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The Seven Most Common Mistakes People Make to Sabotage Their Reputation Online and How You Can Avoid Them

Reputation Management Posted by Harrison on Apr 1, 2010

1. Careless Social Networking
Accept the reality that the internet is open to everyone, and pictures, video clips, online profiles and other personal information will be seen by people to whom you wouldn’t show them in the offline world. Particularly posting unguarded images and content on websites like Facebook, MySpace and YouTube tends to inflict harm [...]

How to Handle Hostile Comments, Negative Feedback and Personal Attacks in Social Media

Social Media Posted by Harrison on Mar 25, 2010

Here are my brief thoughts on dealing with hostile or negative commenters on blogs and digital articles etc.
1. Focus on the issue
Negative comments and ‘digital hostility’ can quickly turn personal. For the most part commenters enjoy virtual anonymity and don’t feel the need to adhere to standard rules of social conduct. While that certainly reflects [...]

Would You be Able to Handle a Hostile Audience?

Media Posted by Harrison on Mar 22, 2010

As a speaker there is nothing more stressful than presenting in front of a hostile audience. Yesterday’s congressional debate on health care reform had its share of hecklers and emotional outbursts that consumed today’s headlines and national media broadcasts. The most offensive outburst came from Randy Neugebauer, a three-term member of Congress from Texas who [...]

A Taste of My Own Medicine

Personal Branding Posted by Harrison on Mar 14, 2010

The other day I received an early morning phone call from a fellow by the name of James Williams. He called from Sky News’ studios in London to see whether I’d be interested in being the on-air expert commentator for Britain’s upcoming high-stakes debates between the candidates and the incumbent for the election of the next Prime Minister of [...]

Sex, Race and Diversity in Corporate Leadership and the Perils of Persnickety Perceptions

Corporate Diversity Posted by Harrison on Feb 11, 2010

Wanted: CEO for Fortune 500 Corporation. White Males of at Least 6-Foot Height with Slightly Menacing Facial Features Preferred.
You think that’s politically incorrect?  It gets worse.
“Baby-faced African-American males with chubby cheeks, small noses and large foreheads will be considered over less cuddly black colleagues with linebacker resumes. Female candidates should be able to demonstrate [...]

The Winners of the Six-Word Story Contest (and a small lesson in effective communication)

storytelling Posted by Harrison on Feb 1, 2010

About 10 days ago I posted the six-word story contest across 50 LinkedIn groups and your responses started flooding in. We received well over 2000 5000 submissions of your own six-word stories. And they keep pouring in. Thank you everyone for making this such a fun and interesting contest.
One thing became obvious; the concept of [...]

When You’re Under Attack, Don’t Be a Bobble-Head

Conflict Management Posted by Harrison on Jan 27, 2010

A tense exchange between Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Rep. John Mica (R-Fla) at today’s testimony at the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s hearing on the bailout of AIG, had Geithner display certain nonverbal language that is better kept under control when one finds himself under attack and in vehement disagreement with a charge. In this video you [...]

Can You Tell a Story in Six Words?

Creating Meaning Posted by Harrison on Jan 22, 2010

A story does what facts and statistics never can: it inspires and it motivates. That’s why expert storytellers are such effective communicators. They translate complex ideas into practical examples – and they know how to make emotional connections with their audience. Their message gets through because everyone can relate to a good story.
As Executive Coaches [...]

The Seven Most Common Mistakes People Make to Sabotage Their Reputation Online and How You Can Avoid Them

Reputation Management Posted by Harrison on Jan 2, 2010

1. Careless Social Networking
Accept the reality that the internet is open to everyone, and pictures, video clips, online profiles and other personal information will be seen by people to whom you wouldn’t show them in the offline world. Particularly posting unguarded images and content on websites like Facebook, MySpace and YouTube tends to inflict harm [...]

The Supply-Control Technique – or, How to Harness the Persuasive Power of Scarcity

Influence Technique Posted by Harrison on Dec 25, 2009

Sometimes nothing is as it seems, both in business and in life.  And sometimes that’s completely by design, especially in the realm of marketing, advertising and the crafty spin of strategic public relations.   Whether we realize it or not, all of us are bombarded daily with overtly manipulative techniques and propaganda every time we see [...]