Brenda Eckstein International

Strategy, Leadership, Integral Coaching and Communication consulting

The Power of Networking

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It is exciting that Rob Salisbury and Monika Newman have again produced a compilation e-book covering contributions from leaders in the professional speaking industry who are based in many countries.  Congratulations to both Rob and Monika on the excellence of their endeavours and for producing “Motivating Your Mind – Inspiring Your Spirit”. 
 
 
I’m delighted to have again been invited to write an article for this, their latest book.  It shows the power of networking!  I have known Rob for many years, in fact, since 2003 when I joined the National Speakers Association of Australia, now known as Professional Speakers Australia.  Rob is one of the past presidents having held top leadership positions in the organisation.  Through him I was introduced to Monika and we interacted at various conferences, conventions and chapter meetings in Australia.  These encounters are interesting as I’m based in South Africa (but visit Australia as often as possible), Monika is based in Sydney, Australia and Rob in Singapore!
 
What intrigues me, too, is how I have met and know so many of the contributers  and their writing is a reflection of their professional speaking, training and coaching careers.  So this book really is a consolidation of relationships built over time.
 
As a contributer I’m delighted to share “Motivating Your Mind – Inspiring Your Spirit for 2017” with you on a complimentary basis.  To access your free copy please follow these steps:
  • Click here.
  • Scroll down on the table of contents and click on Brenda Eckstein.
  • Click on the download button in the top right hand corner of your screen or right click on the download button to either do a direct download or to save to your dropbox.
Once downloaded, my article can easily be found.  In the table of contents, click on Brenda Eckstein and this will lead you to:
  • Punctuate your Life with Purpose – page 30 - 31
Enjoy reading the rest of the book, too.
 
My questions for you are:
  • Which articles are most relevant to the work you do?
  • How can you use specific ideas in other areas of your life – for example in community work?
  • Who are the writers whose work most appeals to you?
  • In which ways could you follow Rob and Monika’s example – or connect with them?
  • What could you to do to connect with the writers of these articles?
  • How are you going to build relationships through reading these stories?

Networking Savvy: The faces behind the websites

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This week’s topic ‘Networking Savvy’ forms the ‘launching pad’ of our brand new ‘EYES’ (Enhance Your Executive Skills) course that begins this Thursday, October 11.  This six-week course combines training and coaching.  I’m delighted to be developing this programme immediately after another exciting trip to Australia where I was again able to attend high-value meetings.  One of these was an ICF  (International Coach Federation) meeting in Sydney.  The presenter, Dr Hilary Armstrong of ‘The Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership’ discussed ‘Executive Coaching in an Increasingly Politicised Workplace’.    She said that leaders, in order to develop ‘political savvy’ need to hone their ‘networking’ and ‘collaboration’ skills!  (Isn’t this ‘music to the ears’!)  These are people skills involving communication and this combination presents interesting challenges to us as coaches. 

Let me give you some background:  Seven years ago when I wrote my first book on personal networking,  ‘Networking Tactics:  a guide to achieving success through personal networking’ and even when the second book, ‘ABCs of effective networking:  fifty-two ways to achieve success’ was published, social media was not a part of our daily lives.  They continue to gain importance.  However, the more we use electronic media for our communications, the more we need to be reminded of the importance of building positive personal relationships. This impacts on our ability to network and collaborate.  And quality conversation is a key factor.

In Sydney I have a wonderful network of family, friends and business associates.  And many of these have websites.  There is power in linking ‘the face behind the website’ with ‘the face of the business’.  By combining technology and our people skills we can generate even more interest and increase understanding.  This also links to ‘corporate branding’ and ‘personal branding.’

As an example I have chosen 7 of the people I enjoy meeting with.  I have given a few lines on each and then given you a link to their websites.  So, have a look at the photos, read what I have said about each and then go to their websites. (So, indirectly, you’ll be networking with them, too!)  You’ll be fascinated by these interesting people and the work they do.  And of course, you are welcome to contact them!  You won’t be disappointed!  That is networking at its best!

 

Gary Eckstein is an excellent example of a person who combines technical expertise and people skills.  His research for his MBA at a top university involved ‘e-marketing’.  As a business consultant, working with a range of clients he helps develop and optimise websites.  (Have a look at my website!) I believe that part of Gary’s success lies in his excellent ability to hold quality conversations. I really enjoy meeting him for coffee – we can talk for hours.   He meets local clients ‘face-to-face’ and being so approachable is part of the success of his business.   

 

 

Rodney Marks is a colourful character who humorously presents relevant and meaningful messages which leave an indelible impression.  A Harvard graduate, he is able to provide a  philosophical, yet seriously funny, approach to any topic.  I have heard him speak on numerous occasions and been enthralled each time.   In addition, he works in conjunction with his two sons.   Benjamin is a comedy-writer and Joshua is a film-maker. A former Past President of the NSW Chapter of NSAA, and also of the national body, he has been awarded various honours for the work he performs. And these have been richly deserved.   One-on-one, Rodney is also an excellent conversationalist.   

