Summary:
Contemporary business more resembles a paint ball exercise than a human service experience. Marketing ploys are spattered across the media in the hope of snagging our attention. However, social skills have not been transferred to the last two generations as a group like technology has. For example, think about how many Gen X and Y’s know how to set a dining table or how to cut their meat. News flash: high-level careers have been sabotaged by just such “unnecessary” information. Today, especially in a global economy, our social skills need remedial attention.

In the interest of “the bottom line” thinking that dominates American business, we’ve lost the most meaningful tool we have, the human connection. I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts on observations and episodes you’ve had on the topic. Thank you.

Rudeness in the Workplace is a topic I continually address in my EMBA Marketing Certification program. The highest form of rudeness is the irresponsibility of not returning or responding to calls.

Do a self check—

Here’s the scoop:
1. Rudeness is an accepted behavior today thanks to pop culture. The “fine lines” of life are not respected. It’s cool to talk trash and sound illiterate.
2. It’s not the persistence that’s rude. It’s the way the person connects. When the “seeker” uses a variety of pen and paper beyond email (for their convenience), they’ll be surprised at the positive response from the listener, not to discount the TOMA (not to be confused with a tumor) your name will have.
3. This is the bunker buster—This failure isn’t about busy. It’s how people are disingenuous with the pretense of interest when calling someone. When the call is only self-serving, it is evident to the listener. They remember the previous contact.

Also, it’s about the numbers-game mentality, dialing for dollars, that sales people may have. They would do well to attend my Net-Equette program or coach with someone to sharpen their social graces. Remember, many of these folks never ate with a knife and fork and were latch-key kids fending for themselves (but I digress to another topic!)

Oh, did I mention courtesy? Try, “Is this a good time,” or, “How would you like me to reach you?,” inquiries or sending a congratulations card when the prospect is written up, or just, “I was thinking about you,” and send an “interest article.” Phew—now that’s hard work—NOT.

Let’s keep the topic going. There is so much to discuss and so little time.
Please send me your feedback on your experiences on both sides of the issue.

Regards,
Michelle Cubas, Enterprise Business Coach
http://www.positivepotentials.com

Stay tuned for the HR Hub.

Buy and Shop Local This Week for the Holiday Season
December 8—14 is Buy Local Week in Phoenix … we can be our own economic stimulus!

ASBA partners with Arizona Local First to promote this worthy initiative. As a citywide initiative, Mayor Gordon has proclaimed this week as a buy local week to encourage people to shop locally. Did you know that for every hundred dollars spent with a local retailer or restaurant, $42 remains in the community? For the same hundred dollars spent with a national chain only $13 remains in the community. Buying locally is healthier for the economy, for our environment and diversity. This is an important time to show your pride with local businesses and let them know you care about their sustainability. Small and Local business is the backbone of our economy. Local First, Arizona Executive Director, Kimber Lanning reminds people that they will be surprised at the cost to shop locally  … “it is often comparable or less.”

For more information visit http://www.localfirstaz.com/

The 2008 Comerica Bank Arizona Companies To Watch was a smashing success. 

Connections were popping like champagne corks all over the room as growing companies came together to celebrate success. 

 A selection of photos taken by ASBA member mark Goldstein of the International Research Center are up on Flickr.

Check out all the connections that were being made at ASBA’s Comerica Bank Arizona Companies To Watch Awards on 11/11/2008.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mg-irc/sets/72157609162238476/

Link: http://www.asba.com

ASBA’s Hiring

With all the negative press about the economy, we have good news -  ASBA’s Hiring.

That’s right, ASBA (the Arizona Small Business Association) is looking for a few good men (or women) who share our passion for  proactively Connecting Arizona Business to the People, Information and Resources they need to Grow their business.

For more information or to explore if you or someone you know has what it takes to be part of our Proactive Connectivity Team, check out this link on Jobing.com. http://phoenix.jobing.com/Job_Details2.asp?JobID=1767898&SearchID=164760669&Position=0&CameFrom=Job 

It’s economic stimulation – ASBA style.

Want more good news?

How about the opportunity to connect to and be inspired by 50 exciting, growing, successful companies who are being recognized for their contributions to growing their business and the economy of our state.   Sound good?  Then mark your calendars for the evening of November 11^th and reserve your ticket today for the 3^rd annual Comerica Bank Arizona Companies to Watch.  For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit http://www.asba.com/.