, November 11, 2010
How To Speak For Money Seminar (Austin, TX)
ONLY 3 SPACES REMAIN
On December 3, 2010 I will be presenting a half day seminar / facilitated discussion on "How To Speak For Money".
I am regularly asked how people can incorporate public speaking into a way to promote their business, or how they can pursue a career in the industry of speaking.
Please join me from 8:30 AM - Noon (in South Austin) for an opportunity to uncover your path to speaking to promote your business and / or speaking for paid fees.
Having spent over a decade observing, learning, watching, interviewing, and planning my career (and nearly two years full-time as a professional speaker), I have a unique perspective to share of what it takes to "be a speaker" as opposed to someone who is "just on the stage".
The cost to attend the seminar is $595, but mention this blog and your investment is only $350. Get paid one time and you will more than earn back that amount. Plus, you will gain valuable information and meet other professionals interested in the speaking business.
This workshop will be limited to ten participants, so there will be lots of time to discuss your unique situation. Everyone I talk with has different reasons they want to speak, their own experiences, and individual goals for their career. This will not be a "one-size-fits-all" seminar!
To reserve your spot please contact me directly at (512) 970-0398 or thom [at] thomsinger.com
Have A Great Day.
thom
On December 3, 2010 I will be presenting a half day seminar / facilitated discussion on "How To Speak For Money".
I am regularly asked how people can incorporate public speaking into a way to promote their business, or how they can pursue a career in the industry of speaking.
Please join me from 8:30 AM - Noon (in South Austin) for an opportunity to uncover your path to speaking to promote your business and / or speaking for paid fees.
Having spent over a decade observing, learning, watching, interviewing, and planning my career (and nearly two years full-time as a professional speaker), I have a unique perspective to share of what it takes to "be a speaker" as opposed to someone who is "just on the stage".
The cost to attend the seminar is $595, but mention this blog and your investment is only $350. Get paid one time and you will more than earn back that amount. Plus, you will gain valuable information and meet other professionals interested in the speaking business.
This workshop will be limited to ten participants, so there will be lots of time to discuss your unique situation. Everyone I talk with has different reasons they want to speak, their own experiences, and individual goals for their career. This will not be a "one-size-fits-all" seminar!
To reserve your spot please contact me directly at (512) 970-0398 or thom [at] thomsinger.com
Have A Great Day.
thom
Steve Harper's 8 Minute Ripple Event on November 17th (Austin, TX)
Steve Harper, author of "The Ripple Effect" is hosting another "8 Minute Ripple" event on November 17th in Austin, Texas.
Where: Soma Vida
1210 Rosewood Ave.
Austin, Texas 78702
Important Thinks To Know:
The Rules!
1. Come prepared to NOT talk about what you do for a living. Don't worry you'll get your chance but not until you've Rippled.
2. Keep your professional name tags, official looking badge and your business cards in your pocket. Sure you can bring them and use them but again not until after you've Rippled.
3. Come with an open mind and be ready to have some fun!!! People who refuse to have fun will be escorted from the building. Only kidding…well sort of.
Payment Options:
Early Bird Registration until November 15th - $ 25.00
Registration after November 15th & Walk-up - $ 35.00
Light dessert, beer & wine will be served.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Where: Soma Vida
1210 Rosewood Ave.
Austin, Texas 78702
Important Thinks To Know:
The Rules!
1. Come prepared to NOT talk about what you do for a living. Don't worry you'll get your chance but not until you've Rippled.
2. Keep your professional name tags, official looking badge and your business cards in your pocket. Sure you can bring them and use them but again not until after you've Rippled.
3. Come with an open mind and be ready to have some fun!!! People who refuse to have fun will be escorted from the building. Only kidding…well sort of.
Payment Options:
Early Bird Registration until November 15th - $ 25.00
Registration after November 15th & Walk-up - $ 35.00
Light dessert, beer & wine will be served.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Protecting Your Time / Protecting Your Goals Workshops in Austin, Texas (SOS Leadership)
This is the time of year when people begin to think of changes they want to make for next year. Maybe this year has not been good, so you think a change in year is all you need. The reality is that you need more than a new year; you need a new you!
Paul J. Meyer said, “If you are not making the progress you would like to make and are capable of making, it is simply because your goals are not clearly defined.” Most problems that we have are because of goals, either lack of goals or lack of achievement of them. Perhaps you don’t have any goals. Or maybe you have not written them down.
If you do not have written goals, then you do not have goals. Writing crystallizes thought, which motivates action. Action is usually important when trying to achieve a goal. If you are struggling with your goals or just need some direction, SOS Leadership’s Protecting Goals showcase might be just what you need. This five-week course teaches you the fundamentals of goal achievement in easy-to-understand, bite-sized segments that will help you figure out where you want to go and how you will get there. Along the way, you will learn how to:
- Develop an Achievement Perspective
- Create a Top Ten List
- Assess the cost of your goals
- Create an Achievement Plan
The next Protecting Goals showcase begins November 16th (7:30AM-9AM). The cost of the showcase is $995. Mention this blog and pay only $595! Register by calling 512-992-2985 or email info@sosleadership.com.
Determining what your goals are and developing a plan for achieving them is vital for your success. Maybe you understand goal setting, but just cannot seem to find the time to accomplish your goals. Time is one of the main obstacles to most people’s goals.
