By Tim Conway At age 63.5, my observations are blunt and biased. I’m okay with that reality. A conclusion — after being an Adjunct Faculty of “Public Speaking” along with Entrepreneurship judge, startup mentor and career coach — is that young professionals often sound Stupid (cap ‘S’). The reason: twenty-somethings over rely on filler…… Continue reading Leading the Battle Against Filler Words
Tag: Tim Conway
Want to Attain 2024 Goals? Use Business Cards to Keep Them Simple, Achievable
By Tim Conway Were you perplexed about New Year’s resolutions? If so, you weren’t alone. According to Forbes Health/OnePoll (October 2023), only 1% of Americans keep resolutions for 12 months. An alternative to resolutions is goals. This method was used by a family member to guide a fulfilling career over several decades. My relative…… Continue reading Want to Attain 2024 Goals? Use Business Cards to Keep Them Simple, Achievable
AS A PR-ESENTER, NEVER BE BORING
By Tim Conway During past decade as Adjunct Faculty at Roosevelt and DePaul universities, I’ve been periodic judge for small group presentations. Conclusion: Most teams give weak last-class presentations. Main reasons for snoozzzzzzzer talks: Too many cluttered slides (excess copy/data); lack of cohesion/flow/imagination; minimal rehearsal. Solutions: Try proven speaking techniques: Ask surprising question or “wow statement/statistic” up front…… Continue reading AS A PR-ESENTER, NEVER BE BORING
Words Matter: How To Speak With Authority
By Tim Conway As Adjunct Faculty at Chicago universities for the past decade, I have witnessed endless presentations. Being a generous grader who rounds-up, most productions barely earn a “C.” Reason for poor performance: Undergraduates/MBAs bore audience through over-use of “fillers.” Unfortunately, these bad habits carry forward to the workplace. A filler word or phrase…… Continue reading Words Matter: How To Speak With Authority
Both Hands On Career Steering Wheel
Ever think there are simply too many career options — especially in marketing/communications? If so, you’re correct. The list of multi-industry titles is almost endless: public relations account executive; advertising creative director; sales promotions supervisor; graphic designer; event planner; search engine marketer; mobile commerce god/dess. What should an ambitious climber, like you, do? Recognize that…… Continue reading Both Hands On Career Steering Wheel
Are You a Specialist or a Generalist?
Are you a Generalist or a Specialist? Why should you care? As a former PRactitioner and current mentor to business owners, I can address both topics. According to Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation, a “word association” assessment determines if you are a Generalist or a Specialist. During this brief quiz, you reply with the first thoughts…… Continue reading Are You a Specialist or a Generalist?
To Uncover Career Gold, Be Bold
Tim Conway In a weak employment market, it’s a smart strategy to take risks. Push yourself to try unconventional job search methods. By being a go-getter, you will spot hidden opportunities. Here are surprising tactics that are productive: compose brief bio and case studies (format of Situation, Actions, Results); send as an alternative…… Continue reading To Uncover Career Gold, Be Bold
Practice Skills Employers Want
Tim Conway Due to ultra-competitive job market, aspiring PR professionals must showcase in-demand talents at special events, interviews, on-the-job and community service projects. The ideal chance for future executives to nurture competencies is on-campus and initial role. The good news is that you can acquire these essential habits with time, effort and commitment. Professional…… Continue reading Practice Skills Employers Want