Take My Word For It
31 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsToday's professional needs to understand how to break through to their audience and make every moment count! WHRV's 'Take My Word For It' from local author and communications expert, Danny Rubin, aims to give professionals practical career advice to help write, speak, and lead with confidence...and he’ll provide these tips in sixty seconds! Whether you desire to write a more effective resume, chair a more productive meeting or craft an email that is more likely to be read, 'Take My Word For It' can help!
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Episodes
Avoid the Word Thing
December 02, 2019 05:02 - 2.66 MB“Hey, can you hand me that thing?” “Did you receive the thing I sent you?” “Do we have our things ready for the meeting?” The word “thing” can mean, well, anything. That’s why, as a general rule, let’s the word “thing” from our writing and speaking. Instead, replace the “thing” with the actual noun in question…
You can always send your photos to the media
November 25, 2019 05:18 - 2.32 MBLet’s say your company had a big grand opening for a new office location. Sadly, no members of the media attended to spread the news. That’s OK. Just be sure you do this next…
Tell reporters they did a good job – build the relationship
November 15, 2019 11:59 - 2.34 MBIf you read a moving article in the newspaper or watch a compelling story on local news, do the unexpected. Tell the reporter and earn this key contact in the media…
Elevator pitch – what and why
November 08, 2019 10:35 - 2.54 MBThe best elevator pitch – in other words, a quick summary about what you or your company is all about – has two main parts: What and Why…
When to pick up the phone instead of email
November 04, 2019 05:05 - 2.46 MBEver been in a back-and-forth email chain with someone and the conversation takes too long to resolve? When is a good time to “pick up the phone” instead of emails and texts?
Feedback from a Recruiter
October 28, 2019 04:22 - 2.35 MBLet’s say you went through a recruiter to apply for a job. In the end, the recruiter emails and tells you the company went with someone else. What’s your next move?
Informational interview email outreach
October 18, 2019 09:22 - 2.38 MBAre you in the job market and need to set up informational interviews? Before you fire off requests via email, you must do something first…
Name-drops in email subject lines
October 11, 2019 09:09 - 2.39 MBDo you need to email someone you don’t know to seek a career opportunity? Here’s a great tip…
How long to wait before a follow-up email
October 07, 2019 09:50 - 2.55 MBAs we send emails to open doors in our careers, how long should we wait to follow up with people who don’t respond to our first message?
Don’t capitalize college majors and minors
September 30, 2019 04:28 - 2.5 MBDid you know you don’t capitalize your college major or minor? While a degree in, for instance…
Eliminate pronouns
September 20, 2019 10:16 - 2.44 MBHave you ever received an email in which the person wrote, “Hey, did you get that yet?” To which you reply, “Did I get what?” Pronouns slow us down…
Go one layer deeper
September 13, 2019 04:40 - 2.36 MBEvery sentence you write has the chance to be special. The key is to explore the details around the situation and incorporate those details into your sentence. For example, you could write: In the large exhibit hall, our team secured follow-ups with many potential customers. Let’s take the sentence one layer deeper…
Say Goodbye to “Get” and “Got”
September 09, 2019 04:08 - 2.3 MBWant to know the two most overused verbs in business? They are “get” and “got.” Often referred to as “crutch verbs,” “get” or “got” can take the place of so many actions. “Today, I got the promotion.” “We get the chance to present tomorrow.” “They got up and left the meeting.” Do you get what I mean?
Avoid the word “thing”
August 30, 2019 09:18 - 2.66 MB“Hey, can you hand me that thing?” “Did you receive the thing I sent you?” “Do we have our things ready for the meeting?” The word “thing” can mean, well, anything. That’s why, as a general rule, let’s the word “thing” from our writing and speaking. Instead, replace the “thing” with the actual noun in question…
Exclamation Marks: OK for Business Emails?
