Effective Career Communication

A member of a team I was working with once sent a colleague a text after a meeting: "Interesting how you always step in to answer the tough questions." The sender meant it as a compliment: a recognition of confidence and leadership. The recipient read it as sarcasm: a passive-aggressive comment about dominating the conversation. One message. Two completely different realities. Ambiguity in the wording triggered strong emotions. Assumptions filled the blanks. And what could have been a moment to nurture the relationship turned into a moment that ruined it some. This happens all the time — at work, at home, with friends, with partners. We read between the lines. We project our fears, insecurities, or stress onto someone else’s words. We fill in the blanks with our own narrative. To me, this is a reminder that clarity really matters. Curiosity matters even more. Before reacting, pause and ask: What else could they have meant? And when you’re the one sending the message, consider how your words might land through someone else’s lens. Better yet — when in doubt, talk it out. Not by adding interpretations, but by listening for intent. #clarity #understanding #learning #communication #conflict #leadership #conversation #curiosity

After analyzing 1,000s of first impressions it’s clear: A first impression is made before you say a single word. And there are 3 mistakes costing you opportunities: For context, most people (especially introverts) want to believe their first impression starts when they start speaking. The science says otherwise: Someone decides if they like you, trust you or want to work with you, the moment they first see you - when you walk into a room, open a door, or even when someone looks at your profile picture. After analyzing thousands of first encounters, I've identified what I call the 'triple threat' of first impression mistakes that people unknowingly make: 1. Making yourself small: Tucking your arms close to your sides and hunching your shoulders signals low confidence and submissiveness. The less space you take up, the less powerful you appear. This is why waiting for your job interview or date while checking your phone is sabotaging you before you've said hello. Every time you look down at your device, you accidentally adopt what scientists call the 'universal defeat posture': - chin tucked - shoulders hunched - making yourself small In evolutionary terms, you literally look like a loser. (Yikes!) 2. Hiding your hands: When your hands are in pockets, under the table, or out of sight, it creates subconscious distrust. Evolutionarily, we need to see hands to feel safe and assess intentions. 3. Avoiding eye contact: We experience a chemical burst of oxytocin during direct eye contact, which increases trust and connection. Avoiding eye contact in those first few seconds prevents this critical bonding opportunity. Research shows these first impressions are lasting. If you've made a bad one, recovery is difficult - but not impossible if you practice the right body language. Instead, adopt the confident alternative: - keep your hands visible and expressive - take up appropriate space with good posture - make deliberate eye contact in the first few seconds Master these 3 elements and you'll create positive, accurate first impressions that open doors rather than close them.

How to Follow Up Without “Just Checking In” We’ve all sent those follow-up emails that start with “Just checking in to see if you’ve had a chance to…” And let’s be honest, they don’t feel great to send or receive. Here’s a better way: follow up like a human, not a salesperson. Instead of checking in, check back on something personal or meaningful from your last conversation: “Was thinking about you. How’d the triathlon in Mexico go?” “Last time we talked, you mentioned [specific topic]. Thought you might find this post/article/tool interesting.” These types of follow-ups do two things: 1. Show you’re paying attention. People like being remembered, especially for things that matter to them. 2. Keep the door open. You’re reminding them of your presence without being pushy. You’ll stand out as someone who cares, not just someone trying to close a deal. The switch? Checking in -> Checking back How do follow up when people aren’t ready to buy?

I’ve reviewed 500+ applications as a recruiter at Amazon, Microsoft, and TikTok. This is the kind of resume that gets rejected in 3 seconds. I'll break down why such resumes fail to create an impact and how you can avoid such mistakes. Problem 1: Too much, too soon Two degrees, 15+ courses, and 30+ tools listed - all in the top half. Recruiters don’t need a tech stack dump upfront. Instead: ➡️ Start with a skills summary tied to impact-driven achievements. ➡️ Highlight tools you’ve mastered, not dabbled in. Problem 2: Responsibilities ≠ results Worked with IT to maintain PC and network health. Okay... but how did it matter? Reduced downtime? Saved costs? Improved performance by X%? Instead: ➡️ Write impact-focused bullets — e.g., “Reduced network downtime by 35% through system upgrades.” Problem 3: Irrelevant experience Amazon Prime Shopper role at Whole Foods is listed in detail. Unless applying for retail or logistics, this distracts. Instead: ➡️ Group unrelated roles under a single “Other Experience” section. ➡️ Focus on transferable skills like teamwork, deadlines, or inventory handling — but keep it brief. Problem 4: Projects without purpose Projects sound impressive but lack outcomes. E.g., “Built an AI model to detect human emotion.” Questions recruiters ask: What accuracy did it achieve? Was it deployed? How did it solve a problem? Instead: ➡️ Add metrics — e.g., “Improved emotion detection accuracy by 20% and reduced processing time by 15%.” Here’s the hard truth: Most resumes don’t fail because candidates lack skills. They fail because they fail to communicate impact. If you're not receiving calls from recruiters despite applying to 100s of jobs, it could be due to your resume. Repost this if you found value. P.S. Follow me if you are an Indian job seeker in the U.S. I share insights on job search, interview prep, and more.