 

Kim McGuiness inspires and motivates.  Her monthly ‘Network Central’ breakfasts in the upmarket ‘Tea Room’ in the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney are a resounding success.  Corporate women and business owners throng to be part of these high-powered events.  As the organiser and MC Kim sets the scene in a professional, yet warm and friendly way.  Her speakers shine – because she helps them to do their best!  In addition to the breakfasts in Sydney and Melbourne, there are mentoring programmes that really work, and may other initiatives that she is involved in.   I always enjoy having coffee with Kim, too.  

Dr Jane Goodall with Andrew O’Keeffe
www.hardwiredhumans.com

Andrew O’Keeffe remains a warm and friendly guy who always seems pleased to meet for coffee despite his outstanding success and busy schedule.  It has been exciting watching Andrew climb from (almost) obscurity to his current position as sought-after author and speaker.  His messages are powerful about the implication of our social nature to leadership.  And his link to Dr Jane Goodall and her institute adds even more depth and interest to his work.  He describes ‘Hardwired Humans’ as ‘designing people strategies based on human instincts’.  Well done, Andrew! 

 

Danny Beran certainly is a ‘doctor with a difference’! His entrepreneurial approach and provocative spirit certainly dispel complacency.  Conversations are of a high quality and leave me with lots to think about!

I first met Danny when he was in the process of completing his book:  ‘Ten questions you must answer before you die’. As a coach my work involves conversations and asking the right questions so this was of great interest to me.   His written message made a huge impact and so do our conversations.  His kindness, warmth and caring reflect the essence of his book.  It is a privilege to spend time with Danny.    

 

Jan Sky is a charming, dignified and competent person who inspires confidence.  There is great synergy between the work we do as Jan is also a trainer, coach, author and speaker.  When we met recently for coffee, I was fascinated to hear that she has recently presented in Finland and The Netherlands.  Her book, ‘The Many Parts of You’ (published in English and Finnish) has now been extended to a set of cards.  These are a useful tool used to identify both inhibitive and supportive factors to positive behaviour change, helping teams and individuals to achieve their goals.   

 

Russell Johnson
www.epr.com.au

 

Russell Johnson was referred to me by Thevan Krishna, some-one whose friendship I value highly.  So I met Russell for the first time last week at his office with a stunningly beautiful view in Sydney. Our fascinating conversation lasted over an hour.  I’m intrigued by the way he combines a number of my key focus areas in helping high ranking executives to manage their careers.  His programmes include coaching (to recognise and develop their own potential), personal strategy, leadership and communication skills development and of course, networking.   I’m looking forward to our next conversation!  In the meantime, please visit his website and study the amazing information there.  

Quality conversation is important to me and I’m privileged to have positive relationships with such fascinating individuals.  Visit their websites – you won’t be disappointed!

 

Choosing A Learning Management System

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Gary is a trainer and technology consultant based in Sydney, Australia. Contact Gary at gary@eckstein.id.au for assistance in selecting and implementing Learning Management Systems.

Learning and development (L&D) makes business sense for most organizations. The significant advantages include increased employee motivation and improved employee skills and capabilities in addition to satisfying the various legal and stakeholder requirements to develop staff. Keeping records in relation to L&D is necessary (in Australia electronic records often need to be kept for 30 years) as is making L&D accessible and relevant for employees. A significant portion of L&D involves training and this is the focus of this article.

The needs of learners have changed markedly over the past decade. With the proliferation of technology in business as well as in everyday life, learning is increasingly becoming decentralised and varied in content and method. Whereas ‘classroom’ teaching alone may have satisfied most learners a few years ago, combinations of media and extension of geographic reach are becoming necessary (increasingly video, wikis, blogs and the like are being combined to form successful training materials).

The solution to the changing training landscape has been in the form of software suites called Learning Management Systems (LMS). These software systems combine course content (for online education for example), assignments and records of attendance and attainment making them a single solution for managing most aspects of training in organizations, both educational and in other industries. The uptake of LMS has been rapid, particularly with the widespread use of Internet connectivity. The first widespread ‘wave’ of LMS use began in the late 1990s with the adoption of learning software systems in large corporate enterprises, government departments and larger educational institutions such as universities. We are however on the cusp of a new wave of LMS implementations.

Due to the improving capabilities along with increased support and reliability of General Public License (GPL i.e. free to implement and use) Learning Management Systems, the Return on Investment (ROI) of implementing and maintaining a LMS is proving attractive to medium and even some small size organizations. Whereas in the past LMS cost a fortune to license, implement and maintain, the costs have become affordable to smaller organizations particularly when weighed against the benefits that may be attained. This is resulting in a new wave in rapid uptake and implementation of Learning Management Systems.

The major proprietary Learning Management System developers and vendors had a very valid argument for persuading potential customers to ignore GPL systems; GPL systems lacked support, were short on features and were unreliable. Unfortunately for the major proprietary LMS vendors, the tables have turned; GPL systems are now often more reliable, have more features, have a far broader support based (such as documentation and online forums) and are simpler to implement than the propriety systems.

If your organization is thinking of implementing or updating a LMS it is thoroughly advisable to consider some of the GPL alternatives such as Moodle, Ilias and Claroline. Nowadays a strong case needs to be made to implement a non-GPL LMS.

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