12.31.07
Posted in Networking, Project Management at 8:57 pm by Joanna Vahlsing
Happy New Year!
Just wanted to share some information with you about a group that I belong to called “Project Management Lessons Learned.” They hold regular conference calls on various PM topics; including a special call just for those studying for the PMP exam. Their website is - http://www.pmlessonslearned.com/
Below is information I received regarding their conference call schedule for 2008.
Hope this information is helpful!
All the best,
Joanna L. Vahlsing, PMP
jvahlsing@yahoo.com
404-840-6620
http://www.joannavahlsing.com/
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Happy New Year from PMlessonLearned.com
All the best to you in 2008!
We plan to offer even more information and help for Project Managers in 2008! Join in and help us to help you and other Project Managers! We’ll be starting up our conference calls soon!
Here’s the current plan for the next few months:
* Jan. 10, 2008 at 9PM Eastern - PM JOBSHOP with Host Linda Wortman
* Jan. 17, 2008 at 9pm Eastern - PMLL Lessons Learned confcall with Host Henry Will, PMP - Topic: “Teaching old dogs to do new tricks? A primer on Change” Presented by Peter de Jager (Podcast Episode 0027) Peter is a Keynote Speaker, writer and consultant focusing on issues relating to Change Management and the Future. His primary focus is on how we manage change, technology and the future. His presentations use humor to challenge the myths surrounding our understanding of the Change process and the benefits of technology. In addition to speaking at conferences worldwide, he has also written monthly columns for Globe & Mail online, CIO Magazine, and Computing Canada. His goal is always to question what we think is so, and in so doing perhaps open up new opportunities. You can more information at his website: http://www.technobility.com/
* Jan. 24, 2008 at 9PM Eastern - PM JOBSHOP with Host Linda Wortman
* Feb. 7, 2008 at 9pm Eastern - PMLL PMP Study Group confcall with Host David Radkovich, PMP - Topic: T.B.D. (Podcast Episode 0028)
* Feb. 14, 2008 at 9PM Eastern - PM JOBSHOP with Host Linda Wortman
* Feb. 21, 2008 at 9pm Eastern - PMLL Lessons Learned confcall with Host Henry Will, PMP - Topic: MS Project tips by IBM Instructor Jim Stuehler, PMP (Podcast Episode 0029)
* Feb. 28, 2008 at 9PM Eastern - PM JOBSHOP with Host Linda Wortman
Join our Yahoo group for details, reminders of the calls, and information to help you in your PM Career. Visit the website for details.
PMLessonsLearned.com - Project Managers helping Project Managers. Open to all.
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12.30.07
Posted in Networking at 10:08 pm by Joanna Vahlsing
Recently, I had the fortunate opportunity to attend a luncheon where Gloria Steinem was the keynote speaker. I was familiar with her legacy and importance, but I did not realize just how blown away I would be hearing her speak. Her common sense approach to life and gender equality reinforced my own personal beliefs. I’m sure everyone has heard of Gloria Steinem, but if you haven’t, she is an American feminist icon, journalist and women’s rights advocate whose dedication to equality has spanned my lifetime.
During her speech, she spoke to the necessity of balance in a woman’s life, and how most women aim for perfection. We try to be the best, both at home and in our careers. As a single woman with no children, I am finding that my admiration grows more and more everyday for women who have successful careers and successful family lives. I just don’t know how they do it.
But, the quote that resonated with me after hearing her speak was when she said, “Behave as if everything matters.” It was a line said in passing that maybe only a few picked up on, but then I realized that it is one of the keys to success. By placing value in something, we are increasing its importance. I’ve found that in my career, it’s never the big things that lead to our success or demise; it’s a lot of little things that add up over time.
The statement strengthened the importance of living in the moment. We all have dreams and goals and have played the “if only” game; “if only I had more money,” “if only I had a new job,” or “if only I lived here.” We need to have a level of satisfaction with what we have and where we are and give it the importance it deserves. Our current state matters just as much as our future state because if we don’t work with what we have, we’re never going to get where we want to go.
All of us want to better ourselves and we look for opportunities to grow personally and professionally. One of the ways is through networking events that allow us to expand our social and professional networks. When it comes to meeting someone new, we must “behave as if everything matters.” We need to be present at that moment when we are talking to someone for the first time, and we should not be thinking about the next thing we need to do, or the next person to meet or what’s on the menu for dinner.
