Marion's Communication Tips

Facing the Chicken Within

Marion Grobb Finkelstein - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Sometimes communications can be scary. Maybe a certain person intimidates you. Or perhaps you've been asked to talk on a subject you know little about. Or you have zero time to prepare. Whatever the reason, there are moments we all experience hesitation before we speak. If there’s a call you need to make, or someone you want to connect with but feel frightened to do so, here’s a tip gleaned from a chapter, “Facing the Chicken Within” penned by me and my sister, Joan Grobb Augustino, fellow author, trainer and professional speaker (www.coreperformancegroup.com)

Push to peak performance: When we’re frightened, we get that little jolt of adrenaline. Channel that energy to your performance -- don't waste it on nerves. Let F-E-A-R stand for “face, embrace and replace” fear with action. Pick up that phone and call who you need to call. Use that adrenalin to add energy to your voice and move yourself to action.

Fear doesn’t need to hold you back. In fact, if you listen to your chicken within, it can push you ahead and point you to areas of great growth. So get out there, and start communicating with pluck!

Begin small. Think of one tiny communication challenge you are afraid of doing and what a difference it would make in your life. Imagine if you spoke with authority, communicated assertively, developed instant rapport with others. Whatever communication goal you have, take a small step in that direction. Make it tiny and not time-consuming so you will be sure to do it. Return that phone call you've been ignoring. Go for coffee and nuture informal communications. Try saying a couple words in a new language ... in front of people. Make it bite-size, make it real, make it yours. Face, embrace and replace fear, with action. Even if that action begins as a small one.

PS: if you're interested in learning more about facing YOUR chicken within, check out that and all my upcoming and past webinars available to help you in 60-minute power hours http://www.marionspeaks.com/marions-products/webinars/webinar-singles

Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, Better business, Better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.com
www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks

Are you planning a conference, employee gathering or management retreat and looking for presenters? I'd love to submit a proposal for your consideration. Please contact me Marion@MarionSpeaks.com

© 2012 Marion Grobb Finkelstein
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete tagline with it: Communication catalyst, author, and professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to improve morale, confidence and productivity by changing how they communicate. Get weekly hands-on tips by signing up for "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com

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Communicate with Energy

Marion Grobb Finkelstein - Tuesday, February 14, 2012

I often tell my clients that people can't read your mind, only your actions. No one can possibly know what you are thinking until you actually say it, or what you want to do until you do it. They only know and remember the things you say or do. Now here's the rub: they don't know the motivation or reasoning behind your actions, they only know your actions.

You show what you value by how you spend your resources, and your most valuable of resources is time.

How you spend your time, and who you spend it on, communicates volumes.

When you reach out to someone else, the results can be remarkable. It's great fun to connect with someone you love being with, someone who makes you laugh and makes you feel valued and alive. You enjoy working with him or her, so you tend to reach out more than to someone who's tough to work with. It's difficult to reach out to those who are prickly. Chances are you work with a few of those people (admit it - you thought of someone in particular, didn't you?). Or even more trying, perhaps you're related to one.

I was traveling recently and seated at a table with a fellow I considered to be a bit of a know-it-all. He regaled us with demonstrations of his acerbic wit. He engaged in conversations without acknowledging the validity of others' viewpoints. In short, he was a conversation bully. My inclination was to shoot back, to argue with him, to dislike him, his opinions, and what I believed he stood for.

Instead, what I did was reach out to connect.

How, you ask? With a technique I've found to be exceptionally effective. I've used it at meetings, with clients, and in my personal life, and I invite you to use it the next time you encounter someone who you find difficult. This technique requires practice and discipline, and it works.

If you have a certain someone in mind, someone with whom you don't quite see eye to eye, picture them right now and do this exercise. When you see him or her next time, do this exercise again, in person.

Use the "camera technique" to gain perspective.

Look at him or her objectively. Picture yourself as a camera person or a talk show host simply watching them communicate and observing the dynamics between all the parties. Focus on the process, how he or she is speaking, what gestures he or she is using. Find something, anything, no matter how small, that you find amusing or admirable. You might have to dig. Focus hard. Let that amusement fill your being and curl the corners of your lips. You genuinely admire and like that aspect of this person.

