Interview, Presentation

The Most Critical Part of Presentation

  • On August 30, 2015
You may think the most critical part of presenting yourself professionally is dressing the part or speaking with confidence. While all that is helpful, telling a clear story about yourself is most important. For example, in an interview context, do you explain why you are interested and how your past naturally leads you to this point? Or is your story a complicated […]
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Presentation

5 Elements of Persuasion (Essential to Drive Your Career).

  • On August 23, 2015
Lawyers persuade for a living. But advocating for themselves? That can be hard. Below are some pointers from a recent post by Travis Bradberry, the author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, on how to be persuasive: Know your audience, and connect! Asking your friend to talk you up to a client requires a different approach than presenting a case to a […]
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Client, GC, Presentation

How to Advise GCs

  • On July 12, 2015
At a recent forum, four general counsels (from Varian, AOptix, NVIDIA, and AdRoll) talked how about how they want to be counseled by firm lawyers. The advice below clearly applies to in-house lawyers as well when communicating with their own top lawyer or business team: Make your advice practical. Brian Cabrera of NVIDIA noted he can Google black letter […]
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Networking, Presentation

How to Get a Response to Your Email When Asking for a Favor

  • On January 25, 2015
Below are some great tips from Professor Adam Grant on making a successful email request: Start with the right subject line. You’ll get a better response if it’s interesting and/or useful. Some samples: “Advice for a fellow X”, “Applying your techniques to Y”, “Can you help me give away $Z?”. Connect the request to the recipient. Show you know […]
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Presentation

Give Great Presentations to Set Yourself Apart!

  • On November 30, 2014
I hate to say it, but most attorney presentations are pretty darn boring. Set yourself apart by following these tips: Keep your presentation focused by having a plan for the beginning, middle and end. As for the end, think about what the audience should come away with, and what comes next for all attendees. Lead […]
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Networking, Presentation

Handling Mixers with Confidence!

  • On September 21, 2014
You’re ready to chat folks up. Where to begin? Prepare. Think about whom you want to meet and what industries you are interested in. Read the paper or trade journals, and know what’s going on for people you will likely talk to. Be ready to show insight and interest. Stay away from controversial topics like politics […]
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Presentation

How to Say No Nicely.

  • On September 7, 2014
A good friend just said this to me the other day: “If you want something done, ask a busy person!” It rings true that the busiest person in the room is also the most effective, but what can that person do to get un-buried? I am thrilled to see an influential professor use this quote and […]
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Presentation

Perceptions Are Reality

  • On September 1, 2014
An interesting article on how others perceive you in the workplace and what it means for you: Act how you want to be treated. Dress for the role you want, and communicate accordingly. If perceptions are reality, make sure you are perceived as invaluable! This helps you during reorgs and compensation setting. Face time is important (sorry!). […]
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Interview, Presentation

How to Tell a Good Story.

  • On August 17, 2014
Telling stores is essential when you interview, network, or make a pitch. Stories make you memorable, and you determine the impression you leave on someone. Harvard Business Review breaks down how to do it: http://blogs.hbr.org/2014/07/how-to-tell-a-great-story/!
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Attire, LinkedIn, Presentation

What Kind of LinkedIn Headshot You Need

  • On August 10, 2014
What kind of headshot should you post? Go with a professional picture. You can get one taken for $100 or less! Look business-like in a neutral setting. Nature is fine, but no party shots or others in the picture. Wear something professional, though suits are not necessary and can in fact make you look too […]
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