A few years ago, I was in a high stakes meeting with colleagues from Japan. I presented my points confidently, thinking I was making a great impression. But as I scanned the room, I saw blank expressions. No nods. No engagement. Just silence. I panicked. Had I said something wrong? Was my idea unconvincing? After the meeting, one of my Japanese colleagues pulled me aside and said, “Sumit, we really want to understand you, but you speak too fast.” That was my light bulb moment. For years, I assumed that mastering English and business communication was enough to build strong global relationships. But the real challenge wasn’t just the language - it was the rate of speech! Most of us don’t realize that speaking speed varies drastically across cultures. Here’s an eye-opener: ·      In India, we typically speak at 120–150 words per minute. ·      The global standard for clear communication is around 60–80 words per minute. ·      In Japan, where English is not the first language, this rate drops even further. So, what happens when we, as fast speakers, communicate with someone who is used to a much slower pace? Our words blur together. The listener struggles to process. And instead of making an impact, we create confusion. We often assume that if people don’t understand us, we need to repeat ourselves. But the truth is, we don’t need to repeat - we need to slow down, simplify, and pause. If you work in a multicultural environment, here are three things that can dramatically improve your communication: a.   Control your pace: Consciously slow down when speaking to an international audience. What feels “normal” to you might be too fast for them. b.   Use simple language: Smaller sentences. Easier words (vocabulary). c.    Pause & check for understanding: Don’t assume silence means agreement. Ask, “Does that make sense?” or “Would you like me to clarify anything?” I’ve seen professionals struggle in global roles - not because they lack expertise, but because they fail to adjust their communication style to their audience. I’ve also seen leaders who thrive across cultures, simply because they master the art of respectful, clear, and paced communication. If you want to succeed in a global workplace, rate of speech is not just a skill - it’s a strategy. Have you ever faced challenges due to differences in speaking speed? Let’s discuss. #GlobalCommunication #CrossCulturalLeadership #EffectiveCommunication #SoftSkills #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceSuccess #HR

You can’t be a successful leader without having a clear direction. I've witnessed firsthand how a lack of clear direction can leave teams feeling confused and disengaged. In times of change or uncertainty, it's even more crucial to paint a compelling picture of the future. People need to see the end game – the "why" behind the effort – in order to fully commit and contribute their best. Communicating that vision effectively is where many leaders fall short. It's not just about creating a plan, it's about creating a sense of shared purpose. This requires: • Clarity ↳ Paint a vivid picture of the destination, making it tangible and relatable. • Transparency ↳ Be honest about the challenges and obstacles, but also emphasize the potential rewards. • Empathy ↳ Understand your team's concerns and address them directly. Make space for dialogue and feedback. When you invest in effective communication and create a shared sense of purpose, you unleash the power of your team. So, don't just tell your team where you're going – show them the path, light the way. And inspire them to take every step with you.

7 Follow-Ups To Send When You Hear Nothing (Use These To Reduce Ghosting By 5x) 1. After You Apply (48–72 Hours)  A short, focused note to the recruiter or hiring manager expressing why you think you're a fit (with measurable results) can boost your application views. For example:  “Hi [Name], I just applied for the [role] at [Company]. In my previous role, we [wins from previous role that apply to JD – e.g., “boosted free-to-paid rates by 15% through targeted CRM campaigns”]. I'm excited to bring similar results to [Company].” 2. After a Recruiter Screen (3–4 Business Days)  Silence here is usually bandwidth, not rejection.  Nudge with a value tied to what they said. For example:  “Hi [Name], great chatting on [Date]! You mentioned [team goal]. I drafted 3 ideas to move it: [Idea 1/2/3]. Is [day/time] good to discuss round two?” 3. After a Hiring-Manager Interview (5–7 Days)  Summarize your approach and expected impact so they can react fast. Then, invite specific feedback. Here's how:  “Hi [Name], I sent the assignment on [Date]. My approach aims to move [KPI] from [baseline] → [target] in [timeframe]. I’d value your feedback and next steps!” 4. After You Submit a Take-Home (~72 Hours)  You don't need “Lead” or “Head” in your job title to prove leadership.  You can showcase initiative by telling a story that demonstrates initiative. For example:  “When our trial churn spiked, I brought Customer Success and Product Management together and shared the data. We piloted day-three reminder emails and churn dropped 19%.” 5. After A Referral Or Warm Intro (48–72 Hours)  Referrals work best when you name the connector and show relevance fast. Here's how you can reach out:  “Hi [Name], [Referrer] suggested I reach out about [Role]. In my past role at [Company], I [result + metric] with [tool/industry]. Could we book 15 min to see if my background fits?” 6. After Final Round (~1 Week)  Ask for decision timing and the criteria they’re weighing.  Then, offer to close gaps. Here's a template:  “Hi [Name], thanks again for the final round on [Date]. Can I ask what the decision timeline is and what criteria you are weighing for the offer? I’m happy to share anything else you need!” 7. The Polite “Breakup” (After 2–3 Nudges, No Reply)  Protect your time and keep the relationship warm.  Closing the loop often triggers a response. Leave the door open. Here's how:  “Hi [Name], I don’t want to crowd your inbox. If the process paused or moved on, no worries. Please let me know, and I’ll close the loop. If you’re still interested, I’m excited to continue.” Ready To Turn Crickets Into Offers? 🔄 Jared couldn’t get traction switching fields until we refined his follow-up and positioning strategy. 👉 Want the script + timing for each step? Grab a free 30-min Clarity Call: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

