How many times have you been at a restaurant where the person serving you did not show much interest in you? Have you been at restaurants where the server didn't respond to you trying to make small talk or really say much?
Chances are, we have all been in a situation where the person serving us at a restaurant, coffee bar or other establishment did not take the time to make small talk or seem interested in getting to know you. After this, you may have felt as if the person did not care or wanted to be at his or her job that day.
In certain situations, taking the time to make small talk with the people you come in contact can not only make someone's day but might make that person more responsive to you later on. Taking a few minutes to be friendly and asking how the other person's day is going can make a difference.
For example, as a photographer for Solon High School Football, I will often try and make small talk with the people who work the gates at the games, work the sidelines or talk to the police officers there. I don't have to say hello to these people, however, it makes a difference when someone is taking a couple of minutes to say "Hey, how are you doing?" or "How is your day going?" Taking a few moments to say hello to these people makes me a friendlier face and can make people more responsive and receptive to you later on.
When you are out and about at places you frequent often whether it is bars, restaurants or coffee shops, take a few minutes to say hello to the people serving you and ask about his or her day. You don't have to play a game of "20 Questions" but take some time to ask how the day is going, how long he or she has been there, or if a lot of people have come through. Take the time to listen to the answers and try and get a small conversation going. It might sound hard but if you take the time and listen and ask, you shouldn't have a problem getting something going.
In most every day situations, you don't have to say hello to others and be friendly but taking the time to do so can help you stand out from the rest for positive reasons.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Borders Will Be Missed
For many years, Borders bookstores have been a staple in different communities and have provided a wide variety of reading material, music and movies to its customers. Many of the stores are large and contain coffee shops that make going to the bookstore a more fun experience. The atmosphere inside a lot of these bookstores made it easy for customers to come back again and again.
This past week, the financially strapped company announced all of the Borders bookstores were going to close. After failing to catch up to other big bookstores in the market and falling behind in debt, Borders decided to liquidate its assets and close it's doors.
Upon hearing the news, I couldn't help but realize how much I will miss going into the location in Solon when it finally closes it's doors for the last time. The Borders in Solon has been there since I was a middle school student and it saddens me that it will be gone soon.
During my first trip there, I couldn't believe the size of the place and the wide variety of books. You could find just about any book you wanted and the CD and DVD collection was also extensive. The place was clean, it was quiet and I knew I would be going in there again and again over the next several years.
As I grew older and could drive up there on my own, I enjoyed going in there at times to read the comic books in the cafe, search through the collection of graphic novels they had or pick up a Stephen King novel or sports book. There was never a time the place seemed empty and there was always a line at the counter for people looking to pay for their new found treasures. The place always seemed to be hopping with activity and drew in a lot of people.
When I moved away to go to college, I didn't get a chance to go into Borders often but found the place still busy with activity when I came home on breaks. I noticed more high school students using the cafe to get studying done but always found the line at the checkout counter still had lots of people waiting to pay for their items. It never ceased to amaze me how busy the place was after all of those years and how it became a place for many students to get their homework done.
Even though Borders will be shutting its doors one final time in the near future, I can't help but think of how much fun it was go in there. It was great to see people inside there, the wide selection of books and the incredible atmosphere. I know the store will be gone soon but the memories I have of going in there will always remain.
This past week, the financially strapped company announced all of the Borders bookstores were going to close. After failing to catch up to other big bookstores in the market and falling behind in debt, Borders decided to liquidate its assets and close it's doors.
Upon hearing the news, I couldn't help but realize how much I will miss going into the location in Solon when it finally closes it's doors for the last time. The Borders in Solon has been there since I was a middle school student and it saddens me that it will be gone soon.
During my first trip there, I couldn't believe the size of the place and the wide variety of books. You could find just about any book you wanted and the CD and DVD collection was also extensive. The place was clean, it was quiet and I knew I would be going in there again and again over the next several years.