We're all package deals, collections of experiences and attitudes. Find something in the package of that person you authentically enjoy. Perhaps it's his or her vast knowledge (although this type of person may not know everything, he or she does know something. Admire that something). Or maybe it's the way they are able to respond so quickly (albeit with inappropriate response -- it's the speed and wit you appreciate). Perhaps you've noticed how they have an ability to bite their tongue when others would blurt out a response (though you'd love if they actually spoke up every now and then).

Identify something you authentically admire.

Building on that positive point, no matter how small, picture that positive feeling welling up inside you to the point of overflow. Pick whatever color this feeling is to you, then imagine yourself being empty and filling with this color as it completely fills and envelopes you. This color is so large it begins to reach out with a long rubbery arm to embrace the person of your attention. Wrap him or her in this blanket of color, let it wash over and surround him or her. Focus on something positive about this person, and let the feeling flow.

Energy is a fact of science. You emit and receive energies of various types, both positive and negative. You likely use expressions involving energy, such as, "we're on the same wavelength", "he gives me good vibes", or "she's really tuned in to the issues". Your energy is your resource. You can choose to channel and use it to connect with others.

When you're in your workplace or dealing with clients (or even family members), you'll have plenty of opportunity to put this technique to practice. It has helped turn many what-could-be irritating people into somewhat amusing characters. This exercise will help you connect with 99% of people ... even with the nasties you may work with, serve or be related to. Go ahead and color your world.

PS: Want 9 easy to use strategies to raise your profile in the workplace? They add value, so your boss will love them too! Check out the info below ...

"HOW TO RAISE YOUR PROFILE (AND ADD VALUE) IN THE WORKPLACE"

THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2012 @2pm EST

ONLY $99

http://www.marionspeaks.com/marions-products/webinars/webinar-singles

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR PACKAGE THAT SUITS YOU (Buy more, Save more!)

http://www.marionspeaks.com/marions-products/webinars

Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, Better business, Better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.com
www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks

© 2012 Marion Grobb Finkelstein
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete tagline with it: Communication specialist, author, professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to improve morale, confidence and productivity by changing how they communicate. Chat with her at www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks and sign up for her FREE weekly "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com

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What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say

Marion Grobb Finkelstein - Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Do you ever find yourself at a loss for words? Someone shoots a comment in your direction and you’d love to retort. The only problem is, you have no idea how to reply with a snappy comeback. Here's what you can do ...

Use “planned spontaneity”.

What exactly is “planned spontaneity”? It's a term I coined and define as a response that is planned ahead and delivered in such a way that it looks impromptu (and incredibly witty).

The beauty of this approach is that it gives you time to think in advance what you want to say and never be caught off guard and dumbfounded again. It removes the frustration of looking back at a situation with regret because two weeks too late you came up with the perfect response. It lowers stress and increases confidence with your communications because you know you are prepared to react to a situation should it arise. You might be asking, “How do I prepare for planned spontaneity?” Here’s the answer...

STEP 1: identify the scenarios that most often catch you off guard.

Think about your communications over the past couple weeks, months or year. What circumstances left you regrettably speechless?

Whatever the situation that left you wishing you had a witty and appropriate retort, if it’s happening frequently enough that you can think of several occasions when it really hurt, it may be worth recognizing this recurring pattern, the stress it evokes, and doing something about it. If you can’t see a pattern offhand, wait until next time you find yourself wishing you had a snappy response and then ask yourself if you’ve experienced a similar situation before. If the frequency and the discomfort is high enough, it may serve you well to invest some time and energy in step 2, below.

STEP 2: plan in advance what you’re going to say

In the quiet of your own time and space, explore options of how you could present your viewpoint while still being respectful. Brainstorm various responses with your end result in mind. What could you say that would honor your true feelings, represent you well and possibly help the other person for having heard it?

