It is often argued whether success is a result of who you know, what you know or a little bit of both.
When offered a job worth $81.25 per hour, you should take it, right? I did, and what I gained from the experience exceeded the value of about $40 in gas to reach my destination and the twelve hours worked.
“Your number one asset is every single relationship you build.”
- Teni Karapetian, Vice President of National Publicity, STX Entertainment
A former classmate and member of the International Association of Business Communicators referred me for the position. IABC welcomed communication professionals from across the globe for their annual world conference June 5-8, which was an amazing networking opportunity for me.
After an hour of training and two six-hour shifts, my payment came in the form of complimentary registration to the conference sessions. I spent two mornings welcoming visitors to New Orleans, LA, registering attendees and accepting payments ranging from $850 - $1,865. The sessions and speakers I accessed through a quality professional network, 12 hours, $40 in gas and a willingness to serve cost others much more time, money and effort.
“The performance of any business depends on the performance of its staff.”
- Andy Gibson, Founder & CEO, Mindapples
Universal companies and individuals who spent thousands of dollars for the conference alone in addition to airfare, meals and hotel fees reaffirmed the value of communication to an organization’s success. Volunteering opened doors to a network of global communications professionals and invaluable knowledge and tips for success.
Because the experience required little of me, I thought I would share take-aways from distinguished presenters of my favorite sessions.
Andy Gibson | Revolutionary Innovator on the Power of the Mind
1. Meet your mind; it’s primal, intellectual and emotional.
2. Work smarter.
a. Start early.
b. Concentrate on the task at hand.
c. Know that stress is bad for business. “Stress blinds you to possibilities and resources.”
d. Stay playful – Sometimes your mind needs a break.
e. We’re in this together – “Remember that your mind is influenced by others.”
3. Incorporate motivation, wellbeing and diversity to perform successful leadership.
4. Purchase Andy Gibson’s “A Mind for Business” for more information and practices to make time for your mind to accelerate your performance.
Ann Wylie | Tear down the pyramid: Engage readers with a more effective story structure.
“The reason people cut us off is because we use a structure designed to do so.”
- Ann Wylie, Owner, Wylie Communications Inc. | Public Relations Society of America National Writing Coach
1. Tear down the pyramid to rev up readership.
2. Show in the lead. Tell in the nut graph.
3. Avoid a suitcase lead; write a bikini lead.
4. Beware of the “curly mark syndrome” – overuse of quotes and question marks.
5. Only revert to the pyramid in times of crisis or bad news.
6. See more at bit.ly/IABCWorld16-Wylie.
Do you see the value of communication on your job? What common practices drive success? Share below.
XX,
Jasmine C. Tate