As I grew older and could drive up there on my own, I enjoyed going in there at times to read the comic books in the cafe, search through the collection of graphic novels they had or pick up a Stephen King novel or sports book. There was never a time the place seemed empty and there was always a line at the counter for people looking to pay for their new found treasures. The place always seemed to be hopping with activity and drew in a lot of people.
When I moved away to go to college, I didn't get a chance to go into Borders often but found the place still busy with activity when I came home on breaks. I noticed more high school students using the cafe to get studying done but always found the line at the checkout counter still had lots of people waiting to pay for their items. It never ceased to amaze me how busy the place was after all of those years and how it became a place for many students to get their homework done.
Even though Borders will be shutting its doors one final time in the near future, I can't help but think of how much fun it was go in there. It was great to see people inside there, the wide selection of books and the incredible atmosphere. I know the store will be gone soon but the memories I have of going in there will always remain.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Importance of Photographs at Events
In today's business world, having an event can be time consuming but beneficial at the same time. Hosting an event where you could meet potential clients and people to network with can be beneficial if done correctly. Being able to pull of the event does take lots of preparation and can be rewarding.
While putting on a great event can be beneficial, there is one key component that can benefit your event or business in the future; taking pictures! It's not often that many pictures are taken at key events so designating someone to take photos can help out in the long run.
Even though it might sound like a lot of work, having photos of your event can help sell your business, your event and even yourself in the long run. Being able to tell people about your event is key but proving how much fun and enjoyment others with pictures can help sell your event in the future. Stories can sell but having the photos to prove it can help prove your point.
For example, when you look at wedding photos, it's very easy to see the emotion, the happiness and the fun times the people are having at an event like that. Wedding photographers capture all of the moments that happen during the ceremony and the reception. They capture the smiling faces of the bride and the groom, the fun the people are having while out on the dance floor, how happy the guests are, etc. These photos easily capture the emotion and the fun people are having at a glorious event and prove the a picture can say a thousand words.
For your event, find someone who can take photos but also take them well. Having photos is key but having photos that are framed well and clear will leave a better impression than blurry or distorted photos. You don't always need to hire a professional photographer at your event but make sure the photos you will have can be easily viewed and capture key moments.
In addition to making sure you have someone that can take good photos, use proper judgement when deciding which photos to use for promotional purposes or show to others. If someone was skeptical about being photographed in the first place, make sure you have his or her permission first to either take a photo or use it later on. Keep in mind that not everyone may want his or her photo used for a promotional piece or shown to others and may be embarrassed if the photo shows up in a place he or she did not expect. Use your judgement and be considerate of someone else's privacy.
For your event, being able to host an event that is fun and enjoyable to others can be rewarding and beneficial but having the photos to prove the success of your event can be key later on.
While putting on a great event can be beneficial, there is one key component that can benefit your event or business in the future; taking pictures! It's not often that many pictures are taken at key events so designating someone to take photos can help out in the long run.
Even though it might sound like a lot of work, having photos of your event can help sell your business, your event and even yourself in the long run. Being able to tell people about your event is key but proving how much fun and enjoyment others with pictures can help sell your event in the future. Stories can sell but having the photos to prove it can help prove your point.
For example, when you look at wedding photos, it's very easy to see the emotion, the happiness and the fun times the people are having at an event like that. Wedding photographers capture all of the moments that happen during the ceremony and the reception. They capture the smiling faces of the bride and the groom, the fun the people are having while out on the dance floor, how happy the guests are, etc. These photos easily capture the emotion and the fun people are having at a glorious event and prove the a picture can say a thousand words.
For your event, find someone who can take photos but also take them well. Having photos is key but having photos that are framed well and clear will leave a better impression than blurry or distorted photos. You don't always need to hire a professional photographer at your event but make sure the photos you will have can be easily viewed and capture key moments.
In addition to making sure you have someone that can take good photos, use proper judgement when deciding which photos to use for promotional purposes or show to others. If someone was skeptical about being photographed in the first place, make sure you have his or her permission first to either take a photo or use it later on. Keep in mind that not everyone may want his or her photo used for a promotional piece or shown to others and may be embarrassed if the photo shows up in a place he or she did not expect. Use your judgement and be considerate of someone else's privacy.