Many people believe they are poor managers of their time, but in fact they are unable to manage themselves. They lack the focus needed to accomplish their goals in the time they have. The key word there is focus. If you struggle with finding the time to accomplish your goals or you lack focus, SOS Leadership’s Protecting Time program will be able to help. Time management is a myth. This five-week program focuses on how to manage yourself, not time! With this program, you will learn how to:
- Understand the value of your time
- Work smarter and more efficiently
- Avoid time-wasters
- Protect your energy
The next Protecting Time showcase begins November 17th (11AM-12:30PM). The cost of the showcase is $995. Mention this blog and pay only $595! Register by calling 512-992-2985 or email info@sosleadership.com.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
*** I have been working with the SOS Leadership team, but I am not involved with, nor do do not profit from, this workshop. I just think they do good stuff and I wanted to share it with the readers of my blog.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Feedback Is Very Important For Professional Speakers
Below are the evaluation form comments from the audience at a technology conference where I was the keynote speaker and "The Conference Networking Catalyst". I enjoy seeing the positive comments, but I also like the statements that are not as stellar (there are a few below that found me less than wonderful!). But those that say "he was just OK" are the ones that makes me think, ponder, grow, and enhance my stage presence. Plus, the world is full of "pre-judgers and eye-rollers" and I know you cannot please everyone.
As a speaker at a business convention I want to make sure that I set a positive tone and impact those in attendance. However, I also want to make sure that I assist the meeting planners in achieving their goals for the whole conference. I stay for breaks and meals and meet the people, I do not just "speak and run". I find that meeting planners appreciate this deep level of participation more than most professional speakers understand.
I often speak for technology company meeting, law firm retreats, accounting industry events, association conferences and inside companies across industry lines. Some people think that left-brained, smart, successful, and introverted professionals do not want to hear about the power of business relationships and networking.... but they are wrong. My presentation resonates with these professionals as much as it does with the right-brained creatives and sales / marketing folks.
Here are the comments (name of conference withheld):
*Thom's personality made the a great presentation.
*I'm excited to apply what I learned!
*Very good, really learned some great information. I would recommend doing some more examples, like perform some role playing on the stage and then let the audience run with it.
*About time you kicked off this conference with a good keynote. The last thing I want to hear is some VP talking about somebody else's work they took credit for.
*Thom is a fantastic speaker and very motivating. I would see him again or invite him to speak at my company.
*It works!
*OK
*Excellent on all counts!
*Great presentation
*He came off as too much of a salesman. I walked out about halfway through.
*Very Good!
*Dynamic speaker. Really enjoyed both the delivery and the content of the message.
*Helped people open up. A must!
*It changed my conference experience and will change how I approach networking (personal & business). Loved the personal stories and being asked to talk to two people I didn't know. Very dynamic, he should come back.
*Thom was great.... He really should work on being a little more outgoing - he seems rather shy :) ....Seriously, he navigated his stories about people networking in a way that all tied together in the end. The story of his daughters medical condition and miraculous recovery was heart-wrenching for any parent, yet he weaved it wonderfully into his agenda..... kudos
*fabulous talk; really enjoyed Thom's presentation and delivery!!
*Awesome!
*He is a great speaker !!
*very entertaining and helpful presentation
*Good job at helping everyone feel good about networking
*Sorry I had to miss this!
*Fabulous! I never wanted to network before but I gave it a try and had amazing results! Thank you for having him as a speaker!
*Thom was a great addition to the conference. This is typically a group that does not network and his talk made a difference
*Outstanding.
*I found this presentation very informative and will be downloading the PDF for review.
*Great presentations and motivation for social network and developing conversation ability. Enjoyed it!!
*Thom was a great addition to the conference and a really nice guy.
*I especially appreciated his suggestion of when to "friend" people, and become a "connector" of people. That will stick with me from now on!
*WOW! This was the highlight of [the conference] for me! Of course, I was looking for cables and fiber, but...
I enjoy it when clients forward me the scores and these comments from their conference evaluation forms. Feedback is very important for professional speakers. Without the audience responses, we are just talking in a vacuum.
The next time you attend an event, take the time to fill out the evaluation, and go beyond the number scores.... actually leave brief comments about what you liked (or did not like). It helps the meeting planners / conference coordinators improve their meetings,...AND your comments will find their way back to the speakers, who can utilize your input to make their future talks even better!!!!
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
As a speaker at a business convention I want to make sure that I set a positive tone and impact those in attendance. However, I also want to make sure that I assist the meeting planners in achieving their goals for the whole conference. I stay for breaks and meals and meet the people, I do not just "speak and run". I find that meeting planners appreciate this deep level of participation more than most professional speakers understand.
I often speak for technology company meeting, law firm retreats, accounting industry events, association conferences and inside companies across industry lines. Some people think that left-brained, smart, successful, and introverted professionals do not want to hear about the power of business relationships and networking.... but they are wrong. My presentation resonates with these professionals as much as it does with the right-brained creatives and sales / marketing folks.
Here are the comments (name of conference withheld):
*Thom's personality made the a great presentation.
*I'm excited to apply what I learned!
*Very good, really learned some great information. I would recommend doing some more examples, like perform some role playing on the stage and then let the audience run with it.
*About time you kicked off this conference with a good keynote. The last thing I want to hear is some VP talking about somebody else's work they took credit for.
*Thom is a fantastic speaker and very motivating. I would see him again or invite him to speak at my company.
*It works!
*OK
*Excellent on all counts!
*Great presentation
*He came off as too much of a salesman. I walked out about halfway through.
*Very Good!
*Dynamic speaker. Really enjoyed both the delivery and the content of the message.
*Helped people open up. A must!
*It changed my conference experience and will change how I approach networking (personal & business). Loved the personal stories and being asked to talk to two people I didn't know. Very dynamic, he should come back.
*Thom was great.... He really should work on being a little more outgoing - he seems rather shy :) ....Seriously, he navigated his stories about people networking in a way that all tied together in the end. The story of his daughters medical condition and miraculous recovery was heart-wrenching for any parent, yet he weaved it wonderfully into his agenda..... kudos
*fabulous talk; really enjoyed Thom's presentation and delivery!!
*Awesome!
*He is a great speaker !!
*very entertaining and helpful presentation
*Good job at helping everyone feel good about networking
*Sorry I had to miss this!
