Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com • September 11, 2017 • Hartford Business Journal 33 TALKING POINTS Guardrails, bumpers and guidelines to move your business forward By Bernard L. Kavaler G uardrails on highways and bumpers on bowling lanes serve parallel pur- poses, although there is an undeniable difference of magnitude between improving your score and potentially saving your life. The thread of similarity, however, is instructive. At times, we stray from our intended path, and need a gentle nudge — or a sharp jolt — to stay on course. Along the way, there are guideposts that can help propel forward progress, keep objectives in sight — and ultimately within reach. Here are a handful: Everything is connected In a state the size of Connecticut, that often feels especially true. But even beyond, in our increasingly intersecting world, the frequency with which something — or someone — from "before" pops up in your presence can be either invigorat- ing or debilitating. Best to assume that what you do, how you do it, and with whom, will lead to new opportunities — or kill them — at some point in the future. Make that yet-to-be-revealed con- nection a pleasant surprise, rather than an adventure in adversity. When in doubt, leave it out If you are uncertain, unconvinced, down- right queasy, just don't do it. Trust your gut, believe your instincts. They've brought you this far. It could be as simple as a phrase in a marketing brochure or news release, an im- age on a website, a display in the showroom, or a catchy tweet or enticing email subject line. What may have seemed like a great idea initially, may awaken second thoughts just as you're about to hit the send button. It's always tougher to get the toothpaste back in the tube. Technology changes, core values don't It is easy to get swept up in change, and lose your way. It can be considerably more challenging to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground as tech-driven alternatives proliferate. There's no question that tech advances offer openings to do more and reach further, often more efficiently. It can be pivotal, however, not to let the rush to do what's possible loosen your grip on the val- ues that contributed to your business suc- cess. You can be cool and cutting edge (and successful) without giving up the principles that guided past growth. Nothing you do is ever wasted At any given moment, it may seem as if a particular project, meeting or proposal is of no value whatsoever. While that may prove true, it is at least as likely that it won't. The original intent of the exercise may ulti- mately not be what proves to be of value, but value may be found nonetheless — and sometimes when you least expect it. From inventions that solved a problem completely unrelated to what was initially sought (Post-It Notes come to mind), to work done successfully for a new client that had roots in a failed project for another, there is evidence to suggest that nothing is really a complete waste of time. The more you know, the more you know There are advantages to being an expert in your own silo. But there can also be business advantages to knowing what's happening in other silos, even if you can't quite see any overlap with your own. Knowing what's oc- curring in other industries or regions could become the foundation for future possibilities, which may end up benefitting your bottom line. At the very least, you'll be more knowl- edgeable and interesting in conversation, a potentially potent combination that has been known to bring business benefits, too. And there's one more. Proofreaders are worth their weight in gold. Anyone, regardless of business or industry, who has ever printed anything about anything knows this to be true. If you stumble upon a skilled proofreader, make a friend for life. Even as we spend more of our marketing time (and budget) online, we occasionally still need to put words on paper. And when we do, it's really quite useful to get the spelling right. Bernard L. Kavaler is founding principal of Express Strategies, a public affairs and public policy consulting firm based in Hartford, at www.express-strategies.com. HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM POLL LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULT: Bernard L. Kavaler NEXT WEEK'S POLL: Does your company make use of Internet of Things technology? To vote, go online to hartfordbusiness.com BIZ BOOKS Survival tips for modern business etiquette By Jim Pawlak "Excuse Me — The Sur- vival Guide to Modern Business Etiquette" by Rosanne J. Thomas (AMACOM, $21.95). While much of the book provides a "how-to" for those entering the busi- ness world, Chap- ter 3 on "Personal Presence" stands out because it deals with personal branding — a career-maker or career-breaker. "Brand You" begins with personal appearance because it makes the first impression, which, if poor, can be hard to overcome. While dressing professionally differs by industry and corporate culture, people assume that those who aren't well- groomed do sloppy work. Also, build your brand by dressing for the job you want, not the job you have. As I walked down the halls when I visited a friend at a Fortune 50 company, I could eas- ily tell the managers and executives from the workers by their attire. Those higher up will notice. Thomas points out that personal appear- ance extends to your social media presence as well. People will check your LinkedIn profile for number of contacts, endorsements and recommendations. Based upon what's there or not there, people form an impression of your brand. They do the same evaluation when they look at postings and comments on your Facebook page. Your attitude speaks volumes to others, too. By treating others as important, they respond in-kind. A positive attitude cre- ates a brand that shows you're open to the perspective of others, which means you're willing to learn. The persons with whom you associate reflects your attitude, too. Those who succeed align with others who have positive outlooks. Self-management wraps "Personal Pres- ence" into the "Total Package" because it shows that you not only look the part, you play the part. Excelling at planning, prior- ity juggling and execution separates stars from those who do a good job. "Good is the enemy of great," says Jim Collins, author of the book "Good to Great. Jim Pawlik Book Review Is Bradley International your preferred airport for business travel? READER COMMENTS: "You can't beat (Bradley) for convenience. And long-term parking is more affordable than at Boston. But Bradley needs to make walking from parking lots to terminals much safer. And signage needs to be much better inside and outside the airport. Those two major shortcomings are painfully obvious as soon as you return from Europe." "Bradley Airport's central Connecticut proximity and easy access parking are key metrics for selection, which overcomes limited direct flight options." 9% No 91% Yes There are advantages to being an expert in your own silo. But there can also be business advantages to knowing what's happening in other silos, even if you can't quite see any overlap with your own.

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