Dale Carnegie, the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, was the master of engaging someone he just met and placing importance on the interaction. He stressed listening as the most important skill, which I know is something that we can all work on. Carnegie’s other fundamental pieces of advice include:
1. Become genuinely interested in other people. - If you’re not interested in or don’t like other people, then social networking probably isn’t for you.
2. Be a good listener and encourage others to talk about themselves. - Whether or not they openly admit it, everyone’s favorite subject is themselves. Ask questions or say “That’s fascinating, tell me more,” it never fails.
3. Let the other person do a great deal of the talking. - We all must realize that we have a lot to learn from each other. Take advantage of the learning opportunity by allowing someone else to share as much information as they can.
4. Smile - A welcoming smile is a great ice-breaker.
5. Talk in terms of the other person’s interests. - This is probably the hardest to accomplish because it requires tailoring the discussion to the person with whom you are speaking. No one likes to hear a slew of “canned” responses or discussion topics, which can make the conversation feel forced.
6. Give honest and sincere appreciation. - This helps show that you value the person and their company.
After realizing that I need to “behave as if everything matters,” I started listening more and stopped thinking about what was next on my “to-do” list. I realized that by living in the moment and giving those moments the value they deserved, I can accomplish my goals, both personally and professionally. I also realized how many times I caught myself saying, “it doesn’t matter that…,” well, yes, it does matter.
So, be engaged, live in the moment, and behave as if everything matters.
Joanna L. Vahlsing, PMP
http://www.joannavahlsing.com/
(404) 840-6620
jvahlsing@yahoo.com
Sources/Additional Information:
Gloria Steinem - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Steinem
Dale Carnegie - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Carnegie
Never Eat Alone – Keith Ferrazzi - http://www.keithferrazzi.com/
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12.29.07
Posted in Networking at 6:59 pm by Joanna Vahlsing
One of the books I read over the holidays was The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking written by Diane K. Danielson and Lindsey Pollak. It was extremely informative about how someone could use online networking to its fullest potential. As I read it, I realized a lot of their advice appeared to be common sense, but as I have been increasing my amount of personal networking, I have found that quite a few people could benefit from the common sense given by Diane and Lindsey.
Below are some of the tips that they provide:
Give first, ask later – Nothing is more irksome than meeting or receiving messages from people who talk nonstop about what they need and how we can help them. In any networking interaction, it’s always best to develop a genuine personal connection first, and then broach the subject of how you and your new contact might help each other. A good rule of thumb: listen more than you talk (or read more than you write).
Keep it upbeat and interesting – Like attracts like, so in the world of networking positive energy attracts positive energy. This is why we encourage people to create unique networking strategies (both online and offline) around activities and people they genuinely enjoy.
Deliver what you promise – Be realistic about what you can offer anyone with whom you network. Do not try to make friends by promising follow-up you may not be ale to deliver (such as guaranteeing a meeting with your boss or client). Overpromising and underdelivering is a quick way to lose friends and alienate new contacts.
Manage your expectations – It’s unlikely that any one single networking encounter will result in obtaining a new job or new customer. It’s best to approach each connection with a specific more tangible goal in mind, such as securing a second meeting or gaining some valuable insight or information. Consider the networking meeting/email/chat/event a success if you are able to achieve one specific goal.
Mind your manners – You can recover from any faux pas as long as you do it elegantly and with proper etiquette (and a good sense of humor helps too). But, better yet, learn the appropriate etiquette before you act and you’ll avoid pulling and faux pas in the first place.
In general, all networking rules boil down to one thing: making the other person comfortable. When in doubt put yourself in the other person’s shoes. What would you think of you were them?
Source: Danielson, D. and Pollak, L. (2007). The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking (Or What Would Jane Austen Do?). Booklocker.com, Inc.
Joanna L. Vahlsing, PMP
http://www.joannavahlsing.com/
(404) 840-6620
jvahlsing@yahoo.com
Sources/Additional Information:
Downtown Women’s Club - http://www.downtownwomensclub.com
Downtown Women’s Club - Atlanta - http://www.dwcatlanta.com
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