When raising our $780k pre-seed, I spent much time thinking about how to pitch and not enough time on what to pitch for different situations. Here are the three pitches founders need to have in their back pocket. 1️⃣ 1-Minute Elevator Pitch Perfect for networking sessions where you have little time to make an impression. Keep it concise and impactful by focusing on these key points - 1. Company - your company and mission statement. 2. Vision - what the world looks like if you’re successful. 3. Traction - revenue, # of users, etc. 4. The Ask - details of your raise Here’s my elevator pitch for Chezie: “Chezie is poised to help 57,000+ companies around the world create better products, build more inclusive workplaces, and ultimately drive business results by reimagining what’s possible with their most underutilized asset: employee resource groups.” 2️⃣ 5-Minute Vision Pitch Ideal for pitch competitions and accelerator interviews where you have a bit more time to elaborate but still need to be concise. Include these elements - 1. Company 2. Traction 3. Problem - explain the problem you solve and for whom you solve it. 4. Solution - explain your product/service. 5. Vision 6. Team - Highlight your team's strengths and expertise. 7. The Ask 3️⃣ 10-Minute Full Pitch To be used for traditional, one-on-one investor meetings where you can provide a detailed overview of your startup. Cover all bases with these points: 1. Company 2. Traction 3. Problem 4. Solution 5. Vision 6. Market Opportunity - detail the size of your market and how you calculated it. 7. Business Model - describe how your company makes money. 8. Competition - review your competitors and what makes you different. 9. Go to Market - explain how you get in front of customers. 10. Team 11. The Ask Knowing what to pitch for is as important as knowing how to pitch! Change these based on what works for you, but this should be a good starting point for underrepresented founders. #blackfounders #fundraising #pitches

Some consultants (and employees) are overpriced because they don’t deliver any value, while others look overpriced because they don’t explain their value. Everyone needs an elevator pitch. Most pitches start with the person making the pitch, and that’s why they fail. Here’s what I mean. An initial assessment at an SME takes 3 weeks and costs $55,000. V-Squared delivers a lot of value quickly because we’ve been doing it longer than…blah, blah, blah, no one’s listening. The customer, client, or employer must be at the center of the elevator pitch. A pitch that’s all about me says I’m focused on my value, not theirs. Let’s try again. SMEs waste 1-3 years and $1-$5 million building the wrong things with AI. In 3 weeks, we teach the business to find its highest-value opportunities and use value-based prioritization, putting it on the path to realizing early returns in 6 months or less. How should we respond when they ask, “How much?” -> A lot less than $1 million. We charge $55,000 to derisk your AI budget and clarify which use cases will deliver both short and long-term value. Elevator pitches are intentionally incomplete to create space for questions that start a 2-way conversation. There’s a difference between talking at customers and talking with customers. Resumes and presentations don’t land senior++ jobs, secure funding, create buy-in for initiatives, or get contracts signed. Customers and employers pay for outcomes.

"Let me know if you have any questions." "Happy to discuss further." "Looking forward to your thoughts." Every time you end a follow-up with these wimpy closes, you're asking busy executives to do work they won't do. They're not going to think of questions. They're not going to schedule a follow-up call. They're not going to send you their thoughts. They're going to delete your email and move on with their actual job. The fix is making the next step so easy that a drunk executive could do it. Instead of "let me know if you have questions," embed your calendar link directly in the email. One click to book time. Instead of "happy to discuss further," Create a simple yes/no decision box: "Ready to see the ROI calculation? Yes | No" Instead of hoping they'll respond with their availability, give them three specific time slots to choose from. The most powerful follow-up technique? Use their exact words from your call. When Jessica said she's "bleeding money on software licenses," don't paraphrase it. Quote it exactly. Reference her Thursday board meeting. Add one insight she didn't know. There's nothing more impossible to ignore than hearing your own words reflected back with new value attached. Your generic templates sound like every other vendor they're ghosting. But your personalized follow-ups that reference specific moments from your conversation get responses. Stop making prospects do the work of figuring out next steps. Start making it obvious how they move forward. Every follow-up is life or death for your deal. Most AEs are committing suicide with their own emails. Don’t be like most AEs.