Voso Impact

First Impressions podcast, part 6

tc3c — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:00:53 +0000

Final Remarks – We control our first impressions so remember to do the self-check: smile genuinely, give a good hand squeeze, and say “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

First Impressions podcast, part 5

tc3c — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:25 +0000

Opening Lines – Speak in a manner that is clear, crisp and relaxed, and practice using “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

First Impressions podcast, part 4

tc3c — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:00:50 +0000

Contact – How effective is your handshake? People are two times more likely to remember us if we shake hands when we meet them so having a good handshake as a part of your communication repertoire is important.

Voso Impact Winter Quarter Classes at GRCC

tc3c — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:59:10 +0000

Lisa is offering classes at Green River Community College’s Kent Campus this Winter Quarter – here’s your chance to improve your business communication skills in her engaging classroom workshops!

Below are links to the GRCC website for class registration:

Communicating Between Generations

The Art of Making a Great First Impression

How to Hire The Perfect Person

Perfecting your Persuasion Techniques

If you enroll in two classes, you get the third and fourth for just $19 each – enroll here: Voso Impact Communication – 4 Classes

First Impressions podcast, part 3

tc3c — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:00:59 +0000

Body Language – Making a good impression means making someone feel positively toward you and a lot of that is governed by our body language.

First Impressions podcast, part 2

tc3c — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:25 +0000

Importance of First Impressions. In the 5 seconds it takes to make one, the person only sees a little sample of you, but that sample represents 100% of what they know about you.

First Impressions podcast, Part 1

tc3c — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:55:53 +0000

Making a great first impression is the most important tool we have in our communications toolbox.

There’s a Person on the Other End of that Text

Lisa — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:38:22 +0000

As more communication tools like social media become available to us, I’m noticing that the quality of our communication is eroding. People abbreviate thoughts and ideas, skip the general pleasantries of polite conversation, and get right to the point. This is dangerous for a couple of reasons, but primarily because nuances of nonverbal communication in a text-based conversation are easily lost. “Bring home milk” sent via text is a clear, appropriate message, but it is not nearly as friendly as “Would you please bring milk home, honey?” While younger generations like the Millenials (born 1980-2002) may find the first message perfectly acceptable, older generations find this type of conversation abrupt.

There is a better way, and it is easy to execute. Simply remember that there is another person on the other end of your message – regardless of how you send it (Facebook, Twitter, email, text, etc.) Treat that person with the same courtesy you would show them face to face. Don’t hide behind the bravery afforded by a keyboard. Instead, consider how the person on the other end will feel when he gets your message. Is that how you want him to feel? If not, craft the message so that it does. It is worth the five extra seconds it takes to type please or thank you, and you are much more likely to get the desired response.

Begin with the End in Mind – Effective Communication to Achieve Your Goals

Lisa — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:34:21 +0000

As part of my high school and college speech teams, I learned that much of communication is performance training. Communication, of course, must be genuine but it helps to visualize and plan for the desired end result similar to rehearsing for a part in a play.

Here’s an example. Let’s say I have to deliver some bad news to a legal client. I prepare for that conversation in advance. I jot down notes about what I want to say and key points I need to cover but, more importantly, I focus on my end goal – delivering the news so that the client understands and accepts it but so that she also feels heard. Every part of my communication is then designed to help me achieve that goal including the tone of my voice, my rate of speech, the words I use and how I indicate that I’m listening to her concerns. These cues help me comfort my client while also conveying important information.

The next time you have to give a presentation or are planning a meeting with your boss, consider not just practicing your content but also your delivery. The right delivery can make a big impact.

Is Your Customer Service Staff Bringing Them Back For More?

Lisa — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:29:25 +0000

Whether your staff is talking to a customer for the first or the hundredth time, the impression they leave is a reflection on your business. That customer interaction can guarantee repeat business and future referrals, or it can slowly sabotage your business with negative feedback. In terms of customer service, good enoughisn’t good enough anymore. Quality customer service training can make a difference, and I can show you how.

I teach very specific, well-defined workshops like my two-part, all-day workshop on communicating effectively with customers and powerfully persuading others. I offer training on conflict resolution, dealing with dissatisfied customers, and negotiating and dealing with objections as well as fundamental communication skills such as listening effectively, managing your emotions, and controlling time and priorities.

Contact me today to learn how your firm or organization can see immediate results with customer service training for your valuable front line team.