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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Presentation

Breaking Down the Successful Elevator Pitch

  • On July 27, 2014
Every time you introduce yourself, think about how to explain yourself or services (the elevator pitch). How best to deliver your message?  Impress in less than two minutes: Keep it simple. Be professional but jargon-free. Research your audience. Tailor your pitch to what they care about. Explain your value with a soft touch. No one […]
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Interview, Presentation

The Importance of War Stories.

  • On April 27, 2014
Why is telling war stories in a work or interview context so important? You become memorable! A recitation of your skills or facts will put people to sleep, and the key points about yourself will not stick in their minds. Stories are shorthand for what is most relevant about you. Choose stories that showcase your […]
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Presentation, Resume

How Do You Show You are Good: A Primer in Gentle Self-Promotion

  • On February 16, 2014
For those who hate to self-promote (rule #3), work into conversation, or at least into your resume: You work with top clients. It is understood no employer would assign you top accounts unless you have the necessary skills and judgment. You negotiate or litigate against top companies. This experience shows you have worked on complex […]
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Presentation

Self-Promote at Least a Little

  • On February 9, 2014
Rule #3: Self-promote … at least a little. Self-promotion, horrible as it may sound, is a necessary skill. If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around, did it make a sound? Similarly, if you did something great, but no one knows, does it count? Some things to think about: One way to […]
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Presentation

How to Take Compliments

  • On February 2, 2014
Rule #2 on how to present yourself professionally: Take compliments well! Part of showing confidence is to understand your value, so learn to accept well-wishes and admiration with grace. Do not disagree with the compliment giver. Now is not the time to undermine yourself (not that there ever is a good time!). Show gratitude for the […]
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Interview, Presentation

How to Present Yourself Professionally.

  • On January 26, 2014
Rule #1: Don’t over-apologize! Successful lawyers inspire confidence and carry themselves with assurance at all times. If you don’t seem to value yourself, why should anyone else? An interesting piece in the New York Times by an Asian American woman professional who learned to suppress her apology reflex: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/jobs/how-to-suppress-the-apology-reflex.html.
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