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What Are You Contributing to the Conversation?
Posted by Cindy Kraft (CFO Coach), Jun 14, 2010, 15:03 PM (view user's blog)
Do you show up and if so, what are you contributing to the conversation?Nothing? Noise? Value?
There’s a global conversation happening and you can either choose to be a part of it or refuse to engage. If the choice is to not participate, you do so at your own peril ... because the conversation will go on without you.
If you do engage, what are you contributing? Is it something of value that benefits your target audience? Or, is it self-indulgent noise that detracts from your executive brand? What you say, how you say, and how often you participate ... does matter.
Blank slate ... In the evolving Web 2.0 world, this finance executive might show up but he contributes nothing to the conversation. Either he is too busy, is networking-challenged, or perhaps sees no value in engaging. If he shows up, his Linked In profile is bereft of any details that would position him as a high-value candidate. At best, this executive is a place holder. At worst, he may be spiraling towards extinction.
Branding nightmare ... It’s all about me. It’s the other guy’s fault. That company discriminates. That recruiter isn’t listening. Noise ... and it sends the wrong message. Since authenticity is key in creating a branded, visible presence ... you ARE sending a message with every post whether you realize it or not.
Differentiation ... What are you reading? What conferences or seminars are you attending? Are you presenting or serving on a panel discussion? What resources have you found? Are you in a leadership position with an organization such as FEI? What are you curious about from a professional perspective? Social media is about sharing, not selling. Finance executives who embrace this mentality create visible distinction for themselves as subject matter experts and high-value targets.
Do you show up and if so, what are you contributing to the conversation?
- Communication Skills
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Comments
Agree Completely!
To successfully "ride" the current wave of change and uncertainty, you have to stay on top. You have to stay current, be the one with fresh ideas, be the "problem solver". And not just once, but over and over and over.
It's important to make time, no matter how crazy your schedule becomes, every day for some type of professional development.
It's also important to step back and ask what you are contributing, what have you done lately?
Tanks for a great article!
Conversation
Thanks for reading, Sheila ... and for taking time to contribute to the conversation!
Cindy
keeping up
I have retained my active CPA license, which requires 40 hrs/year of continuing education (CPE). However, even before I obtained the license, I always achieved the required CPE, so I would always be fresh in both my field (accounting), but also in management, human resource, legal, and technology. I still do, and maintain an active membership in FEI (Financial Executives International), FENG (Financial Executive Networking Group, and COO Forum. Exposing myself to new ideas and processes allows me to continue to grow and become more valuable to companies that utilize my services.