*Fabulous! I never wanted to network before but I gave it a try and had amazing results! Thank you for having him as a speaker!
*Thom was a great addition to the conference. This is typically a group that does not network and his talk made a difference
*Outstanding.
*I found this presentation very informative and will be downloading the PDF for review.
*Great presentations and motivation for social network and developing conversation ability. Enjoyed it!!
*Thom was a great addition to the conference and a really nice guy.
*I especially appreciated his suggestion of when to "friend" people, and become a "connector" of people. That will stick with me from now on!
*WOW! This was the highlight of [the conference] for me! Of course, I was looking for cables and fiber, but...
I enjoy it when clients forward me the scores and these comments from their conference evaluation forms. Feedback is very important for professional speakers. Without the audience responses, we are just talking in a vacuum.
The next time you attend an event, take the time to fill out the evaluation, and go beyond the number scores.... actually leave brief comments about what you liked (or did not like). It helps the meeting planners / conference coordinators improve their meetings,...AND your comments will find their way back to the speakers, who can utilize your input to make their future talks even better!!!!
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Fish Tacos As Comfort Food
When I arrived at college in San Diego in 1984 there was a little local taco shop that had one location near the beach. They served "Fish Tacos". While these tasty tacos are now a common menu item around the United States, at the time they were an un-heard-of novelty item that had been discovered in Baja California by adventurous surfers who routinely went to San Felipe, Mexico to ride the good waves.
One such surfer, Ralph Rubio, enjoyed these so much he opened his own taco shop near Pacific Beach in San Diego. The trend took off and Rubio's is has over 180 locations.
It is my favorite fast food. They do not have locations in Texas, but every time I am in San Diego (or most other parts of California, Arizona, Colorado or Nevada) I have to hit them up for a couple of "Fish Taco's Especial"). The menu has grown over the years from just "fish tacos", but I have never even tried the other food they serve.
This week I was one of the speakers at a convention of CIO's and other technology executives in Palm Springs. My role as "The Conference Networking Catalyst" means that I am engaged with the audience throughout the event, not leaving me much time to leave the hotel. But I had spotted a Rubio's near the airport, and scheduled just enough time to eat my lunch there before departing for home.
I ordered the "Pesky's Combo", which did not even appear to be listed on the menu anymore, but they still knew what I was talking about. Two fish tacos "especial", beans and chips. They were amazing. Delicious. Heaven. Yum. (You get the idea). So good I ordered one more taco just because I knew it would be a while before I could get back to a Rubio's.
I also purchased three churro's to bring home for Sara and the kids. I have gotten them hooked on Rubio's too, and we eat every lunch possible at this chain on our annual trips to California. I figured a fish taco would not travel well on a plane flight, but a churro might make it home as an edible treat.
Dan, working behind the counter, had spotted me taking a photo on my iPhone before walking into the store. He had laughed with me about it, but once he heard my story and my love of his restaurant, he took a special interest in my enjoyment of this meal. As I left he gave me some Rubio's "stuff", including a beach bag with the logo on the side!
Not only do they have great food, but amazing customer service. Oh yeah!
Who would think that a fish taco would be "comfort food"..... but my memories of my five years in San Diego (plus all the great vacations back to "America's Finest City") are all wonderful.... and filled with meals of Rubio's Fish Tacos!
Have A Great Day.
thom
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Customer Service Tip: Do NOT Call A Customer A "Jerk"
While checking in at the counter of a major airline at my local airport I discovered my free checked bag was over the allotted 50 pounds. This meant I would have to pay $50, but as a professional speaker who often travels with boxes of my books in a suitcase, this sometimes happens. I do not like to pay the extra money, but it comes with the business of being an author.
Meanwhile, the people next to me checked in for their flight. The two automated kiosks shared the same scale, and with my 56 pound bag, and their giant duffel, the scale tipped 108 (meaning their bag weighed was 52 lbs).
I did not say anything at the time, as I did not want to cause this couple (whom I do not know) to be charged an additional $50...... But once they were gone, I decided to point out to the counter workers that they were not consistent in charging everyone for heavy bags.
The woman who had checked their bag immediately got VERY defensive. She told me "No, their bag was only 43 lbs".
I was watching closely... their second bag was 43 lbs. Upon hearing this she added "Oh, I had my foot on the the scale, we stand that way all the time (foot up on scale, she demonstrated)".
Ummmm, if this was true, she should quit the airline and join Cirque du Soleil ... as she is made 100% out of elastic and can apply equal amounts of pressure consistently via her shoe. While I was watching the scene play out, and doing the math THREE TIMES in my head (108 minus 56 equals 52), she walked to two different computer stations. AMAZING, all with her foot on the scale!
I was not being belligerent (although clearly annoyed).... but I was a bit pissy. She dug her heels in and said that she knew the weight of bag when she lifted it because she has a bad back (ummm, is she a human scale, too?). I said, no, I was watching. She forcefully told me I was WRONG.
(I would like to add, I make mistakes, maybe I could be wrong... but she was clear in her tone that she is always right).
I was not asking for a refund (I had already paid my $50), but admittedly I was being snarky in my comments because I got the short end of this stick.
As I was gathering my stuff to head toward the long security line I said; "I am sorry if I am being a jerk..." To which she snapped "You are a jerk!"
Whoa???
My response? "I have never seen a (insert name of major airline known for great customer service) employee talk to a customer like that .... what is your name?"
She told me her name, and yes I wrote customer service.
I was mad as hell that she would respond by calling me a jerk (even if I was being one.... and honestly I was probably below the level of "jerk", and more at the level of "grumpy annoyed person"). My intent was never to ask for my money back or anything else. I just witnessed them not being consistent and wanted to point it out.
I shook my head, my hands were shaking with anger, and I walked away. Oh, and I "Twittered" the experience as a #fail.