If you’re stumped and have no idea how to construct a wonderfully witty retort, become a student of human behavior and learn from others. Watch people in similar situations; see how they respond. If it works for them, consider adopting their approach. Watch TV and movie shows with an eye to inspiration. If the characters find themselves in situations like you do, how well does their response work? If it feels right and fits for you, give it a shot. Talk to trusted friends or colleagues to brainstorm constructive and productive ways to respond. At minimum, you’ll have a laugh coming up with ideas and beginning with the most outlandish responses (you can then refine them to a professional, tuned down version that will preserve your personal brand and professionalism).

Here are a couple examples...

In my world of professional speaking and training, there are situations that occur quite often that I used to squirm about. My original reaction was one of embarrassment or being completely stumped, shocked and speechless. With time, I identified a pattern and realized that these situations occurred with a degree of frequency. So, instead of being caught by surprise, I use the techniques above and prepared responses. Take a peek – perhaps you’ve experienced these same situations or maybe the responses I use could work for you too.

SITUATION:	RESPONSE:
You trip up on words during a presentation	“Yup, that’s right ... I’m a communications expert”, OR “Just washed my mouth and can’t do a thing with it” OR “Easy for me to say”
A technology snafu	“Technology is great ... when it works”, OR (when I was speaking at an IT conference) “Boy, am I in the right room to get help!”
You stumble over a chord or take a misstep	“Ladies, I’m a professional – please don’t try this at home on your own” OR, “Can anyone save me from myself?”, OR “Have you ever had one of those days?”

What’s your most recent situation where you found yourself tongue-tied and unable to come up with a witty response? I’d love to hear ... and maybe even offer a suggestion or two.

All the scenarios I've described above have actually happened to me and these are the real responses I’ve used. They work -- I know that, because they've worked for me time and time again, and your planned responses will work for you too. If they don't at first, you can refine them until they do.

You will have your own situations and come up with your own responses that fit your audience and your style. A suggestion you may find useful, is to poke fun at yourself with self-deprecating humor. Or, if it’s a common situation that everyone has lived (like the technology failure), mention it! Each person in the room will relate to your situation and you – and that’s how you connect with others.

Give “planned spontaneity” a shot, and you’ll find yourself less stressed, more confident, and able to laugh at the situation instead of fretting about it. Everyone will wonder how the heck you come up with amazingly witty, off-the-cuff replies. I promise, I won’t tell ;o)

PS: Want more hands-on communication tips for the workplace? Join me for my THIRD THURSDAY monthly webinars http://www.marionspeaks.com/marions-products/webinars/webinar-singles

Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, Better business, Better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.com
www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks

Are you planning a conference, employee gathering or management retreat and looking for presenters? I'd love to submit a proposal for your consideration. Please contact me Marion@MarionSpeaks.com

© 2012 Marion Grobb Finkelstein
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete tagline with it: Communication catalyst, author, and professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to improve morale, confidence and productivity by changing how they communicate. Get weekly hands-on tips by signing up for "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com

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Ask for What You Need

Marion Grobb Finkelstein - Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Last year I was coaching a team and sharing results from a "rate our team" questionnaire I'd developed and that they had filled in. When rating their areas where they wanted to improve, the number one thing that popped up was, "learning how to ask for help". That was an eye-opener for many around the table.

Asking for help is tough, isn't it? You may fear appearing incompetent. You don't want people to think you were a big fake and don't know something they figure you should (PS: you're not a fake at all - no one knows everything). We keep on telling yourself, "everyone else seems to cope, why can't I?". Well, here's a light-bulb moment ... people who ask for help often get it. Those who don't, suffer silently (or worse yet, not so silently).

Here's some tips on how you can ask for help effectively next time you feel you need it. Give them a try.