For your event, being able to host an event that is fun and enjoyable to others can be rewarding and beneficial but having the photos to prove the success of your event can be key later on.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Having A Great Support Staff For Your Hobbies
Hobbies are great for any person to have. It helps develop who we are as people, provides us something to look forward to when we need to relax and helps connect us with other people at times. Being able to take part in a hobby gives us the opportunity to share your passion with others and develop relationships. By sharing your hobby with others, you can develop a great support staff with those who will stand by you the entire way.
Outside of work, one of my favorite hobbies is photography and the passion started with the support of others while I was in college. As a college freshman at Otterbein, I started taking my small point and shoot digital camera to some of our campus radio station events and took lots of different pictures. I hadn't really given much thought to getting involved with photography prior to that but I noticed I had a lot of fun taking pictures of the events and sharing them later on.
As I started taking more and more pictures, some of the other students who worked at the campus radio station started to take notice and encouraged me to take more photos. At every event I could be at, I had my small digital camera and took as many shots as I could with that. I even started taking shots of the band my one friend was in (and my friend's boyfriend) and it was on the night of one of their gigs my friend said something that inspired me to pursue the hobby further:
"Jeff, you ought to be a photographer."
Not too long after she said that, I decided it was time to get a bigger camera! Months later, as a birthday gift, I ended up with my Nikon D50 semi-professional camera and with the help of a photography class I took not too long after, the hobby took off!
During the rest of my college years, I took pictures for local sporting events, charity events on campus and even Greek Life activities. Many people appreciated my photos and those who had an opportunity to see my work often enjoyed looking at my pictures. Even my friends who inspired me as a freshman still took time to look at my pictures and offered me encouragement.
As my college years came to an end, I had new goals in mind for my photography hobby and the support system was still there. I got involved with my alma mater, Solon High School, and began taking pictures of their sporting events and often post the pictures on Facebook. The head football coach's son began to take notice of my work and has been one of my biggest supporters since I started taking pictures for the school. Several parents, coaches and a couple of school employees took notice and have served as a great support staff as well.
Whenever I go out and take my pictures, whether it is a local sporting event, a wedding, a stroll around the park or a car show, I always think back to the support I was given from the early start. My friends who inspired me while I was working for the campus radio station gave me the support I needed to get started and I am grateful for their guidance and friendships. Their support helped pave the path for one of my favorite hobbies and their guidance and the other support I have gotten along the way have helped inspire to keep taking more shots.
Outside of work, one of my favorite hobbies is photography and the passion started with the support of others while I was in college. As a college freshman at Otterbein, I started taking my small point and shoot digital camera to some of our campus radio station events and took lots of different pictures. I hadn't really given much thought to getting involved with photography prior to that but I noticed I had a lot of fun taking pictures of the events and sharing them later on.
As I started taking more and more pictures, some of the other students who worked at the campus radio station started to take notice and encouraged me to take more photos. At every event I could be at, I had my small digital camera and took as many shots as I could with that. I even started taking shots of the band my one friend was in (and my friend's boyfriend) and it was on the night of one of their gigs my friend said something that inspired me to pursue the hobby further:
"Jeff, you ought to be a photographer."
Not too long after she said that, I decided it was time to get a bigger camera! Months later, as a birthday gift, I ended up with my Nikon D50 semi-professional camera and with the help of a photography class I took not too long after, the hobby took off!
During the rest of my college years, I took pictures for local sporting events, charity events on campus and even Greek Life activities. Many people appreciated my photos and those who had an opportunity to see my work often enjoyed looking at my pictures. Even my friends who inspired me as a freshman still took time to look at my pictures and offered me encouragement.
As my college years came to an end, I had new goals in mind for my photography hobby and the support system was still there. I got involved with my alma mater, Solon High School, and began taking pictures of their sporting events and often post the pictures on Facebook. The head football coach's son began to take notice of my work and has been one of my biggest supporters since I started taking pictures for the school. Several parents, coaches and a couple of school employees took notice and have served as a great support staff as well.
