Many financial analysts have solid financial background and qualifications. How can you differentiate yourself from your peers in the competitive financial industry? Strong people skills can be the distinguishing factor, assuming you and your peers offer similar level of value to the organization. Here are five characteristics that will help your colleagues to better know [...]

I can’t believe I did it again. I said “yes” to an invitation when what I really wanted to say was “no”. It’s been a long time since I had given in to a friendly nudge. I knew all too well that my schedule this month is fully booked. I didn’t want to disappoint my [...]

As a financial analyst, you will be come across plenty of networking occasions. Do you get intimidated in business networking with higher ups or clients you’ve never met? Do you sometimes feel like you don’t know what to say or how to behave?
Some people have a knack for socializing. If you’re not one of them, [...]

As a financial analyst, you’ll be making countless presentations throughout your career and you’ll be listening to countless others. We’d all be doing everyone a favor if we can liven up the presentations with some powerful visuals.
I’d like to share with you some sample slides from Garr Reynolds, an expert on professional presentation design. Garr [...]

You’ve researched your company’s products and you’ve practiced your irresistible script. You’re almost ready to make the call. Here are a few tactical tips for cold-calling.
Time your calls. Depending on your prospects, try to determine the best time of the day to call. If you’re calling your prospect at the office, there’s a better chance [...]

Do any of you financial analysts out there hate cold-calling? Learn to master it. It is your ultimate training in marketing. Imagine what it can do for your career when you can sell your products to strangers over the phone?
As a financial analyst, you’re always marketing something. Before you can even step foot in the [...]

Two weeks ago, I mentioned that outstanding presentation skills have the ability to accelerate your career progress in the article Differentiate with Exceptional Presentation Skills. This week, Andrew Dlugan wrote 10 Ways Your Presentation Skills Generate Career Promotions.
His observations are spot on. I encourage you to read his article. Andrew Dlugan is an expert on [...]

I recently attended a presentation on the US economic outlook by a well known fund manager. I have no doubt the speaker is very knowledgeable and his investment track record speaks for itself. Yet, his presentation was a disappointment.
The sad truth is that his was a rather typical business presentation.
After about three minutes of conversational [...]

I was having a daily chat yesterday with my 15-year old son Kenneth. Usually our conversations are centered on his passions, namely Apple computers or digital photography and at times, sports. He loves tech talks. Since I’m not a tech person, I need to pay double close attention to follow what he says.
Yesterday was different. [...]