August 23, 2019 07:56 - 1.1 MBLet's talk about exclamation marks in professional emails. Is it OK to use an exclamation mark...or two...or three...or 25? Well, it all depends. Here's a good rule of thumb. Don't use an exclamation mark until the other person does first. Some people find exclamation marks unprofessional. Others use the punctuation without thinking twice. But if you let other people make the first move, then you are always in the right. If they have a serious tone, so do you. If they are excited, you are too...
Exclamation Marks: OK for Business Emails?
August 23, 2019 07:56 - 1.1 MBLet's talk about exclamation marks in professional emails. Is it OK to use an exclamation mark...or two...or three...or 25? Well, it all depends. Here's a good rule of thumb. Don't use an exclamation mark until the other person does first. Some people find exclamation marks unprofessional. Others use the punctuation without thinking twice. But if you let other people make the first move, then you are always in the right. If they have a serious tone, so do you. If they are excited, you are too...
Number 1 Rule with Acronyms
August 19, 2019 04:38 - 2.44 MBHere's a simple communication tip. Whenever you use an acronym in your writing, always spell it out on first reference. Why? If you start off with an abbreviation, for instance, the FDA...you assume the reader knows what FDA means. And the first rule of strong communication...never assume the reader know anything. That means would spell out FDA, as in, the Food and Drug Administration. And from then on, you can use FDA...now that the reader knows what the letters mean. A little clarity goes a...
Number 1 Rule with Acronyms
August 19, 2019 04:38 - 2.44 MBHere's a simple communication tip. Whenever you use an acronym in your writing, always spell it out on first reference. Why? If you start off with an abbreviation, for instance, the FDA...you assume the reader knows what FDA means. And the first rule of strong communication...never assume the reader know anything. That means would spell out FDA, as in, the Food and Drug Administration. And from then on, you can use FDA...now that the reader knows what the letters mean. A little clarity goes a...
Why Less is More
August 12, 2019 04:10 - 2.35 MBHere's a professional tip: no one will ever complain you gave them less to read. Every time you write an email or document, ask yourself: Is this word necessary to make my point? What about the sentence? What about the entire paragraph? We all have short attention spans these days. Our goal as professionals is to bring the reader to the end of our message as soon as possible. Less. Is. More. I believe I've made my point. That means this radio segment is over.
Why Less is More
August 12, 2019 04:10 - 2.35 MBHere's a professional tip: no one will ever complain you gave them less to read. Every time you write an email or document, ask yourself: Is this word necessary to make my point? What about the sentence? What about the entire paragraph? We all have short attention spans these days. Our goal as professionals is to bring the reader to the end of our message as soon as possible. Less. Is. More. I believe I've made my point. That means this radio segment is over.
Classic Grammar Mistake on Facebook
August 05, 2019 04:01 - 2.32 MBHave you ever seen this grammar mistake on Facebook?A friend will write, "Happy holidays from the Miller's!"But the word "Millers" has an apostrophe before the "s." That is incorrect. We use an apostrophe to show possession. As in, "The Miller's cat got out again." "Miller" apostrophe "s" cat. Miller's cat. When the word in question is plural, add the "s" and that's it. Your grammar-loving friends on Facebook will appreciate you.
Classic Grammar Mistake on Facebook
August 05, 2019 04:01 - 2.32 MBHave you ever seen this grammar mistake on Facebook?A friend will write, "Happy holidays from the Miller's!"But the word "Millers" has an apostrophe before the "s." That is incorrect. We use an apostrophe to show possession. As in, "The Miller's cat got out again." "Miller" apostrophe "s" cat. Miller's cat. When the word in question is plural, add the "s" and that's it. Your grammar-loving friends on Facebook will appreciate you.
Why Handwritten Notes Matter
July 29, 2019 04:54 - 1.05 MBWe live in a digital age and don’t often need to communicate via paper and pen. That means we cherish a handwritten note in which the person offers their thanks, condolences or congratulations. We save the notes at our desks or file them in a special drawer. We don’t throw them out. If you want to leave an impression in the business world, then buy a pack of thank-you notes, a roll of stamps and locate a pen in blue or black ink. Then send handwritten notes when the moment requires one. That...