I do not want anything from the airline, but this was over the top wrong. Customer Service is so important. In today's highly competitive world one employee having a bad day can kill your good will. It is easy to ruin a reputation and it takes many more positive interactions to make up for the negative ones.
The good news: two of the flight attendants that day were spectacular. They were nice, engaging, funny, caring, and delightful people to be around. I went back to the airline's customer service website and left compliments about these two employees who did make up for that one nasty person. I think we need to praise those who do a good job as much as we need to point out those who fail (heck, in today's society... maybe we need to do even more praising!)
I am human, and I blow it once in a while, too. Maybe I was being petty, and calling her our on her mistake / oversight obviously hit her in some vulnerable spot. But really, just say "thank you" to the person who apologizes for being a jerk... do not agree with them. Dang.
One more thing.....If I really was a jerk, I would have pointed out the weight of the other people's bag immediately when I noticed it and caused them to have to pay the $50, too!!!
Have A Great Day.
thom
Meanwhile, the people next to me checked in for their flight. The two automated kiosks shared the same scale, and with my 56 pound bag, and their giant duffel, the scale tipped 108 (meaning their bag weighed was 52 lbs).
I did not say anything at the time, as I did not want to cause this couple (whom I do not know) to be charged an additional $50...... But once they were gone, I decided to point out to the counter workers that they were not consistent in charging everyone for heavy bags.
The woman who had checked their bag immediately got VERY defensive. She told me "No, their bag was only 43 lbs".
I was watching closely... their second bag was 43 lbs. Upon hearing this she added "Oh, I had my foot on the the scale, we stand that way all the time (foot up on scale, she demonstrated)".
Ummmm, if this was true, she should quit the airline and join Cirque du Soleil ... as she is made 100% out of elastic and can apply equal amounts of pressure consistently via her shoe. While I was watching the scene play out, and doing the math THREE TIMES in my head (108 minus 56 equals 52), she walked to two different computer stations. AMAZING, all with her foot on the scale!
I was not being belligerent (although clearly annoyed).... but I was a bit pissy. She dug her heels in and said that she knew the weight of bag when she lifted it because she has a bad back (ummm, is she a human scale, too?). I said, no, I was watching. She forcefully told me I was WRONG.
(I would like to add, I make mistakes, maybe I could be wrong... but she was clear in her tone that she is always right).
I was not asking for a refund (I had already paid my $50), but admittedly I was being snarky in my comments because I got the short end of this stick.
As I was gathering my stuff to head toward the long security line I said; "I am sorry if I am being a jerk..." To which she snapped "You are a jerk!"
Whoa???
My response? "I have never seen a (insert name of major airline known for great customer service) employee talk to a customer like that .... what is your name?"
She told me her name, and yes I wrote customer service.
I was mad as hell that she would respond by calling me a jerk (even if I was being one.... and honestly I was probably below the level of "jerk", and more at the level of "grumpy annoyed person"). My intent was never to ask for my money back or anything else. I just witnessed them not being consistent and wanted to point it out.
I shook my head, my hands were shaking with anger, and I walked away. Oh, and I "Twittered" the experience as a #fail.
I do not want anything from the airline, but this was over the top wrong. Customer Service is so important. In today's highly competitive world one employee having a bad day can kill your good will. It is easy to ruin a reputation and it takes many more positive interactions to make up for the negative ones.
The good news: two of the flight attendants that day were spectacular. They were nice, engaging, funny, caring, and delightful people to be around. I went back to the airline's customer service website and left compliments about these two employees who did make up for that one nasty person. I think we need to praise those who do a good job as much as we need to point out those who fail (heck, in today's society... maybe we need to do even more praising!)
I am human, and I blow it once in a while, too. Maybe I was being petty, and calling her our on her mistake / oversight obviously hit her in some vulnerable spot. But really, just say "thank you" to the person who apologizes for being a jerk... do not agree with them. Dang.
One more thing.....If I really was a jerk, I would have pointed out the weight of the other people's bag immediately when I noticed it and caused them to have to pay the $50, too!!!
Have A Great Day.
thom
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Seeking A Way Out Of Frustration
There is a disconnect between what people want and what they have. Human beings are seekers. We seek more money, love, spirituality, adventure, sex, knowledge, experiences, etc...
In discussions with clients I am discovering that many people are frustrated. The economy seems to be in a holding pattern of uncertainty, and the lack of options have many people feeling stuck. It has been over two years of economic uncertainty, and for most of us that is the first time we have lived through this type of financial downturn.
We have become conditioned to fast results. The recent political election goes beyond the politics of left vs. right. People do not change ideology in an instant, but instead they are looking for the quick fix and assume new leadership in Congress will bring new results.
Employees are frustrated with their companies. If they have survived this long through the rough times, they are more than ready to see some of the good times return. They want to go seek something new, but the reality of their obligations and the lack of job options mean they cannot make a change. Too many are just going through the motions.
Employers see the situation differently, but they too are frustrated. Business owners and managers want to grow their companies, and most have already made deep cuts in spending to keep afloat. They are left with options. They have tried to save their way to prosperity by not investing in advertising, sales incentives, marketing, client development, etc.... In the end, you cannot save your way to growth. Plus, employees miss the good times when every penny was not being pinched. The owners and managers miss those times too!
Focus on a task or hiding in a cubicle is not the path to seek a route out of frustration. Those who want to make a real change must get off their butt and engage in their community. All opportunities come from people, and directly or indirectly, if you want to find "more" you must come out into the light.
I suggest people take advantage of the end of the year to network and volunteer like their life depend on it (because it does). The holiday season brings with it many opportunities to engage with other people at parties and other events. It also presents the chance to serve others in your community who are in need.
If you want to start your 2011 with a new sense of empowerment, make two new friends and help two people (or organizations) who are in need. When you take the attention off your own situation and begin interacting with others (and listening and learning), it can take you away from the frustrations that seem so overwhelming.
