The Fine Art of Small Talk
by Merci Miglino
We use small talk to connect with others in a casual way, and by becoming more mindful of the way we interact with those we don’t know well, we take the first step toward building quality relationships. We start by being fully present and talking about what is right there in front of us—the weather, your client’s new car, your neighbor’s flowers, the pictures on the walls in the office.
Be yourself. We typically run into trouble when we are trying to be something we are not. Talking negatively about anyone or …read more

Get out there and network!
by Merci Miglino
Beyond the Business Card!
The best business networking groups operate as exchanges of business information, ideas, and support. They allow you to build trust and for people to get to know you. People do business with people they like and trust.
The most important skill for effective business networking is listening; focusing on how you can help the person you are listening to rather than on how he or she can help you is the first step to establishing a mutually beneficial relationship.
Preparing to Network
Start with a purpose. It does you no good …read more

Blogs are an important tool for journalists, says a recent Marketwatch survey.
In the survey of reporters and editors, 75% of journalists see blogs as a good source for news and story ideas.
In addition, the survey found that more than 20% spend an hour every day reading blogs that cover their beat and more than half check them out at least 2-3 times a week.
So you still don’t think blogging is for you? Well, let me give you a personal example. I was ‘found’ be a journalist from Entrepreneur magazine, all due to my blog.
So without a blog, you might be …read more