BlogScarlett Letter #127: Must Followup on these Tweets from Q1-2 2010 (Part II)In Scarlett Letter #126, I posted a dozen key tweets from this year that I myself (and perhaps you, too!) need to delve into at a deeper level. Here’s the rest (just eleven!). Please do let me know your own thoughts or experiences relating to these ideas, resources, concepts, etc. Privately or publicly—I want to know! >>RT @andressilvaa: ARTICLE: 5 Essential Apps for Your Business http://bit.ly/bQunsO (via @TheYaffeGroup) Twitter apps can overwhelm. I like this list (yes, from 5/09). >>Will try some to improve my twitter mgmt #AEC #SMPS http://tinyurl.com/q5qz6f >>RT @windycitysocial @krzimmer @kdpaine: PR pros use web ... July 26, 2010 Scarlett Letter #126: Must Followup on these Tweets from Q1-2 2010 (Part I)Seven months into 2010, I realize that I have not fully followed up on some of the ‘to do’ items that I’ve posted on Twitter. First, let me explain that there are two reasons that I post tweets: 1. The ‘usual’ reason: to build relationships and trust; to join in the spirit of sharing; to win new business. 2. Because–I confess–I myself want to look much deeper into the particular subject, suggestion, etc. that I’ve posted. So I figure if I share it with others to spread the benefits to colleagues, that I will also have it on my own ‘to ... July 22, 2010 Scarlett Letter #125: Resist the urge to provide backup explanations when ‘creating’ ideas, concepts, designsRecently I was in Europe, speaking with an accomplished young author and professor from Germany. Her name was Lillian, and we spent some time talking about our respective teaching philosophies. Because I so often co-purpose my approaches to my Scarlett Consulting design and construction clients with my approaches in teaching at the university level, the conversation got me to thinking about the business practices of AEC clients and friends. Specifically, Lillian spoke of a teaching practice that she borrowed from Gruppe 47 –a literary association formed in Germany in 1947, just after ... July 19, 2010 Scarlett Consulting #124: Clarifying roles and responsibilitiesOr maybe I should be titling this post: Expecting the wrong things from the wrong people.
Not unlike the majority of sizable AEC firms, Columbia College of Chicago has a formidable information technology (IT) team. This group educates adjunct professors, like myself, on the latest and greatest technological tools and programs. It’s a neat system for extended learning, and I take full advantage of the perk.
This past semester, I discovered that I had misunderstood the specific ... July 12, 2010 Scarlett Letter #123: Make it easy for your internal staff members to share knowledge with one another.Have you ever noticed how people from your firm will attend conferences, seminars, lunch sessions, etc. but then they will neglect to share their new knowledge or experience? When times are busy, admittedly, it’s hard to keep track of what’s being absorbed and shared, let alone keep up with regular project responsibilities. Initially, many firms have the intention of encouraging their staff to share knowledge.
Intentions are good. Leadership often proclaims that if staff are to attend an educational session they ‘should’ come back and ... July 05, 2010 Scarlett Letter #122: When you are frustrated with your career, did you ever think about….…what it would feel like if you were no longer ‘allowed’ to do your profession? Or perhaps particular aspects of your profession? For example, in my own work, here are my top five favorite things to do (not in any order): educating/teaching; public speaking; coaching on public speaking and communications; writing; photography. Now, if at any point, one or more of those things was taken away from me, what would I do? How might my identity change? Would I wilt like a flower or would I figure out something else? These questions occurred to me while I was watching “The Sins ... June 30, 2010 Scarlett Letter #121: Keeping your cool in stressful timesMoving sucks. You know it’s true; I won’t hear any arguments from my readers on that point! They say moving is one of the life’s most stressful experiences. For the last two months, I’ve been in moving mode. I am simply moving from one part of the City to another. But, after living in my condo for 12 years (with a home office for Scarlett Consulting and my travel photography business, to boot), I had an enormous amount of ’stuff’ to reckon with. So I donned my ‘master organizer’ persona (which only comes out on special occasions), and made sure to take ... June 24, 2010 Scarlett Letter #120: Summer solstice~An opportunity to re-energizeEarlier this morning, this inviting announcement tantalized me to attend a meditative ceremony tonight, the longest day of the year: Summer solstice marks the middle of growing season, as plants flourish and we cultivate them to ensure an abundant harvest. It is the longest day of the year, with the most light given to us in a 24-hour period. From a spiritual perspective, light pours into our minds, and we are able to clearly perceive and understand what needs to be done. We are given illumination and clear vision concerning our most important affairs, and an inspired plan of action ... June 22, 2010 Scarlett Letter #119: Part II–Want to deliver an outstanding presentation? Consider modifying the way you build the content.In Part I–Want to deliver an outstanding presentation?, I wrote about creating multiple openings and conclusions in order to ensure those two aspects of the speech are your very best. Here in Part II, I will share information on an alternative way to compose your content, as suggested to me by Rogen Communications, Inc. Over a decade ago, I had the opportunity to take presentation and sales training classes with Rogen. Even now, I still find myself sometimes reflecting on some of their techniques. My recollection is that for presentation preparation, Rogen suggested several paths towards organizing one’s thoughts—depending upon objectives of ... June 17, 2010 Scarlett Letter #118: Part I–Want to deliver an outstanding presentation? Work hardest on your opening/introduction!Have you ever noticed that when you deliver a presentation, you always tend to do better overall if you kick off with an energetic, compelling opening? Think about it. You’ve created momentum, rather than an uphill battle. Your confidence is fed because you notice everyone perking up in their seats—clearly intrigued by your opening. Conversely, if your introduction is mediocre, then you experience the challenge of having to charm a more resistant audience during the body of your presentation. Sure, it’s possible to recover from a lame intro, but you’re simply making it harder on yourself to do so. A strong ... June 09, 2010 |
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