Two Most Overused Words in LinkedIn Profiles
July 22, 2019 04:31 - 1.04 MBTake a look at your LinkedIn profile. If you’re in a leadership role, do you see the verbs “manage” and “lead” over and over? When possible, avoid duplicate words because they water down your message. On second reference, swap out “manage” or “lead” with words like “oversee,” “guide” or “supervise.” A variety of leadership verbs will make your LinkedIn profile – or a professional bio, in general – more colorful and interesting. Word choice is a powerful tool as we promote ourselves.
Planning a Meeting? Don’t Forget This One Step.
July 15, 2019 21:02 - 1020 KBDo you have a big meeting on the horizon in which you’ll be in charge? Here’s a critical piece of advice: set the agenda ahead of time. Don’t walk in the room ready to wing it. Map out the discussion, put the agenda items on paper and think through how you plan to budget the time. For instance, consider lighter topics at the beginning so you make more time for weightier issues and broader discussion. Bottom line: have a plan. Run an efficient meeting. And let everyone go back to their desks. ...
Say Goodbye to "I Don’t Disagree"
July 05, 2019 11:29 - 949 KBToday, let’s mark the official retirement of a worn-out expression we hear too often in business. “I don’t disagree.” What is so hard about saying the opposite – “I agree.” It’s OK to let others be right. In fact, when you validate someone’s opinion, the approach allows the person to feel important. And, in turn, it makes the person respect you more. When you say, “I agree,” everyone wins. “I don’t disagree”? Welcome to retirement. Your work here is done.
Way to Prep for a Job Interview
July 01, 2019 04:15 - 1010 KBDo you have a big job interview on the horizon? Before you step into the room, there’s one page on the company’s website you need to review. Why? 99% of job seekers will never check the page, and the extra effort might land you the job. The page? Press releases. Read about the company’s latest achievements. Be prepared to talk comfortably about what you learned. The employer will be impressed you took the time to care about the company – and didn’t just make the interview about you. Press rel...
Smart Writing Tip for Freelancers
June 21, 2019 09:05 - 1010 KBAre you a freelancer or looking for your next big gig? Here’s a crucial tip for email outreach that will boost your response rate. In your email, make sure you prove you’ve done homework on the company where you want to freelance. That means visit the company’s website and, in your email, highlight a blog post or piece of news that stands out to you. Make your email 100% customized. Take an interest in the employer first. That way, the employer will be more likely to take an interest in you.
Why You Should Always Provide Context
June 14, 2019 05:24 - 1010 KBEver seen this move on Facebook? Someone will post an update like, “So sorry to leave my job, but can’t wait for my amazing new opportunity – exclamation mark prayer hands emoji.” Then every single person who reads the update has the same question: “Well, what’s the new job?” When you share big life moments on social media or through email, remember to actually share the life moment. Tell people about the new opportunity – your job title and the role you will play. Never leave your people in ...
How to be Brief but Not Blunt
June 10, 2019 05:39 - 938 KBRaise your hand if you have a boss who is too blunt over email. Actually…if you’re driving…please, keep your hand on the wheel. Busy people are often too short in their emails, and the tone can feel cold or distant. Instead, imagine you spoke to the person face to face. Would you only give a one-word response, or would you make the conversation feel more natural? Take a few extra seconds and turn your message into a human exchange. The person on the receiving end will appreciate it.
How to Write the Seasons of the Year
May 31, 2019 16:43 - 2.38 MBDid you know we don’t capitalize seasons? As in, spring, summer, winter, fall. It seems like the seasons would be upper case, right? We live by the four parts of the year. But no…seasons are lowercase words. That’s the funny thing about capitalization…so many words we’re certain are upper case…are actually lower case. Next time you tell someone, “Have a great summer” or “See you in the fall”…remember this little tip. Proper capitalization is one more way to show you know the finer points of c...