Communication Archives

How to Build a Network That Will Boost Your Career

Why are supporters and advisers important for career development? How do you build a network of strong connections? Making connections is an essential part of business, especially for those looking for new opportunities. As Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha state in their book The Startup of You, job-seekers should surround themselves with people of similar interests so they can learn to be like them and follow their path. Below you’ll learn how to build a network that will help you build the career you want.

How to Respond to Feedback—Despite Your Cognitive Biases

Whom should you ask for feedback? What should you refuse to receive feedback about? Should you take negative feedback to heart? Grace Lordan says that cognitive biases—the mental shortcuts that all humans take—can hinder you from achieving your goals. One way they do that is by preventing you from soliciting and responding well to feedback. But, if you want to reach your goals, you need wise insights from others around you. Keep reading to learn how to respond to feedback without interference from your cognitive biases.

How to Tell a Good Story: The 4 Narrative Components

What are the four components of storytelling? How do you tell a good story that wows your audience? For a story to make an impact, it has to be a good one. Thankfully, according to Kindra Hall’s book Stories That Stick, there’s a simple recipe for crafting a compelling story. Keep reading to learn how to tell a good story with these four key components.

Why Don’t People Listen? 4 Common Barriers to Listening

Why don’t people listen? If listening is so important and beneficial, then why aren’t people doing it? Everyone would agree that listening is a critical skill. But, many people aren’t stellar listeners. When you understand why people don’t listen, you’ll be in a better position to work around and perhaps even overcome the roadblocks. Continue reading to learn about common barriers to listening.

How to Strengthen & Build Professional Relationships

How do you build professional relationships that will benefit your career? What does a strong network look like? Without supporters and advisors, you can only make decisions based on your limited perspective and knowledge. A network, however, exposes you to many different perspectives that can help you make professional decisions. Continue reading to learn how to build and strengthen your professional relationships.

How to Use the Three-Act Story Structure to Sell a Product

What is the three-act story structure? How does this structure create a memorable story that your business thrives from? Most stories are split into three acts: the beginning, the middle, and the end. But Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall says that businesses should think of this structure as a before, the change, and the after to sell their story to customers. Let’s look at how Hall reimagines the classic three-act story structure.

How to Get People to Open Up to You: Invitational Communication

How can you show people that you’re listening? What puts them at ease with you and encourages them to speak frankly? Listening is critical for healthy relationships. It not only fosters effective communication, but it also shows people that you care. In You’re Not Listening, Kate Murphy recommends finding responses during conversations that encourage the speaker to continue sharing with you. Keep reading to learn how to get people to open up to you by using specific nonverbal and verbal responses.

How to Get Advice From Your Professional Network

Has your career come to a halt? Where you can find advice that is worthwhile? Making a change in your career is a big step, and having other people’s insight can help you navigate tricky decisions. In The Startup of You, Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha suggest looking for advice within your professional network because those people may have gone through the same thing. Here’s how to get advice that is worth your time and will get you the best results.

Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Book Overview & Takeaways

Why does a good story need cause and effect? How much should you put into the beginning of your story? Why does your company need its own story? Everybody knows what a story is. But few of us really understand why stories work or how they can make us better at communicating. In Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results, Rob Biesenbach breaks a story down into its fundamental pieces. Read more to learn how you can use storytelling to make any message more engaging and compelling.

Why You Must Discuss Future Family Plans in a Relationship

Do you have future family plans? When should you discuss having a baby with your partner? Whether you’re in a new relationship or a long-term one, it’s crucial to discuss future family plans with your partner. If you aren’t on the same page about having children or what your family would look like, then it’s better to know early on. Read below to learn how to bring up future family plans on a date with your partner.