Have you ever been in these shoes? You sign up for a meeting because the speaker sounds interesting or you want information on the topic. You arrive, do a little networking, and settle in to hear the talk. But just before she starts, you check your phone. It won’t take long so you go ahead and answer whatever came in. And then you realize you’ve missed the beginning of the talk and you aren’t sure what she’s talking about because everyone is laughing and you didn’t catch it so you go right ahead and keep working on your phone. Been there? Well, stop it! I do a lot of speaking and I see you when I’m up there. I know you don’t mean to be rude, but it is rude. It also means you just wasted whatever it cost to get into the meeting and […] Continue reading
Ask the Questions – PLEASE
I attended a meeting today that was a real surprise. Â It was a room full of very serious business men all in ties and power suits, a couple of women in their power suits with skirts, and me in my flashy, brightly-colored tunic top and jeans. And yes of course, I had something on that sparkled. So right from the get go I’m the odd one out. Whatever. I’m good with it. So the meeting starts and the facilitator says, “since everyone knows everyone else” and then pauses and looks around the room. Â So I said no, I didn’t know anyone in the room. Turns out, NO ONE knew anyone in the room! But not one of those very professional people who were dressed so powerfully said anything. In fact, after the meeting, they THANKED me for being the one to say something. Â Are you […] Continue reading