Events
Sound Advice
Back in 1959, physicists worked out that noise levels at social gatherings remained manageable as long as people having conversations could hear each other over the “background noise.” As soon as indirect sound exceeds direct sound, people begin to raise their voices, starting a chain reaction that will cause the volume in the room to skyrocket. According to WIRED magazine, researchers in Italy have now figured out a ratio to determine when that threshold is reached in a room: If you want to throw an event where guests can hear each other — or more important, your salespeople — invite no more than one person for every 21 square feet, or about 24 people for a 500-square-foot room.
FINANCES
Mention the Competition
When applying for a business loan at a bank, it’s important to show that you have a thorough knowledge of the business and have spent time thinking about the competitive landscape, says celebrated entrepreneur Richard Branson. Writing in Business Review Weekly, he says: “If a bank or other investor is looking at your business, then they’ve probably looked at your competitors as well. Show you understand your competition and irreverently explain why your business will do better. Don’t be overly negative. At best you’ll seem humorless and self-important and at worst like you don’t take your competitors seriously enough.”
SKILLS
End on a Strong Note
There’s something to be said for ending on a high note, says business coach and author Josh Waitzkin, citing a lesson he learned from World Cup skier Billy Kidd, who insisted on ending his runs on the flat with as much intention as the more critical parts of the slope. “As Billy points out, if your last three turns are precise, then what you’re internalizing on the lift ride up is precision. So, I carry this on to the guys who I train in the finance world, for example: ending the workday with very high quality, which for one thing means you’re internalizing quality overnight.”
ENGAGEMENT
Go First
In a world where it feels people are increasingly opting out of personal engagement, a “go first” mindset can be a game-changer, says podcaster and former pro volleyball player Gabby Reece: “I always say that I’ll go first … That means if I’m checking out at the store, I’ll say hello first. If I’m coming across somebody and make eye contact, I’ll smile first. [I wish] people would experiment with that in their life a little bit. Be first, because — not all times, but most times — it comes in your favor. The response is pretty amazing because now we’re being trained in this world to opt out — nobody’s going first anymore.”
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TECHNOLOGY
Track Who’s Sharing Your Email
Want to add a layer of control to your Gmail account? Use this trick, which allows you to create variations of your email address by inserting a plus sign (+) and additional text before the “@” symbol. For example, if your email is “example@gmail.com,” you can use “example+shopping@gmail.com,” “example+newsletters@gmail.com,” or “example+work@gmail.com” for different purposes. Not only does it help you manage emails but when signing up for newsletters or other subscriptions, you can see who’s sharing your information or sending you junk mail.
MANAGEMENT
Insecure? You Decide
It’s true, be a critical boss and your staff will think more highly of your expertise, be it eyecare or store management. But they are also more likely to leave your employ and are less likely to suggest improvements even when they know what could improve an area of business. That’s the conclusion of The Knowing-Doing Gap, a book by Jeff Pfeffer and Bob Sutton that cites reams of research. Their advice if this is an issue at your store: Stop being so insecure.
SALES
Force That Smile
Having trouble getting in the mood to venture out on the sales floor? Place a pen or pencil horizontally between your teeth, and bite. Doing this essentially forces you to smile. The muscles around your mouth and eyes contract, your brain gets the message that you’re relaxed, and sure enough your mood improves, and you feel warm and ready to engage with other humans. Social psychologists call this facial feedback.