Whenever I go out and take my pictures, whether it is a local sporting event, a wedding, a stroll around the park or a car show, I always think back to the support I was given from the early start. My friends who inspired me while I was working for the campus radio station gave me the support I needed to get started and I am grateful for their guidance and friendships. Their support helped pave the path for one of my favorite hobbies and their guidance and the other support I have gotten along the way have helped inspire to keep taking more shots.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Meeting People On A Date- Some Helpful Tips
While writing my last post, I couldn't help but think how some of the tips I had to building friendships and relationships can apply to dating as well. The situations are a little bit different but some of the same concepts can apply.
When on a date, it's important to take time to get to know the other person, be polite and be relaxed. Below are some of the same tips I had in my last post but how they can apply to dating:
1) Take Time To Get to Know the Other Person and Avoid Giving Your Own Verbal Autobiography - When dating someone, take the time to get to know the other person rather then provide your whole life story on the first date. Take time to get to know what the other person enjoys doing, his or her passions and interests. The key is to learn more about the other person and learn more about him or her to develop the relationship.
2) We Were Given Two Ears and One Mouth so We Can Listen Twice as Much as We Talk - I know I mentioned this in my last post but it does apply here as well. Listen to the other person when on your date and learn more about him or her. Talking too much could end up in monopolizing the conversation and may bore your date. Take the time to listen, learn more about the other person and you will be able to hold a conversation more easily then if you don't listen.
3) Make Eye Contact - If you don't make eye contact, people will notice. Eye contact is something that I have struggled with at times and people have noticed it when I didn't! Make sure to make eye contact with your date.
4) Relax- Going on a date for the first time can be a little nerve racking, however, being more relaxed will help you listen better, learn more about the other person and hold a conversation more easily.
5) Be Polite to the Person Serving You - No matter where you are at with your date, be polite to the people around you and serving you as well. For example, if you are at a restaurant, be polite to your server. Being impolite, impatient, or disrespectful could be a huge turnoff and may eliminate any chances of getting a future date with the person you are with. Treat the person who is your server as a friend and with respect. There is a big difference between saying "Hey server, get me a glass of water!" and "Excuse, when you have a moment, could I have another glass of water please?" and your date will know that as well.
6) If Possible, Turn Off Your Cell Phone and Avoid Looking at Messages or Calls When Sitting With the Person - Personally, I hate talking on my cell phone when I am with someone else and prefer to have it completely turned off so that any call will go straight to my voicemail and not be a distraction during the date. You can always respond to the message later but you can't always get a second chance with a person you ignored because you took a phone call or text message during the date.
7) Don't Be Down On Yourself If A Date Doesn't Work Out- We all have had dates that didn't quite work out or have gone out on dates with people we didn't feel a connection with during the interaction. It can be hard to take sometimes but don't take it personally and realize there are other people out there. If a date doesn't work out, be respectful to that person, don't blast him or her on Twitter, Facebook or in other forms of media and remember to respect his or her feelings. It's better to move on then to go out of your way to hurt someone else's feelings over a date that didn't work out. Even if you don't go out with this person again or become friends, the person will remember if you were polite and respectful.
When on a date, it's important to take time to get to know the other person, be polite and be relaxed. Below are some of the same tips I had in my last post but how they can apply to dating:
1) Take Time To Get to Know the Other Person and Avoid Giving Your Own Verbal Autobiography - When dating someone, take the time to get to know the other person rather then provide your whole life story on the first date. Take time to get to know what the other person enjoys doing, his or her passions and interests. The key is to learn more about the other person and learn more about him or her to develop the relationship.
2) We Were Given Two Ears and One Mouth so We Can Listen Twice as Much as We Talk - I know I mentioned this in my last post but it does apply here as well. Listen to the other person when on your date and learn more about him or her. Talking too much could end up in monopolizing the conversation and may bore your date. Take the time to listen, learn more about the other person and you will be able to hold a conversation more easily then if you don't listen.
3) Make Eye Contact - If you don't make eye contact, people will notice. Eye contact is something that I have struggled with at times and people have noticed it when I didn't! Make sure to make eye contact with your date.
