Networking skills

With the support of the network that you build, you can achieve miraculous and wonderful results and accomplishments. Though it may seem intimidating at first, there’s nothing unusual or difficult about networking. It’s simply about people being friendly, considerate and helpful.

Some helpful networking tips:

1. Quality vs. quantity. The number of people you know doesn’t matter. It’s the quality of your contacts that does. Ask yourself: Who are the decision makers? Influencers? Who can help you and how?


2. Follow through. Nothing can kill a budding relationship faster than not writing a proper thank-you note. In many cases, you can e-mail it, but don’t assume the content is any less important than in snail mail. A three-line message with a smiley face won’t cut it. Keep the other person abreast of how your meeting went with someone he or she referred you to.


3. Use your existing ties. Tap into existing contacts, including friends, family and ex-colleagues. Spread the word that you’re looking to expand your network and ask if anyone has a contact who might have similar goals, interests or achievements. Then, ask every person you meet for two or three more referrals. (“Do you know anyone else who might be helpful for me to meet?” can be an effective question.)


4. Unlearn shyness. Research shows that we learn shyness. As a child you wander over to someone at a playground, introduce yourself and play. As we get older we experience rejection so we learn to shy away from being friendly. If shyness is an issue for you, start a conversation with a stranger in the elevator just before you have to get off. Say something quick, such as, “Great tie,” or, “Have a nice day.” Too often, shyness is misinterpreted as indifference and you don’t want to send that message. Think friendly.

Get more professional excellence tips like these at TriSec 16!

Desk decoration and design

Many of us return each weekday morning to an office space, whether it is a cubicle or an office with a door. Your time in this workspace may often seem to amount to more time than you spend in your home! Why not take the time to make it a place that is interesting and comforting to you?

Are you tired of looking at the same three or four boring walls around your desk? During this engaging and entertaining workshop, part of Falmouth Institute’s TriSec 16, we’ll discuss how to spice up your workspace with art, decorations, games, signs and so much more. Make your desk or office the envy of your coworkers or make it the tranquil and creative retreat that you crave.

Join Falmouth Institute and get tips on desk decoration and design! This exciting workshop and many more await you at TriSec 16!

Building a satisfying career

Wouldn’t we all love to leap from our regular 9 to 5 boredom to a long-standing love affair with our career? Transitioning from a job to a career, moving from coffee-getter to decision maker in your tribal organization, requires a “SMART” plan.

‘S’ for specific: Clearly define your objectives with your supervisor. Establish the specific outcomes you would like to achieve and come to an agreement upon them with your supervisor.

‘M’ for measurable: Set goals that can be evaluated in meaningful, concrete terms. Determine early on how your success and progress will be measured in your own eyes and the eyes of your manager.

‘A’ for achievable: Make sure you have the tools and resources necessary to reach the agreed upon goals. Do you have the support you need? The tools you need? The resources you need?

‘R’ for realistic: Agree to goals that are within your grasp to advance your career, based upon your understanding of your job.

‘T’ for timing: Be sure to set deadlines into your plan and stick to them, whether they are a month, six months or six years. Achievable goals for success have deadlines and if those deadlines are never being met, maybe it’s time to reconsider the realistic achievability of your goals.

For more tips on how to establish a well-paying career, attend the insightful and innovative workshop on this topic at Falmouth's upcoming Tribal Secretaries Conference in April 2009!

Organize for success

Do any of the following statements apply to you?

• It often takes me more than ten minutes to find a particular letter, bill, report or other paper from my files or piles of paper on my desk.
• Things amass in corners of closets or on the floor because I can’t decide where to put them.
• Within the last two months, I’ve forgotten scheduled appointments, anniversaries or other important dates.
• I often misplace keys, glasses, gloves, handbags, briefcases or other necessary items.
• I want to get organized, but I don’t know where to start.
  

Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks and projects you must handle every day? A neat, organized and comfortable work environment will help you focus on what’s important — your job! During this essential workshop, part of Falmouth Institute's TriSec 16, learn tips and tools for managing multiple projects. Discover how to eliminate time wasters and define your priorities. We’ll explore resources available that will allow you to focus your attention and organize for success!

Join Falmouth Institute and get organized!
This exciting workshop and many more await you at TriSec 16!