Be Memorable

We all want to create a lasting impression on other people when we are networking. It is possible because it is something that is not written in our genes but we can definitely learn it. First of all when someone is talking to you, be all there. This means that you should not be checking your phone or mobile applications. It will make the other person feel important and valued and that can make all the difference. When you are talking, make sure that everything you say is positive and stay away from complaining. It will help and the person you are speaking with in the long run. Another great way to make an impression is to remember the name of the person you are speaking with and use it in the conversation. It is like a subtle compliment and says that they are worth talking to. Body language is also part of the conversation if not most of it. Make sure to be aware of how you are standing and that you are making eye contact.

Communication Secrets

Communication skills can be learned and even the most inept of us can be amazing speakers. This skill will also translate into great communication abilities over video conferencing. The very first thing that you should do is communicate with yourself. This means that you need to have confidence in yourself and your abilities. When you do speak, make sure that it is with sincerity. True communication means that you are not talking at a person but rather with them. You have to really listen to what they are saying because that also builds a connection. The ability to ask skillful questions and listen carefully to the responses is a huge factor in being a great communicator. While you are busy thinking about what is being said, pay attention to the language that is unspoken such as tone and posture. You should also practice what you preach because people that are listening to your presentation are also aware of your character and reputation.

Being Successful on the Weekend

As business owners, you know it is a never ending game to stay afloat and you are trying to keep up with the internet phone calls and emails over the weekend. There are probably even times when you are thinking why in the world you got into owning the business. I bet you did not know that there are ways to get yourself ready for the weekend and actually recharge. One of the first things that you should do is get up at the same time that you normally do on the weekends. It will make sure that your body will get the rest it needs and not sleep too much. You should also plan the weekend so that you do not lose the productivity from the week days. Although, it is important to plan some time for yourself. This means that your health, family and friends are just as important as work. Meditate, go for a hike, wash the car, or take in the theater. It is just as important to get your mind off of work. Lastly, take ten or fifteen minutes on Sunday to look at the week ahead and plan for it. That way, you will be able to hit the ground running come Monday.

Body Language: Take Note

Sometimes your body says more than your words and with video conferencing in full use, you will have nowhere to hide from it. If you are prone to slouching, just stop and straighten up. It communicates that you're bored and have no desire to be where you are. Same with looking at a clock, you tell the person that you are with that you would rather be doing other things. If you have folded arms or legs, it signals to the other person that you are not open to what they are saying and that you might be shutting them out. As far as facial expressions go, don't roll your eyes and and make sure that your eye contact is just long enough but not too long. The way we break contact sends a message, too. Glancing down communicates submission, while looking to the side projects confidence. Also, adapt your handshake to each person and situation, but make sure it's always firm. The bottom line here is that if you practice it enough, you will have a better idea of how to handle each situation and it will strengthen your relationships.

Decisions Decisions

Graduation is right around the corner for so many people. This is a time for some major changes and the shifting of responsibilities. Our decisions start to really impact the lives that we are making for ourselves and life does not come with an instruction manual. The first rule is to be present in the moment and pay attention. Just like people say that you never know when you are going to get hit by a bus, you still never know when opportunity might hit you in the face. Most likely you will not recognize it for what it truly is. You also need to learn how to be in touch with your gut and to trust it. Staying healthy will be one of the biggest decisions that you will be making. Yes people it is a conscious decision and will reflect on your life. And no, there is not miracle diet pill or mobile application that will do the hard work for you. If you want to have a mind that stays sharp, you need to feed it and take care of it. If you keep your body in great shape, you mind will just come along for the ride and function that much better as you age.

Changing Batteries

The battery has not changed since the 1960s and it is really a technological feat that RadioShack took so long to go out of business. We have such impressive technologies and software development in the 21st century and yet we still use lithium ion batteries. This thought might all change soon. Researchers at Stanford published their discovery of aluminum ion batteries in Nature recently. They said that the new aluminum-ion battery has the potential to replace lithium-ion batteries, used in millions of laptops and mobile phones. The new battery is safe and does not have the fire hazard of lithium batteries. It is also durable and flexible, and lasts seven times as long as the other ones. The best part might be that it can be charged in under a minute. This will open doors with so many other gadgets and devices. It also means that the larger batteries could be used as part of a renewable energy system on an electrical grid. It is going to be really exciting to see where it will go from here.

Way to Have a Work Life Balance

In this hectic world, it is sometimes hard to find that wonderful balance where you feel like you actually have a life and are able to maintain a job that can support that life. There are several ways to go about this problem. You can separate, integrate, or cycle. If separating your life into compartments can work for you, you could choose specific hours for work and specific hours for home, and make an agreement with both your boss and family to adhere to the schedule. This way everyone knows what to expect and everyone will be taken care of. If that does not work for you, you could blend work and life but you have to make sure that everyones needs are taken care of. For some jobs such as software development or web development, it will work. If neither of those work for you, you could follow a more traditional model: work hard and play hard. You might cycle through phases of intense work but then you on vacation and completely unplug. Some of the problems come into play when your style of work clashes with your bosses style even though they achieve the same ends. This is something to be discussed and agreed upon beforehand.