Give it a try and let me know how it works.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
In discussions with clients I am discovering that many people are frustrated. The economy seems to be in a holding pattern of uncertainty, and the lack of options have many people feeling stuck. It has been over two years of economic uncertainty, and for most of us that is the first time we have lived through this type of financial downturn.
We have become conditioned to fast results. The recent political election goes beyond the politics of left vs. right. People do not change ideology in an instant, but instead they are looking for the quick fix and assume new leadership in Congress will bring new results.
Employees are frustrated with their companies. If they have survived this long through the rough times, they are more than ready to see some of the good times return. They want to go seek something new, but the reality of their obligations and the lack of job options mean they cannot make a change. Too many are just going through the motions.
Employers see the situation differently, but they too are frustrated. Business owners and managers want to grow their companies, and most have already made deep cuts in spending to keep afloat. They are left with options. They have tried to save their way to prosperity by not investing in advertising, sales incentives, marketing, client development, etc.... In the end, you cannot save your way to growth. Plus, employees miss the good times when every penny was not being pinched. The owners and managers miss those times too!
Focus on a task or hiding in a cubicle is not the path to seek a route out of frustration. Those who want to make a real change must get off their butt and engage in their community. All opportunities come from people, and directly or indirectly, if you want to find "more" you must come out into the light.
I suggest people take advantage of the end of the year to network and volunteer like their life depend on it (because it does). The holiday season brings with it many opportunities to engage with other people at parties and other events. It also presents the chance to serve others in your community who are in need.
If you want to start your 2011 with a new sense of empowerment, make two new friends and help two people (or organizations) who are in need. When you take the attention off your own situation and begin interacting with others (and listening and learning), it can take you away from the frustrations that seem so overwhelming.
Give it a try and let me know how it works.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Speaking For Money
I am regularly asked how one goes about getting paid to speak. Some of those who ask are just curious, while others have a desire to make speaking part of their career path. The business of professional speaking is something that I have studied for over a decade, and it is a topic for which I have experience and opinions.Speaking is a profession. Many people only ever see the "famous" speakers, and assume that is the whole business. While fame does bring speaking opportunities, you do not have to be a former sports figure, politician or reality TV star to share your story with an audience -- and get compensated for your expertise.
On December 3, 2010 I am hosting a seminar and round-table discussion for those who are interested in speaking for money and / or incorporating speeches as a promotional tool for their business.
The program will be held at the SOS Leadership offices in South Austin from 8:30 AM to Noon. The group is limited to ten participants. This will allow everyone the chance to have active participation in the conversation.
The fee for this workshop is $595, but if you mention this blog post (and sign up by November 10, 2010) the cost will be $350.
For more information or to sign up, contact Thom Singer at thom [at] thomsinger.com or (512)970-0398.
Have A Great Day
thom
***8 Spaces Still Available. Sign up now.
Richard Florida To Speak In Austin - Friday Nov 12th
Leadership Austin and Capital One Bank are bringing Richard Florida to Austin.
Keynote Address: "The Upside of the Downturn"
Sign up today for the opportunity to hear one the world’s most prolific thought leaders - Richard Florida - present strategies for leaders and communities to take advantage of this point in economic history and the coming rebound and growth.
Florida, author of The Great Reset and The Rise of the Creative Class, will customize a special presentation for the Central Texas region. His unique viewpoints will educate, inspire and motivate you about our future.This is one event you do not want to miss.
Event Details
Friday, November 12
Presentation to begin at 4:45 pm
LBJ Auditorium at the LBJ Library & Museum (2313 Red River St)
Click here to reserve your keynote tickets
The tickets are FREE..... but you must make a reservation.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Brewster McCracken to Speak at ACG Meeting In Austin on November 10th
Brewster McCracken will be speaking at the November 10th Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) meeting in Austin.
Brewster is the Executive Director of the Pecan Street Project. He will be talking about the future of "smart grid" technologies and the clean energy industry.
Austin is working hard to lead the way in this area of clean energy, and Brewster will be sharing interesting information about how Pecan Street Project is making headway.
(If you cannot see the above video... here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0g3_nTVR48)
Register at www.acg.org/centraltexas
Have A Great Day.
thom
Brewster is the Executive Director of the Pecan Street Project. He will be talking about the future of "smart grid" technologies and the clean energy industry.
Austin is working hard to lead the way in this area of clean energy, and Brewster will be sharing interesting information about how Pecan Street Project is making headway.
(If you cannot see the above video... here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0g3_nTVR48)
Register at www.acg.org/centraltexas
Have A Great Day.
thom
Monday, November 01, 2010
Some Assembly Required Newsletter - November 2010
The November edition of the "Some Assembly Required Newsletter" has been sent. If you have not signed up yet, you can do so here on the blog (over on the right side!).
Can you believe it is November? The year is almost over and the holiday season is rapidly approaching. The Halloween candy is still on the counter, but it is time to start preparing for the end of the year. (read more...)
CLICK HERE to check out the newsletter.
Have A Great Day!
thom
Can you believe it is November? The year is almost over and the holiday season is rapidly approaching. The Halloween candy is still on the counter, but it is time to start preparing for the end of the year. (read more...)
CLICK HERE to check out the newsletter.
Have A Great Day!
thom
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Election Week Social Media Policy
It happens every time. Election Week brings out the "haters" on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, and other social media venues.
My policy is that I un-follow people who cross the line from political commentary and opinion into "HATE". This has nothing to do with political ideology. There are an equal number of hate-filled people on the right and the left side of the spectrum.... and during election cycles they come out in droves.
Passions run strong when elections are on the line.... and some people cannot help themselves. Their dislike for the positions of someone on the other side of ideology gets the best of them and they make it personal. They say horrible things. Some do it in the name of comedy, others just spew their vomit as a way to claim their superior status.