4) Relax- Going on a date for the first time can be a little nerve racking, however, being more relaxed will help you listen better, learn more about the other person and hold a conversation more easily.
5) Be Polite to the Person Serving You - No matter where you are at with your date, be polite to the people around you and serving you as well. For example, if you are at a restaurant, be polite to your server. Being impolite, impatient, or disrespectful could be a huge turnoff and may eliminate any chances of getting a future date with the person you are with. Treat the person who is your server as a friend and with respect. There is a big difference between saying "Hey server, get me a glass of water!" and "Excuse, when you have a moment, could I have another glass of water please?" and your date will know that as well.
6) If Possible, Turn Off Your Cell Phone and Avoid Looking at Messages or Calls When Sitting With the Person - Personally, I hate talking on my cell phone when I am with someone else and prefer to have it completely turned off so that any call will go straight to my voicemail and not be a distraction during the date. You can always respond to the message later but you can't always get a second chance with a person you ignored because you took a phone call or text message during the date.
7) Don't Be Down On Yourself If A Date Doesn't Work Out- We all have had dates that didn't quite work out or have gone out on dates with people we didn't feel a connection with during the interaction. It can be hard to take sometimes but don't take it personally and realize there are other people out there. If a date doesn't work out, be respectful to that person, don't blast him or her on Twitter, Facebook or in other forms of media and remember to respect his or her feelings. It's better to move on then to go out of your way to hurt someone else's feelings over a date that didn't work out. Even if you don't go out with this person again or become friends, the person will remember if you were polite and respectful.
Meeting People For the First Time- Some Helpful Tips
Meeting new people is important in developing relationships and your personal and professional network. Being able to build friendships and relationships is important in life and can help build a support network when needed.
For some, meeting someone for the first time can be intimidating and nerve-racking. Making a first impression is important but is not as hard as you think.
Below are some tips for making the most out of meeting someone for the first time:
1) Take Time To Know The Other Person and Avoid Giving Your Own Verbal Autobiography - Monopolizing the conversation and only talking about yourself could be a turn off right away and might even bore the other person. Take time to find out what his or her interests are, what passions he or she might have and his or her interests. Take time to get to know the other person rather then re-living your entire life in just one conversation. It will show you are interested in getting to know the other person and not promoting yourself.
2) We Were Given Two Ears and One Mouth So We Could Listen Twice as Often as We Talk - Before my senior year of college, a network contact of mine (who I still keep in touch with to this day) mentioned this to me and it really resonated with me. Take the time to listen to the other person in conversation. By listening, you will know what to ask next, learn more about the person sitting across the table from you and be able to hold a conversation better. You will be able to find more to talk about and know more about the person in the end.
3) Make Eye Contact - I'll admit that I have trouble with this one at times and it is more noticeable then you think. If you aren't making eye contact, people will notice. Not making eye contact could be a turn off to some people. Make sure to make eye contact with the person and it may even help you listen better.
4) Be Relaxed - This one might be hard to do but relax when sitting down with someone for the first time. Meeting new people is something that will never change in life and be relaxed and calm during the first meeting. Being uptight could make it difficult to listen, hold a conversation or learn more about that person.
For some, meeting someone for the first time can be intimidating and nerve-racking. Making a first impression is important but is not as hard as you think.
Below are some tips for making the most out of meeting someone for the first time:
1) Take Time To Know The Other Person and Avoid Giving Your Own Verbal Autobiography - Monopolizing the conversation and only talking about yourself could be a turn off right away and might even bore the other person. Take time to find out what his or her interests are, what passions he or she might have and his or her interests. Take time to get to know the other person rather then re-living your entire life in just one conversation. It will show you are interested in getting to know the other person and not promoting yourself.
2) We Were Given Two Ears and One Mouth So We Could Listen Twice as Often as We Talk - Before my senior year of college, a network contact of mine (who I still keep in touch with to this day) mentioned this to me and it really resonated with me. Take the time to listen to the other person in conversation. By listening, you will know what to ask next, learn more about the person sitting across the table from you and be able to hold a conversation better. You will be able to find more to talk about and know more about the person in the end.
