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

In this week’s issue of Be Heard!, I share my secret to getting year-end publicity. Plus, you’ll get a great contact for Power Lunch!
Check out the ezine here.

Find out how to make your press releases Web 2.0 ready in the current issue of Be Heard!, the free weekly online newsletter for entrepreneurs, solo professionals, consultants, coaches and small business owners that will help you learn the secrets to attract more targeted clients and customers through publicity and promotions.
You’ll also find out about some of the key editors over at BusinessWeek, and more!
Click here for the web version. Or better yet, subscribe today at www.beheardsolutions.com and get all this – and more delivered to your email each week!

Many small business owners and entrepreneurs think marketing and publicity is out of their reach, especially when they feel they can’t compete budget-wise with big corporations.
But I disagree. With the right amount of exposure in the right places, any small business can flourish and succeed. National Be Heard Day is on March 7th and small businesses can celebrate their own unique marketing efforts.

Established in 2004, National Be Heard Day calls attention to the 145+ million people who own small business or is an independent professional or entrepreneur in the United States. They’re the owners of the local grocery store …read more