I figure if they cannot control their hate from spilling into the Twitter stream, then I should not be wasting my time following them. A simple click and they disappear.
I do this to liberals and conservatives. I see many people who get angry with hateful comments about the candidates they support, but laugh at awful things said about the candidates they disagree with when it comes to political beliefs.
I think hate is hate (politics aside) and when it comes to social media, I delete those who cloud the internet with "yuckiness". I simply do not think we need rude, disrespectful and snarky comments. Yep, some friends vanish from my social media lists during elections. If they notice (and ask "why?") I tell them. Most never even notice I am gone.
If everyone had a similar policy then the internet might be a more civil place.
What do you think?
Have A Great Day (and go vote!)
thom
My policy is that I un-follow people who cross the line from political commentary and opinion into "HATE". This has nothing to do with political ideology. There are an equal number of hate-filled people on the right and the left side of the spectrum.... and during election cycles they come out in droves.
Passions run strong when elections are on the line.... and some people cannot help themselves. Their dislike for the positions of someone on the other side of ideology gets the best of them and they make it personal. They say horrible things. Some do it in the name of comedy, others just spew their vomit as a way to claim their superior status.
I figure if they cannot control their hate from spilling into the Twitter stream, then I should not be wasting my time following them. A simple click and they disappear.
I do this to liberals and conservatives. I see many people who get angry with hateful comments about the candidates they support, but laugh at awful things said about the candidates they disagree with when it comes to political beliefs.
I think hate is hate (politics aside) and when it comes to social media, I delete those who cloud the internet with "yuckiness". I simply do not think we need rude, disrespectful and snarky comments. Yep, some friends vanish from my social media lists during elections. If they notice (and ask "why?") I tell them. Most never even notice I am gone.
If everyone had a similar policy then the internet might be a more civil place.
What do you think?
Have A Great Day (and go vote!)
thom
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Six Reasons Why I Write A Blog
Why do I write this blog?
This question was asked the other day by someone who is considering taking on the commitment of a blog (yes, there is a commitment involved). His concerns were many, and he pointed out that there are too many blogs already in existence. He thought he would just be part of the noise. He was wondering about how many readers he would get initially. He feared writing his blog and nobody would show up to read it. He wanted my advice how to gain traffic fast.
There was no answer provided, as I do not write this blog for statistics. I write this blog as a conduit to share ideas, focus thoughts, improve my skills, to promote my speaking career, and to create a body of work. My own reader statistics are all over the map. Some posts are barely noticed, others are widely read and shared.
Do not get me wrong, I like having people read my blog (thank you, by the way), but I did not create or continue the blog for numbers. I am not "famous", so people do not flock to my every word. That is okay.
I write for several reasons. Below are six reasons (in no order):
1. Blogging makes me be a better writer. Writing is a skill that needs to be practiced. In the end, a writer is not real unless he or she writes. If one just thinks about writing they are a thinker, not a writer. By committing to this blog, it forces me to fine tune my abilities.
2. Writing helps me focus. I customize every speech I give to an audience. The presentations I give are constantly morphing from week to week based on what is happening in the world, the experiences I have, and the people I meet. Thus, many of my blog posts are directly related to crafting a presentation for an upcoming speech. It also makes me think about what is important to the audience, and not only about the things important to me.
3. The words might help someone. I get a lot of emails and other feedback from people who have read my blog and said that they needed to hear the message I wrote that particular day. If in some way something I put on here helps another person, then the time it takes to write is worth the effort.
4. Search Engine Optimization. I started the blog before the release of the first book. There was a lot of "buzz" about blogs 5 1/2 years ago, and I wanted to make sure I was getting all the online love that was available in cyberspace. It worked. People have discovered my books by finding my blog via search. A client recently contracted my services as a sales meeting facilitator after having found me via a "Google Search" that lead them to my blog.
5. Creating a library of rough drafts. My blog serves as a farm for other products. Speeches, articles, books, videos, etc... have all had their birth on the pages of my blog. When I am asked to work on any type of information product I can go into the archives of this blog and find nuggets of an idea that I can then develop further.
6. Keeps me reading and learning. If you want to write you must be exposed to new ideas, thoughts, points of view and perspectives. Because I write this blog I must force myself to observe the world around me more. It is easy to get myopic and not seek inspirations. Wanting to write makes me read other blogs, books, and follow the news in the areas that I cover.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Create A Foundation For Your Future
"How can someone launch out on their own and become an author, consultant, and professional speaker?" (or follow another dream?)
I was asked this question after a keynote presentation at a luncheon meeting of business professionals. My answer of; "get laid off", brought a roar of laughter from the audience. But for me it was the truth.
I was working toward leaving my job as director of marketing for a consulting firm a year later, but the international economic downturn had other plans and my position was eliminated on April 1, 2009. That day I declared I was a full-time professional speaker.
Eighteen months later I am still here.
The key for me was that I was not starting from square one. I was already clear about my desire to speak at conferences, trade shows, company meetings, sales kick-offs and other events. I had written several books, launched a website, wrote a daily blog, and created the Networking Quotient Quiz. Additionally I had already been asked to speak nearly 200 times for companies, law firms, associations, and other groups over the previous decade.
I had a strong network of personal and professional contacts with whom I had created long-term and mutually beneficial relationships. I was not a stranger to people who could hire speakers, or were influencers in the business community. Having a network of people who will give you business, talk up your new venture and refer you to potential clients is paramount to success.
I had created a foundation for the future, even though I was not sure when the future would arrive.
There will be naysayers who try to undermine your path. Many well meaning friends (and some not so well meaning) will question your direction. I suggest you smile and go on about your business. Every successful entrepreneur has had people who were convinced they would fail. If your foundation is strong, it will support your efforts.