TIPS ON ASKING FOR HELP:

DON'T WHINE. No one wants to hear the "oh poor me" story.
- Present the details factually. Remove the emotion -- that doesn't mean remove the "human impact". By all means, include that, as it's a vital part of the business case. Avoid being emotional yourself when you describe it.
MAKE THEM LOOK GOOD. Tell these people what's in it for THEM if they help you.
- When you present to decision-makers, think about the outcome of what you're suggesting, and link it to how this outcome will make them look good. Once they have a vested interested, bingo -- you've got them hooked. Now they're listening.
MAKE IT A TRIAL. When you're asking for a commitment, make it bite-size. It's easier for someone to commit to a short-term, low-investment idea. It lowers their risk factor and feels more comfortable.
- This really works. Some time ago, I had a boss who refused to approve me hiring an administrative assistant. My team and I were being pulled away from core duties and drowning in all the administrative burden. My several requests to hire help fell upon deaf ears. Finally, a colleague suggested to me to hire a "term". The idea of a 6-month commitment was way easier to sell and the very first time I pitched this idea, my boss approved it. After the six months, it became obvious that the admin help was priceless (as every great admin person knows) and what began as a temporary fix became a permanent solution. Asking for a smaller commitment was instrumental in getting what we needed.
BE BLATANT. Subtlety is wasted on most people. Know exactly what you need and ask for it.
- One weekend a friend called saying that she was bringing over a few rented movies. She mentioned in passing that it was the last night of her high school's year-end play. After dinner, I asked if she wanted to watch the movie and she again, casually mentioned the play. Upon prodding, poking and probing on my part (eeks, too much work!), I managed to extract from her that she had really wanted to see that play. Unfortunately, it was too late in the night, the play was already started and it was too late for her to speak up. Her hedging around the bush and using indirect communications resulted in frustration and disappointment on both our parts.

You deserve to have your needs heard and met and the first step to that, is giving them a voice.

Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, Better business, Better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.com
www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks

© 2012 Marion Grobb Finkelstein
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete tagline with it: Communication catalyst, author, and professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to improve morale, confidence and productivity by changing how they communicate. Get weekly hands-on tips by signing up for "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com

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Public Speaking for Chickens

Marion Grobb Finkelstein - Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Public Speaking for Chickens

Want to know a secret that will catapult your career or business? Learn how to speak in public.

Picture yourself managing a project. Your boss asks you to give an update at the staff meeting, or higher yet, at a board of directors meeting. This is your big chance. Or maybe you own a biz and you've been asked to speak to an audience chockablock full of potential clients. Wow, what an opportunity! The only thing between you and you having amazing impact on your biz, is your fear of public speaking.

"Give presentations" is one of the proven tips I share in my "Raising your profile (and adding value) in the Workplace" session. Presenting in front of clients, colleagues, bosses and employees positions you as the pro you are. When delivered with finesse and polish, public speaking shouts volumes of your professionalism ... and it shines the spotlight squarely on YOU and your expertise.

TIP: Give presentations to raise your profile (and add value) in the workplace.

I received an email recently from a woman in Michigan. She was interested in learning how to quell her fear of public speaking. She was smart because, as a small biz owner, she recognized the benefits of giving presentations to groups, conferences and venues that gathered her target audience. What was stopping her was her fear. She's not alone.

Do you ever suffer from cottonmouth, sweaty palms and shortness of breath when you stand in front of a group and speak? If you don't, wait - it’ll happen at some point, and when it does, here’s a few tips to keep your fears in check and face your chicken within:

Tips to tame the chicken within before you do a presentation:

Meet and Greet: Nothing calms nerves like getting to chat with as many audience members in advance as you can. Then, when you deliver your speech or presentation, you’re not talking to a group of strangers – you’re talking to individuals you’ve already met.
No one wants to hear a lousy speech: Tell yourself that every single person in that audience wants to be wowed (who wouldn’t?). Their mindset is already on your side. They’re cheering for you.
Serve your audience: Believe that your message is valuable to your audience, that you are imparting information they need to know or from which they will benefit. It’s all about service.

You have limited energy, so decide where you want to spend it.

If you let it all leak out through nerves, you'll have very little energy left to give your audience. Instead, consciously channel it to serve your audience and to get your message across. You are simply a vehicle for that message. If you're nervous about speaking in public, focus your mind and energies away from yourself and turn to the needs of your audience. What information do you have that someone else needs? Figure that out and how you can provide what they're looking for, and you're halfway there.

