Archive for May, 2009
Posted on May 18, 2009
As you know, I’m trying to figure out how social networking fits into the world of engineering consulting. I don’t have the answers yet, but I’m hard at work. I will pass along good bits when I find them.
See how social networking is helping advance the green movement on 10 different sites.
http://tinyurl.com/greenblogs
[tinyurl.com allows you to create short, workable versions of long hyperlinks]
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From http://www.customercrossroads.com/
“In a similar vein, Aon Consulting has published a report about employee attitudes around social media in the workplace. Aon is looking at the big shift towards Millennials in the workplace, and their comfort level with social media, and seeing a disconnect with the ways employers communicate.
“45% of the 8000 respondents in the study already work remotely. Almost half use instant messaging at work. Four in ten use text messaging at work — not to talk to family and friends, but to exchange information.
“The internet’s power not only gives people access to a wide range of news perspectives, but it grants each person an outlet to express his or her own opinion on it. Employees are using social media to collect information, to interpret and communicate it to others.”
“So many organizations seem determined to keep the lock on social media. If this study is any indication, it’s not going to work.
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Sigh! Maybe it’s time we join the movement before we get run over.
Take a leap and post a comment on this entry.
Posted on May 14, 2009
I was talking with Roger this week, a client whose firm had been short-listed for a great project. He was prepping for how he would pitch his message. The message was “pick us because we can provide more for your money.”
It made me think of a video I saw from Dr. Frank Lutz on how the words we use impact how people react to us. Check out his stuff at http://www.TheWordDoctors.com. Lutz has coached all sorts of folks on how to connect with their audience.
Roger was doing OK when he used phrases like “cut expenses” and “save you money.” But when he said “this is cheaper,” alarm bells went off in my head.
“Cheaper” is not a good feeling when you’re spending millions of dollars to build a building. “Cheaper” implies a cheap suit. With a building, it could imply shoddy construction, falling ceiling tiles, ratty carpet and more.
Think about the emotional impact of the words you choose to use.
Lutz uses scientific methodologies to measure the impact words have on listeners. He recommends the following.
Never say “government;” say “Washington.”
Never say “tax reform;” say “tax simplification.”
Never say “drilling for oil;” say “exploring for energy.”
You get the idea. What emotions are your words stirring with the folks you talk to?
Posted on May 8, 2009
This week I want to share two websites with you that have content from the greatest thought leaders in the world.
I know what you’re thinking: “Thanks, Pam, like I don’t have enough to do already.”
I am not suggesting you go to these sites and sit for hours. But continuous learning is part of who we are, and these sites help you learn fascinating stuff in little tidbits.
From the first site: http://www.ted.com
“TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader.
“The annual conference now brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).”
It’s fascinating, sometimes funny, and always free.
From the second site: http://www.milkeninstitute.org or http://tinyurl.com/cc896g (global conference link)
“The 2009 Milken Institute Global Conference drew some 3,000 leaders from the worlds of business and finance, philanthropy, government, health care, education and news media to discuss, debate and deliberate the most difficult challenges facing the world today.
“This year’s sessions focused heavily on the financial crisis and the global economy, as well as on government’s growing role in business and our lives. Other sessions examine industries, regions of the world, health and medical research, education, energy and climate change, and media.”
Phenomenal content, available to the public, and free.
Can’t beat the price of either conference.