If you do fail, pick yourself up and keep going. I have learned more about business in the past eighteen months than I ever learned in my 20-year career. If I choose to work for a company again in the future, my boss will have a much better employee because of my entrepreneurial journey. Thus the adventure of pursuing my dream is both my passion and my education.
My family and my business partner at New Year Publishing have encouraged me and kept me going on those days when the stress and pressure to succeed overwhelmed my focus. If you want to start a business you need a support mechanism and network of people who will keep you on on track. You cannot do it alone. People matter --- never forget that!
A positive attitude, continuous learning, and dedication to the your industry will also be instrumental in your path to success. In my case I have become a advocate of the professional speaking BUSINESS. I am an active member of the National Speaker's Association (locally and nationally), and I coach and encourage others who desire to enter the industry. It is a commitment to your craft (no matter what your industry) that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Getting laid off gave me a push, but it has been working with amazing people and following my heart that has made this a career.
If you are one of those people who have helped me along the way -- THANK YOU!!!
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
I was asked this question after a keynote presentation at a luncheon meeting of business professionals. My answer of; "get laid off", brought a roar of laughter from the audience. But for me it was the truth.
I was working toward leaving my job as director of marketing for a consulting firm a year later, but the international economic downturn had other plans and my position was eliminated on April 1, 2009. That day I declared I was a full-time professional speaker.
Eighteen months later I am still here.
The key for me was that I was not starting from square one. I was already clear about my desire to speak at conferences, trade shows, company meetings, sales kick-offs and other events. I had written several books, launched a website, wrote a daily blog, and created the Networking Quotient Quiz. Additionally I had already been asked to speak nearly 200 times for companies, law firms, associations, and other groups over the previous decade.
I had a strong network of personal and professional contacts with whom I had created long-term and mutually beneficial relationships. I was not a stranger to people who could hire speakers, or were influencers in the business community. Having a network of people who will give you business, talk up your new venture and refer you to potential clients is paramount to success.
I had created a foundation for the future, even though I was not sure when the future would arrive.
There will be naysayers who try to undermine your path. Many well meaning friends (and some not so well meaning) will question your direction. I suggest you smile and go on about your business. Every successful entrepreneur has had people who were convinced they would fail. If your foundation is strong, it will support your efforts.
If you do fail, pick yourself up and keep going. I have learned more about business in the past eighteen months than I ever learned in my 20-year career. If I choose to work for a company again in the future, my boss will have a much better employee because of my entrepreneurial journey. Thus the adventure of pursuing my dream is both my passion and my education.
My family and my business partner at New Year Publishing have encouraged me and kept me going on those days when the stress and pressure to succeed overwhelmed my focus. If you want to start a business you need a support mechanism and network of people who will keep you on on track. You cannot do it alone. People matter --- never forget that!
A positive attitude, continuous learning, and dedication to the your industry will also be instrumental in your path to success. In my case I have become a advocate of the professional speaking BUSINESS. I am an active member of the National Speaker's Association (locally and nationally), and I coach and encourage others who desire to enter the industry. It is a commitment to your craft (no matter what your industry) that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Getting laid off gave me a push, but it has been working with amazing people and following my heart that has made this a career.
If you are one of those people who have helped me along the way -- THANK YOU!!!
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
New Year Publishing "Thought Leadership Award" Presented to Author Steve Woods
The first annual New Year Publishing "Thought Leadership Award" was presented to author Steve Woods.
Mr. Woods is a co-founder of Eloqua and serves as the company's Chief Technology Officer. His insights into the application of technology to the marketing profession have been key to Eloqua's consistent record of client satisfaction.
His book, Digital Body Language, is a wonderful exploration of how technology is impacting the world of marketing. The book is both educational and insightful.
Congratulations to Steve Woods for this award!
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Monday, October 25, 2010
Plan For Success In 2011 - Goals, Dreams, New Contacts, More Victories
Sign Up NOW for "Re-Ignite Your Dream Machine".
Monday, November 1, 2010
Austin, Texas
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (followed by a networking reception)
St Edward's University (Mabee Ballroom)
We all have dreams and goals for the future, but sometimes we get off track and caught in a rut.
Perhaps your dreams were stolen by negative relationships in your life or maybe by a tough year in your business.
You can turn around your life and your career by taking ownership of your dreams, goals, relationships and planning for victory. You can be successful in whatever it is that you want to do!
This seminar will inspire you to look toward achieving more for the rest of the year and into 2011. Come network with other professionals (someone in attendance might be the person you need to meet), get a free book, learn from exciting speakers, and most of all, come “Reignite Your Dream Machine”!
$10 in advance ($20 at door).
CLICK HERE to register NOW!!!
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Help A Friend Out (#HAFO) and Thank Those Who Help You
I advise people that a great way to become relevant in your business community is to be a person who helps others find their success. Seeking ways to assist people to get closer to their dreams makes them pay more attention to your existence. Also, when people return the favor, and help you... you MUST show your appreciation. Being a "giver" and a "thanker" are key ways to raising your own visibility.
Sounds simple, right?
Seems like "fluff advice", right?
Appears too elementary, right?
Ummmm, yes, but so many people fail to make helping others part of their routine that those who do it stand out from the crowd. Everyone is so busy trying to expand their horizons that they are not seeing the easy ways that they can impact others. Because of this, when you step up... people are blown away by your generosity.
Additionally, too many people forget to say "thank you" to those who do bring them opportunities, and that undermines the whole process. When you forget to show gratitude, it sends a message that you expect them to serve YOU....and nobody likes that type of response. Thus they think twice before helping you the next time.
You are always being observed, and those who see you as one who gives and thanks will want to be in your circle of influence. If they see you as a "taker" they will run like heck in a different direction.
Tim Tyrell-Smith blogged this week on his "Tim's Strategy Blog" about helping others. He mentioned that if you want to be awesome in your everyday life you should find ways to think less about yourself and more about others around you. He also created a Twitter Hashtag and encourages people to use it daily when "tweeting" info that "helps a friend out" (#HAFO).
