Category: susan-freeman

In the inbound marketing age, branding refers to branding on the internet and the internet moves pretty fast. Brands can be built up in an instant, and they can be destroyed just as quickly. “Overnight success,” although tempting, is not a good goal for a brand to have. A successful brand should be built up… Continue reading Building Personal and Professional Brand

Networking is an essential skill for all businesspeople keen to advance their careers, but successfully making connections doesn’t always come easily. To get ahead in business, you need to be able to network. Many people struggle with networking and are likely to either overwhelm and alienate potential contacts or fail to approach them at all.… Continue reading Networking NOT Working?

Becoming an effective networker should be a part of your strategy when working toward personal and professional success.  It should not, however, be your only strategy.  Your short-term goal should be focused on creating connection through effective networking, but your long-term goal should be focused on strengthening those newly created relationships.  Only by strengthening those relationships, will you… Continue reading Why Do This, Not That?

Imposter syndrome—where we believe our successes aren’t deserved and we doubt our skills and accomplishments—is widespread. Unfortunately, our brains have had years to develop reasons why we aren’t good enough, which often prevents us from moving forward in our careers. This session explores the ways imposter syndrome affects us and gives practical ways to manage… Continue reading Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

When asked what builds trust and credibility early in a relationship with this CEO of a $12 Billion company, he said, “I can always tell how experienced and insightful a prospective lawyer is by the quality of his questions and how intently he listens. That’s just how simple it is.” When you adopt the Socratic… Continue reading Using Meaningful Questions to Create Connection

Making a good and memorable impression on prospects and clients secures long-term relationships that result in new business and better work. We will discuss best practices for trusted advisorship for you and your client. Good client service happens when a business is committed to meeting the needs of all its customers. Ideally, client service is… Continue reading Being Remembered for the Right Reasons

Excellent client service is the number one business development tool – hands down. Marketing (reputation), relationships (business development) and responsiveness (client service) are not the same but are all required of those who make rain. Relying on random acts of marketing, and the traditional marketing mix, will ensure unwelcome challenges. Without a client-centric business culture,… Continue reading The 3 Rs: Reputation, Relationships & Responsiveness

For people who are introverted, marketing yourself and networking can be incredibly stressful. The good news is, they don’t need to be. There are ways you can approach networking and marketing—even as an introvert—that help you manage your stress. If you avoid networking because you think you’re too introverted or not good with people, this… Continue reading Overcoming Introversion When you Have to Market Yourself

You know you are communicating effectively when the message you are intending to send is what is being received and your communication is making an impact. Effective communicators are inclusive, because they consider all participants in their interactions. They honor other viewpoints, are open even to those who disagree with them, and speak up and… Continue reading Effective Communicators are Inclusive

Using Metaphors, Similes, and Analogies. Metaphors are like mini-stories. You tie something that someone understands to a new idea or concept. I love metaphors— they are the most powerful way to get ideas across. Whenever I use this metaphor with live audiences, people either audibly will say, “oh” or “ah” or nod their head yes, as… Continue reading Public Speaking for Future Leaders