Archive for the Soft Skills Category

New Opportunities

New Opportunities

After two and a half years in Sales Engineering at Jive Software, I’m exploring what’s next for me. I’ve enjoyed my time as both a Subject Matter Expert on SharePoint and as a Field Sales Engineer. And now, it’s time to move one. At Jive, I’ve had the opportunity to work with leaders across the company. I consulted and co-produced work with IT, Engineering, Product Management and Product Marketing. As I visited and collaborated with different groups, I was also learning how

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14 Day Video Challenge – Days 1-7

14 Day Video Challenge – Days 1-7

“How to Make a Udemy Video on your iPhone” is my latest course completed. The instructor recommends making a 1 minute video everyday for 14 days to get comfortable on camera. I’ve started the project and created a 14 Day Video Challenge Playlist on YouTube. Here’s a summary of the first 7 videos: Day 1 Day 1 is shot from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport and includes a clip of me practicing a Toastmasters speech. Day 2 Day 2 includes some tips

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Don’t Talk. Or, Listen to Improve Communications.

Don’t Talk. Or, Listen to Improve Communications.

One day more than 30 years ago, John Francis stopped talking. And a funny thing happened next. As he says it, “I started listening. For the first time in a long time.” Walk the earth … my 17-year vow of silence Quiet Quiet was the theme of the Ted Radio Hour episode I listened today. It really struck me how important quiet is to communications. How can you listen if you can’t hear? John Francis took it to the extreme.

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8+ Rules of Great Consultants – Part 1

8+ Rules of Great Consultants – Part 1

A lot of my posts are highly technical, but I also spend a lot of time thinking about and working on what some call “The soft skills.” I love helping others use technology better. In order to get better and more interesting opportunities, I try to be the best consultant I can be. I’m writing about 8+ rules I try to live by in my consulting business? I’ve shared the first 3 below. #1 Be Friendly The best-selling sales author

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