Face your chicken within, learn how to public speak and prepare to see your career and biz fly high.

Select from a variety of communication webinars, such as ...

"How to Raise Your Profile (and Add Value) in the Workplace" THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2012 @2pm EST

ONLY $99

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR PACKAGE THAT SUITS YOU (Buy more, Save more!) http://www.marionspeaks.com/marions-products/webinars

Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, Better business, Better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.com
www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks

PS: Are you planning a conference, employee gathering or management retreat and looking for presenters? I'd love to submit a proposal for your consideration. Please contact me Marion@MarionSpeaks.com

© 2012 Marion Grobb Finkelstein
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete tagline with it: Communication catalyst, author, and professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to improve morale, confidence and productivity by changing how they communicate. Get weekly hands-on tips by signing up for "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com

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How to Build Trust and Engage Employees

Marion Grobb Finkelstein - Tuesday, January 17, 2012

How to Build Trust and Engage Employees

Do you trust your boss? Your colleagues? Your employees? Do they trust you?

It was about 15 years ago I learned a lesson about trust. At the time, I was a newly appointed Director of Communication and Promotions and just getting to know my employee team. One of my employees was named Debbie (not her real name) and she was responsible for purchasing ads and developing certain promo campaigns for our national organization. I believe that I gave her lots of room to grow and try new things (that's typically my approach as a boss). Perhaps her perception was different(?). Whenever I asked Debbie to explain her rationale underpinning her campaigns, she responded with, "Trust me".

Trust her? I didn't even know her. I didn't know her modus operandi, her track record, or how her brain worked. We had no history together. All I had to go on was the numbers and the logic behind her actions. Without her explaining them to me, I didn't know what they were because, as I often say ...

People can't read your mind, only your actions.

You communicate what you think by the words you use and the actions you do. When I was asking Debbie to share with me what was in her mind so I could better understand (and explain to my boss) her actions, her "trust me" response didn't feel right. It gave me nothing solid I could share with senior management in a board meeting. It took me some time, perhaps years of reflection, to figure out why it didn't fit. This is what I discovered ...

Building trust takes time.

The reason why it takes time is because with time, you build history. With history, you can step back and see patterns. You come to know who is reliable or not. Who does what they say they're going to do and who doesn't. And that's the key right there that builds trust. Here it is, and it's so simple, it may shock you:

A SECRET TO BUILDING TRUST IS THIS -- Do what you say you're going to do.

That's it.. That's all. It's as simple as that. Just do what you say you're going to do. Although it may be simple, rest assured - it's not always easy. Life happens, things get in the way. You might commit to doing something out of obligation or guilt and lose your momentum before you actually do whatever it was you said you would. Another project may be pulling you away. You might be sick with the flu and lose several days. There are lots of reasons people don't do what they say they're going to do. You don't have to be one of those people.

Instead, you can choose to flip that behavior around and commit to what you know you will do, and do what you commit to. When you do, you will not only build trust -- you will also distinguish yourself from anyone else, including the competition. You will make yourself stand out, and trust me (LOL), people will take notice.

This simple and pure action builds trust because it's so rare -- a rather sad comment on human behavior. It is, however, a wonderful opportunity for you.

Want more tips on how to build trust?

http://www.marionspeaks.com/marions-products/webinars

This one tip of "do what you say you're going to do" to build trust can change your relationships, engage your employees and rock your world. And that's just ONE TIP! There are literally DOZENS more I'll be sharing this week in this Thursday's webinar, "How to Engage Your Employees (Let the Courtship Begin)", 19 January 2012 @2pm EST (don't worry if you're not available at that time - you get a weblink to a recording).

If you have employees, this is a session you can put to use immediately. If you'd like to have employees and be a boss, this session will help to prepare you. If you are an employee and work with colleagues or volunteers, share these tips with your boss! Once you know how to measure the degree of engagement and how to increase it, you will positively increase your team's productivity.

Grab your seat TODAY!