3) Make Eye Contact - I'll admit that I have trouble with this one at times and it is more noticeable then you think. If you aren't making eye contact, people will notice. Not making eye contact could be a turn off to some people. Make sure to make eye contact with the person and it may even help you listen better.
4) Be Relaxed - This one might be hard to do but relax when sitting down with someone for the first time. Meeting new people is something that will never change in life and be relaxed and calm during the first meeting. Being uptight could make it difficult to listen, hold a conversation or learn more about that person.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Facebook Tips
Over the years, Facebook has grown into one of the most popular forms of social media. What started out just on college campuses has grown into a worldwide form of communication. With more and more users each day, Facebook has developed into one of the most powerful and effective forms of social media today.
Even though Facebook is popular, many still question whether or not they wish to be apart of it. Fears over privacy, personal information and other concerns are often mentioned as reasons not to take part in it.
Not everyone has to have a Facebook account but for those of you who are considering, below are some tips for getting started:
1) Decide What You Want and Don't Want People To See - If you don't want people you don't know finding your phone number, don't put it on there. If you don't want people using your work e-mail or personal e-mail address to reach you, do not put it on there. Decide what information you want people to see and only put that on the profile. Do not put any information that you do not want people to see on your profile.
2) If You Don't Know Someone Requesting to Be Your Friend on Facebook, You Do Not Have To Accept the Request - Chances are, you will probably get a few friend requests from people you do not know. If you are not comfortable accepting the request, you do not have to add this person to your friends list. Avoid requesting to be friends with people you do not know and you never have to accept friend requests from those you do not know. You can send a message to clarify the person's identity but you do not have to accept the request if you are not comfortable.
3) Watch What You Put on Your Profile - It has been said many times before but be careful about the content you place in your profile. Just because a picture, video, phrase or joke might be funny to you, it may be offensive to others. If you aren't sure if someone will be offended by something, do not place it in your profile. You never know who may come across your profile and be offended by an inappropriate picture, video, joke or phrase.
4) Keep in Mind Current and Potential Employers May Monitor the Content in Your Profile- Similar to the third point mentioned in this post, watch what you say in your profile about other people or businesses. You never know when someone might catch wind of something posted on your profile. More and more businesses are monitoring what employees and job candidates are placing on their Facebook profiles and you will need to be careful what you say.
Even though Facebook is popular, many still question whether or not they wish to be apart of it. Fears over privacy, personal information and other concerns are often mentioned as reasons not to take part in it.
Not everyone has to have a Facebook account but for those of you who are considering, below are some tips for getting started:
1) Decide What You Want and Don't Want People To See - If you don't want people you don't know finding your phone number, don't put it on there. If you don't want people using your work e-mail or personal e-mail address to reach you, do not put it on there. Decide what information you want people to see and only put that on the profile. Do not put any information that you do not want people to see on your profile.
2) If You Don't Know Someone Requesting to Be Your Friend on Facebook, You Do Not Have To Accept the Request - Chances are, you will probably get a few friend requests from people you do not know. If you are not comfortable accepting the request, you do not have to add this person to your friends list. Avoid requesting to be friends with people you do not know and you never have to accept friend requests from those you do not know. You can send a message to clarify the person's identity but you do not have to accept the request if you are not comfortable.
3) Watch What You Put on Your Profile - It has been said many times before but be careful about the content you place in your profile. Just because a picture, video, phrase or joke might be funny to you, it may be offensive to others. If you aren't sure if someone will be offended by something, do not place it in your profile. You never know who may come across your profile and be offended by an inappropriate picture, video, joke or phrase.
4) Keep in Mind Current and Potential Employers May Monitor the Content in Your Profile- Similar to the third point mentioned in this post, watch what you say in your profile about other people or businesses. You never know when someone might catch wind of something posted on your profile. More and more businesses are monitoring what employees and job candidates are placing on their Facebook profiles and you will need to be careful what you say.
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