Welcome!

28 April, 2011

Welcome to the first edition of our new style Newsletter. Each month we will bring you top tips, inspiring stories, trusted techniques and best practice relating to leadership and management. Topics will include:

• 
  Motivating and inspiring your employees
• Managing through change
• Developing a well balanced team
• Personal influencing and networking skills
• Customer service improvement techniques

We look forward to hearing your ideas, success stories and feedback in the months ahead.

My best regards

Gary Elton-Shewan

Time for some 'Personal Marketing' 

According to the British Chamber of Commerce, nearly 60% of firms have cut or frozen workers' pay over the last three years.  In this climate many of us will consider holding on to our job sufficient reward for our hard work. But what if you know that a colleague has had a pay rise or there is scope in the budget? Or perhaps your salary isn't an issue, but you have been passed over for an opportunity or chalIenge? Have you been left wondering 'why her/him and not me?'.

Maybe it's time for a little 'personal marketing'.

Use my top tips to improve your results.

Get networking

Be proactive and brush up your networking skills - make a list of all your personal contacts within (and outside) the organisation. Find a reason to meet up for lunch, circulate some interesting information or organise a knowledge sharing session. Sell yourself and be visible.

Identify your Unique Selling Point

What is your talent, your stand-out skill or area of knowledge/expertise? Become an expert in your field. Ensure you are ahead of the game on this and, most importantly, let everyone know about it - sell yourself.

Be the best that you can be

Perhaps you are faster, leaner or even meaner than some! Don't be shy about this - focus on being the best that you can be.

Brush up your image

Is it time to smarten up (or even loosen up)? Maybe its time for a hair-cut or image makeover?  Perhaps your casual clothes have become too casual? Give yourself a long look in the mirror and think of three words that come to mind then brush up your image. Better still, be brave and get a good friend or colleague to do this for you.

Put a case together

Don't be afraid to approach your line manager with the facts. What objectives have you exceeded?  What skills are you bringing that are exceptional?  How will youcontribute to business success this year? Are you recording and sharing all that great client and customer feedback you have been receiving? Make it difficult for them to argue with the facts.  Demonstrate a passion for what you do and make yourself indispensable. Don't be downbeat if the circumstances mean that your manager's hands are tied. Stay positive - when the situation improves, hopefully you will be rewarded.

So remember:

• Sell yourself
• Be the best that you can be
• Brush up your image 
• Demonstrate a passion for what you do
• Stay positive

And finally, I have found LinkedIn is a great way to connect to new and existing contacts.  It helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.  Why not join me at LinkedIn now?