"HOW TO ENGAGE EMPLOYEES (Let the courtship begin!)"

THURSDAY, 19 JANUARY 2012 @2pm EST

ONLY $99

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR PACKAGE THAT SUITS YOU (Buy more, Save more!)

http://www.marionspeaks.com/marions-products/webinars

Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, Better business, Better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.com
www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks

© 2012 Marion Grobb Finkelstein
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete tagline with it: Communication specialist, author, professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to improve morale, confidence and productivity by changing how they communicate. Chat with her at www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks and sign up for her FREE weekly "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com

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Are You Engaged or Engaging?

Marion Grobb Finkelstein - Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Are You Engaged or Engaging?

Have you ever had a boss who has no idea how to engage you and your fellow colleagues? If you're a supervisor, have you ever had employees who are tough to engage? Wouldn't it be nice to have a system you could share with your boss or use yourself to ensure that your whole team is plugged in and ready to give their best? Well then, read on.

The Conference Board (in New York) recently released a study that included a series of eight skillfully crafted questions. This survey was administered to 2400 employees in 11 countries at 13 multinational corporations. These questions crystallized years of studies and the researchers were sufficiently satisfied that they were both valid and reliable to be used as an instrument to measure the degree of employee engagement.

It's interesting to note that the results showed no significant difference between countries. It seems that employee engagement challenges touch all organizations across the globe, and to the same extent. No matter what challenges you're currently facing, rest assured, you're not alone.

Imagine for a moment, if all Team Leaders, all managers, and all Human Resources officials across the globe used these 8 standardized, powerful and tested questions as a way to measure employee engagement. Or what about YOU using them just for your specific team, regardless of how large or small it is.

Wouldn't you like to know how engaged your team is?

Not only would you be able to determine the areas your employees were really engaged or not, you could compare your results to other similar organizations or teams and gain perspective. Think about the insights you would learn. Your organization could compare notes, see what challenges you have in common, and brainstorm possible solutions. (**WANT MORE INFO? SEE NOTE BELOW RE: UPCOMING WEBINAR)

Finding out how engaged your employees and team members are is the first step. The second is to build that engagement. There are several strategies the studies all have in common as to what engages employees. I call it "CERBB appeal", and this is what it means:

Engage employees with "CERBB APPEAL"

C - communicate

E - empower

R - respect

B - build trust

B - build teams

How does your organization rate in terms of employee engagement? Does it have "CERBB appeal"? If you're a boss, how would your employees rate their level of engagement? If you're a team member, how would your team colleagues rate their degree of engagement? And what could you do to increase the results? The CERBB appeal is certainly a beginning. If you supervise others, give CERBB a try -- increase or change how you communicate, empower, respect, build trust and build teams. If you don't have employees and are one, share this info with your boss.

One thing is for certain: there are many good reasons to make sure that if you're an employee, you be engaged. Alternately, if you have employees, there's tons of rewards to ensuring that you engage them. Study after study confirms that the degree of employee engagement is directly related to productivity, company financial performance, customer loyalty and employee retention. So let the courtship begin!

NOTE re: upcoming webinars ...

Want to know what the secret 8 questions are to measure employee engagement? Join me THURSDAY, 19 JANUARY 2012 for a webinar that dishes out all the info of how to engage employees and be engaged in an hour info-packed session (OR buy the webinar after-the-fact and listen to it at your convenience).

REGISTER FOR THIS AND OTHER WEBINARS: http://www.marionspeaks.com/marions-products/webinars

Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, Better business, Better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.com
www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks

© 2012 Marion Grobb Finkelstein
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete tagline with it: Communication specialist, author, professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to improve morale, confidence and productivity by changing how they communicate. Chat with her at www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks and sign up for her FREE weekly "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com

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It's here ... a year worth of solutions for your 2012 communication challenges!

Marion Grobb Finkelstein - Thursday, January 05, 2012

It's here ...

to help you with your toughest 2012 communication challenges!