Two best-authors, Tim Sanders (Love Is The Killer Ap) and Gary Vaynerchuk (Crush It!) are both releasing books in 2011 on the topic of gratitude and saying "thank you". This topic is HUGE, and will get bigger once their books are released (both are predicted to be best-sellers). Chris Brogan writes about this consistently on his blog. Fast Company Magazine (this month) has an article by "Do Something" CEO Nancy Lublin called "Two Little Words",... yep, she is talking about "Thank You"!
Why so much ink being given to this? BECAUSE IT MATTERS and people do not seem to do these simple things that lead to more success in the long run.
Will people listen to Tim, Tim, Gary, Chris, Nancy and me?
Or will things remain the same? (my guess is they will remain the same)
Many people claim they want to "help" others, but never get around to it. They profess they understand the power of saying "thanks", but once they get busy with their own stuff, they fail on the necessary steps to appreciate.
This means if you help others, and show gratitude to those who help you, you will stand out from the crowd. In today's crazy world you need to find ways to shine. And is there a better way to win than being one who assists and praises others along the way.
Try it this week. Help and Thank. Help and Thank. Repeat.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Oh,... and THANK YOU FOR READING MY BLOG!
Sounds simple, right?
Seems like "fluff advice", right?
Appears too elementary, right?
Ummmm, yes, but so many people fail to make helping others part of their routine that those who do it stand out from the crowd. Everyone is so busy trying to expand their horizons that they are not seeing the easy ways that they can impact others. Because of this, when you step up... people are blown away by your generosity.
Additionally, too many people forget to say "thank you" to those who do bring them opportunities, and that undermines the whole process. When you forget to show gratitude, it sends a message that you expect them to serve YOU....and nobody likes that type of response. Thus they think twice before helping you the next time.
You are always being observed, and those who see you as one who gives and thanks will want to be in your circle of influence. If they see you as a "taker" they will run like heck in a different direction.
Tim Tyrell-Smith blogged this week on his "Tim's Strategy Blog" about helping others. He mentioned that if you want to be awesome in your everyday life you should find ways to think less about yourself and more about others around you. He also created a Twitter Hashtag and encourages people to use it daily when "tweeting" info that "helps a friend out" (#HAFO).
Two best-authors, Tim Sanders (Love Is The Killer Ap) and Gary Vaynerchuk (Crush It!) are both releasing books in 2011 on the topic of gratitude and saying "thank you". This topic is HUGE, and will get bigger once their books are released (both are predicted to be best-sellers). Chris Brogan writes about this consistently on his blog. Fast Company Magazine (this month) has an article by "Do Something" CEO Nancy Lublin called "Two Little Words",... yep, she is talking about "Thank You"!
Why so much ink being given to this? BECAUSE IT MATTERS and people do not seem to do these simple things that lead to more success in the long run.
Will people listen to Tim, Tim, Gary, Chris, Nancy and me?
Or will things remain the same? (my guess is they will remain the same)
Many people claim they want to "help" others, but never get around to it. They profess they understand the power of saying "thanks", but once they get busy with their own stuff, they fail on the necessary steps to appreciate.
This means if you help others, and show gratitude to those who help you, you will stand out from the crowd. In today's crazy world you need to find ways to shine. And is there a better way to win than being one who assists and praises others along the way.
Try it this week. Help and Thank. Help and Thank. Repeat.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Oh,... and THANK YOU FOR READING MY BLOG!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Trying new things is a great way to grow, learn, and expand your horizons. Plus it can be a lot of fun.
I am a professional speaker who has presented to over 50 audiences in 2010, however all of those speeches were planned, prepared, and practiced. I have never done "Improv", and do not consider myself a comedian. While I use humor in my keynote presentations and training programs, I do not take the stage with the intent of being "funny".
Last night I was asked to participate in a "Battle Decks" competition at the Ignite Austin event. Battle Decks is becoming a popular entertainment component at conferences and other events (especially in the technology arena) where 3 or 4 participants present PowerPoint presentations they have never seen before. The speaker does not know what will come up on the slides, and is given the topic just as the self-advancing PowerPoint deck begins to roll. Some people call it "Power Point Karaoke." It is similar to "Table Topics" at a Toastmasters Club, but with slides and an audiences of hundreds of people.
While I am comfortable speaking to an audience, the unknown of what was going to happen with the visuals aspects of the slides did make me uncomfortable.
Turns out it was a lot of fun. There were three competitors. Two had to leave the room so they could not see the slides before their turn, and then one by one we each presented to the same slide deck (thus the term "Battle Decks"), trying to weave a cohesive presentation while making the audience laugh.
I won the competition (against a guy who is a professional Improv instructor!), giving me bragging rights as the "Ignite Austin 2 Battle Decks Champion" (there was no actual prize). I am not sure if I have to defend the crown at Ignite Austin 3, but I would welcome the chance do do this again.
Three years ago I would never have agreed to do a competition like this in front of hundreds of people and several video cameras (the video will eventually hit YouTube). I would have over thought the possible negative effects of making a blunder and worried about what people might think of my attempts at humor. However with experience comes confidence and having given 150 speeches over the last three years meant it was time to branch out and try something new..
Additionally, I discovered that I can step out of my comfort zone and have fun doing it. Next I think I will take and improv class or do an open mic night at a comedy club!
Have A Great Day.
thom
*Photo from Twitter via Scott Hanson (aka @dellservergeek).
Happy Birthday, Dad
Today is my dad's 96th birthday.
Here is his video birthday card from my family. While he does not use the internet or have a smart phone .... My brothers will make sure he sees this! I wish I lived closer so I could see him more often.
He has seen a lot of amazing things happen in the world over the last century!
Happy Birthday, Dad. You are a great dad and role model.
thom
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