In our last post about Emotional Intelligence (EI), we covered what it is, how to recognize it in the people around you, and a few real-life examples of EI in action. Now that we have the basics down, how can we work to develop or strengthen our own EI for more personal and professional success?… Read More
Author: Michelle McCafferty
Michelle joined the Proforma team in 2008. As the Manager of Business Development for Major Accounts, she helps Proforma Owners win new and grow existing programs through proposal and presentation development, as well as periodic Relationship Reviews. Before joining Proforma, Michelle attended Cleveland State University where she earned a degree in Journalism and Promotional Communication.
“Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand the way people feel and react and to use this skill to make good judgements and to avoid or solve problems.” The Cambridge Dictionary What is Emotional Intelligence? The concept of emotional intelligence (EI) started gaining ground in 1995 with a book called Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter… Read More
Technology makes it possible to plug in from anywhere, but it can be hard to create a collaborative environment when working with a remote team. When the people you work with most often don’t share a physical space, effective communication and organization become key. Here are three tips to help overcome the challenges of working… Read More
Landing a new account is just the beginning. Keeping that business customer taken care of and satisfied is the key to building a solid relationship. But neither is easy and is often complex and time consuming. If you ever find yourself wondering why your close rate for new business is falling short of your goals… Read More
Anyone responsible for coordinating projects and campaigns appreciates the value of a team they can trust. Keeping every aspect moving on time and in the right direction can be a challenge, even when all collaborators are in-house. So when a project manager needs to outsource some or all of the work, relying on the wrong… Read More
Tips for Celebrating Festivus at Work
With December 23 fast-approaching, it’s time to get serious about your plans for FestivusTM. Don’t be distracted by bright lights, shiny tinsel, and the same three snowman songs looping on the overhead speakers. FestivusTM requires focus. Here are some tips for buckling down and making it the most productive one yet. Airing of Grievances Chances… Read More
For Success in Business and Life, Look for People Who are Not Like You
It’s human nature to find comfort in the familiar. Most of us take the same route to work every day, even though there are probably other ways to go. Despite repeated attempts to try something new at a favorite restaurant, many stick with the tried and true. And, when it comes to human connections, we… Read More
Five Signs a Prospect is Playing You
In this busy world of ours, nobody wants to waste their own time. Unfortunately, there are folks out there who won’t think twice about wasting yours. So how can you save yourself from falling into a trap? Over almost seven years of responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and attempting to delicately balance just how… Read More
Are Your Print & Promotional Programs Bringing Value?
Did you know that your print and promotional products can do more than just fill a need? Rather than simply calling in your next order of business cards or sourcing water bottles for your spring trade show, consider some of these possibilities to start adding value through your print and promotional programs: 1. Automating processes significantly reduces… Read More
A Partnership Approach with Suppliers Will Benefit Your Business
At Proforma, we’re proud to serve as strategic partners to our clients, rather than simply product vendors. Because it’s never really about products anyway. It’s about targeting promotions to drive revenue, simplifying buying processes and technology to streamline workflows, and – quite simply – freeing your time to focus on activities that directly impact your… Read More
3 Simple Tips for Keeping Group Projects Running Smoothly
Sometimes the simplest actions can make the biggest difference. Here are three practices our team follows for group projects to make sure everyone is rowing in the same direction: Send out agendas before calls We want to make sure we’re not misusing anyone’s time with meetings that beat around the bush or don’t have a clear… Read More
Simple Tips for Attending Your First Tradeshow
So you’re six months into your new job and… surprise! You’re scheduled to attend the company’s biggest annual event. It’s a great opportunity to learn and meet new people, but long days on your feet and being away from home can create challenges. Here are some simple tips for keeping it all together and capitalizing… Read More