Throughout the past year, you and other MarionSpeaks colleagues have made it quite clear what communication issues were eating you up. Based on your emails, blog posts, and questions, I wanted to provide tools to help you wrestle your toughest communication challenges to the ground, so I developed a variety of options and ...

A YEAR of communication webinars designed for YOU!

"What I enjoyed the most was the inspiring words you gave us in regards to the strategies; how you connected your own experience to make us understand the importance in having a winning attitude to be able to accomplish goals and objectives whether in our professional or personal life." (Jeannette)

I've taken my most popular presentations you ask for the most and I packaged each into an "hour of power", info-packed, 60-minute webinar. These sessions are time-efficient, full of practical easy-to-use tips, and convenient. Register for 1, 2 ... or packages of 3, 6, 9 or 12 and keep the learning and support going year-round while SAVING BIG:

12-webinar package: (save 50%) BEST BUY!
9-webinar package: (save 40%)
6-webinar package: (save 30%)
3-webinar package: (save 20%)
Individual webinars: great value!

Let me sweeten the deal even further ...

read on to see how you can save an additional 25%!

"I liked the fact that you gave us notes to follow along and jot down points while you were speaking. (This webinar was) a real confidence booster!" (Tina)

Third Thursday of every month @ 2pm (EST)	WEBINAR TOPIC (60-minutes):
January 19, 2012	How to Engage Your Employees
February 16, 2012	How to Raise Your Profile (and Add Value) to the Workplace
March 16, 2012	Communicate the BEST YOU at Your Next Job Interview
April 19, 2012	How to Deal with Different Communication Styles (including "difficult people"!)
May 17, 2012	ABCs of Presentations that Pop (how to create and deliver a WOW!)
June 21, 2012	How to Assert Yourself (and FINALLY Get Your Voice Heard)
July 19, 2012	How to Appear Confident (Even When You Don't Feel It)
August 16, 2012	Winning Strategies at Work (5 ways to win at work and life)
September 20, 2012	Your Body Talks ... Do You Know What It's Saying?
October 18, 2012	Facing the Chicken Within (Push Through Fear to Communicate Your Best You)
November 15, 2012	Life's a Gamble (How to roll with whatever life rolls in your direction
December 20, 2012	Jingle Mingle (how to mix 'n mingle like a pro)

Sign up for "Marion's Communication Tips" enewsletter to receive ...

DISCOUNT CODE to SAVE an additional 25%

NOTE: Discount code valid only until WEDNESDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2012

(Sign up webform on my website at www.MarionSpeaks.com)

"Everything was clear and concise and there were some very wise messages. Excellent job! I most enjoyed the subject, the clarity and the messages." (Guy)

I hope you can join me for these webinars. I promise you're going to love them. In fact, I money-back guarantee that you'll find them useful. Pick and choose the combo that best meets your needs, and START GETTING THE RESULTS YOU WANT IN YOUR LIFE by changing how you communicate.

Happy 2012! Here's to a year of great communications.

PS: One of my greatest joys in owning my own biz is that I get to set the rules and offer amazing deals to my clients. I hope you'll take advantage of this one. You will receive outstanding value that will change your relationships, increase your confidence and forever give you communication tools for the workplace and beyond.

Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, Better business, Better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.com
www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks

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What Communication Skills do YOU Want to Hone in 2012?

Marion Grobb Finkelstein - Tuesday, December 27, 2011

What Communication Skills do YOU Want to Hone in 2012?

It's hard to believe that we'll soon be saying goodbye to 2011. It's a time of reflection, hope, celebration of past accomplishments and planning for future ones.

One of the things I'm most grateful for is my valued MarionSpeaks community (you're a part of that!). Every week, as I write my "Marion's Communication Tips", I think about how I could help you with your communication challenges in the workplace. The last few weeks, I've been busy putting together a surprise. I'll tell you more about that soon.

For now, let me share with you some of the top communication challenges you've told me throughout the year that are causing you headache, or that you would simply like to improve. Drumroll please ...

