Be prepared
If you have a meeting scheduled, leave yourself plenty of time to do some proper research. Who are you meeting? What do you hope to gain? If it is a negotiation, do you have a fall-back position if you do not get everything you want? Make sure that you have answers to at least some basic points that will be raised in the meeting.
Classic clobber
If you want to run for the businesswoman of the year, turning up at a meeting in denims and a T-shirt can be disastrous. Looking smart is also a great confidence-booster. Victoria Provis, of headhunting firm, Odgers International, says it is important to dress up appropriately. “I still tend not to wear a trouser suit when I go to the City,” she says.
Stop apologising
If you project confidence, others will place more confidence in you no matter how much of a mouse you feel inside. Provis says women often undersell themselves. “I've seen a lot of bright graduates who have given up and gone into secretarial work, but there are enough successful women out there for everyone to feel they can be, too,” she says.
Know your strengths and weaknesses and learn to accept feedback and use it to change
Network
What power lunching was to the '80s and '90s, networking is to the 21 century. Roger Hayes, author of 'Systematic Networking', recommends keeping notes on all your contacts so that you can keep track of them. 'Also keep in mind,' says Hayes, 'that making contacts is a two-way street.'
Take risks
People who can come up with fresh ideas are a valuable commodity in any organisation. The key is not to be afraid of taking risks. Above all, don't dismiss ideas out of hand and don't be afraid to think big. If you have ideas, put them across.
Think ahead
Think now and then about your next job and the one after that. You should have a basic idea of what you want to do and what you don't.
Learn to cope with pressure
Working environments are synonymous with pressure. The faster you learn to cope with it, the better it is. If you are afraid of public speaking but have to do it, learn how to. Take it up as a challenge. Equally important is to recognise when stress is getting out of hand.
Learn how to handle difficult people
It's not just marriage counsellors who have to deal with difficult people. The customer service director of one major company advises her staff to listen carefully to what people have got to say and show them you are taking them seriously. Above all, do not get defensive.
Learn to communicate
Consider these six golden rules for communicating
• Be clear and concise Plan ahead
• Don't spend too long on one letter or a single phone call
• Stay in control of a meeting by voicing your opinions
• Give the other person adequate attention
• Identify the main points you want to cover and stick to them.
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmp...9&contentid=20070831200708310442546405e3f1922
If you have a meeting scheduled, leave yourself plenty of time to do some proper research. Who are you meeting? What do you hope to gain? If it is a negotiation, do you have a fall-back position if you do not get everything you want? Make sure that you have answers to at least some basic points that will be raised in the meeting.
Classic clobber
If you want to run for the businesswoman of the year, turning up at a meeting in denims and a T-shirt can be disastrous. Looking smart is also a great confidence-booster. Victoria Provis, of headhunting firm, Odgers International, says it is important to dress up appropriately. “I still tend not to wear a trouser suit when I go to the City,” she says.
Stop apologising
If you project confidence, others will place more confidence in you no matter how much of a mouse you feel inside. Provis says women often undersell themselves. “I've seen a lot of bright graduates who have given up and gone into secretarial work, but there are enough successful women out there for everyone to feel they can be, too,” she says.
Know your strengths and weaknesses and learn to accept feedback and use it to change
Network
What power lunching was to the '80s and '90s, networking is to the 21 century. Roger Hayes, author of 'Systematic Networking', recommends keeping notes on all your contacts so that you can keep track of them. 'Also keep in mind,' says Hayes, 'that making contacts is a two-way street.'
Take risks
People who can come up with fresh ideas are a valuable commodity in any organisation. The key is not to be afraid of taking risks. Above all, don't dismiss ideas out of hand and don't be afraid to think big. If you have ideas, put them across.
Think ahead
Think now and then about your next job and the one after that. You should have a basic idea of what you want to do and what you don't.
Learn to cope with pressure
Working environments are synonymous with pressure. The faster you learn to cope with it, the better it is. If you are afraid of public speaking but have to do it, learn how to. Take it up as a challenge. Equally important is to recognise when stress is getting out of hand.
Learn how to handle difficult people
It's not just marriage counsellors who have to deal with difficult people. The customer service director of one major company advises her staff to listen carefully to what people have got to say and show them you are taking them seriously. Above all, do not get defensive.
Learn to communicate
Consider these six golden rules for communicating
• Be clear and concise Plan ahead
• Don't spend too long on one letter or a single phone call
• Stay in control of a meeting by voicing your opinions
• Give the other person adequate attention
• Identify the main points you want to cover and stick to them.
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmp...9&contentid=20070831200708310442546405e3f1922