TOP DOZEN COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES:

How to engage your employees
How to raise your profile (and add value) in the workplace
How to communicate at your next job interview
How to deal with different communication styles (i.e., difficult people)
How to prepare and present presentations that POP!
How to assert yourself
How to appear confident (even when you don't feel it)
How to apply winning strategies at work ... and life
How to read and use body language
How to face your chicken within (burst through your fears)
How to deal with uncertainties life rolls in your direction
How to mix 'n mingle at biz social events

Perhaps you see yourself in the list above. Or maybe you actually contacted me sometime in the past year with questions on one of these subjects. Either way, you and your MarionSpeaks community members have all told me that these are your burning communication issues that are holding you back.

I've been working on some solutions that I'll be sharing with you in the next week or so. Stay tuned (I'm so excited, I'm practically busting! Can't wait to share with you what I've come up with).

Identifying the areas you'd like to work on is the first big step to growing that skill. A clue of what areas may be worth your attention is given by the list above. Read that list and discover what subjects attract you? What do you find yourself drawn to? What is of greatest interest? Our brains naturally look for answers and are sensitized to finding solutions. What you're drawn to in the "Top Twelve" list, may be an indication of something worth pursuing.

Whatever your communication challenges may be, know that you're not alone. I speak to over a thousand people every year, and one thing I've learned is that we all have communication challenges. Over the next year, I look forward to sharing with you some of the solutions I've developed, so that your 2012 will be the best communication year yet!

Here's to a wonderful 2012 full of constructive and useful communication! Here's to better communication, better business, better life. Happy 2012 everyone!

Comments about this article? Go one and post them below. I'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts with the MarionSpeaks community and read what others are thinking too.

Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, Better business, Better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.com
www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks

© 2011 Marion Grobb Finkelstein
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete tagline with it: Communication specialist, author, professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to improve morale, confidence and productivity by changing how they communicate. Chat with her at www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks and sign up for her FREE weekly "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com

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'Tis the Season of Reaching Out

Marion Grobb Finkelstein - Monday, December 19, 2011

'Tis the Season of Reaching Out

Merry Christmas to all! Chappy Chanukah! Seasons Greetings! Happy holidays! Whatever you call it, 'tis the season of giving.

You probably have many opportunities every day to give, to show by your communications that you are responding and reaching out, reciprocating or initiating communication. Do you grab those opportunities as often as you could? If not, you may be missing chances to build relationships.

Just this past week, life presented several opportunities to me to connect with others. I'm sharing these with you because you may also have similar opportunities:

attending seasonal gatherings (clients' Christmas parties)
picking up the phone and calling clients to say "thank you" for their emails (hi Tina!)
sharing coffee with a colleague to personally give her a "thank you" gift for referring business to me (hey Janet)
calling a client who had gone silent on me to ask her opinion about the session I gave
proactively providing a client with a post-session report on feedback received
spending a coffee break on the phone with a colleague I've wanted to chat with for a while (hi Mark)
sending a client a bonus service just to say "thanks"
having lunch with a colleague I haven't seen in several months

What are the ways that YOU could reach out, especially during this holiday season? What are YOU doing to connect with others? What tips would you like to share that have catapulted your connections? I'd love to hear from you and promise that I will share all tips received.

Who is it that you've wanted to connect with? This is a wonderful season to do exactly that. I find I'm busy, busy, busy ... and it's because I've spent a good deal of time and effort nurturing relationships.

I learned many years ago that people do business with people they like - and to like you, they need to get to know you. Give them that chance by reaching out..

I especially want to thank YOU for your responses to my articles and weekly posts. If you've taken the time at any point during the year to communicate directly with me, that action alone makes you exceptional. And it's that very action that will set you apart from your competition.

Use this season as a launch pad to connect with others. After all, 'tis the season. Here's to reaching out to others, to taking the initiative to connect ... and to all a good night.

Comments about this article? Go on and post them on my blog below.

Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, Better business, Better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.com
www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks

© 2011 Marion Grobb Finkelstein
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete tagline with it: Communication specialist, author, professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to improve morale, confidence and productivity by changing how they communicate. Chat with her at www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks and sign up for her FREE weekly "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com

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