The MicroTrain Blog

Project management communication tools

by Donna Russell on August 23rd, 2010

TOPIC:   Virtual Teams and Project Management tools

Recently, the Project Management Institute-Chicagoland chapter had a dinner meeting regarding the use of Skype in regards to enhancing communication in virtual teams.  Having the capability to see someone that you are talking with and communicating with helps project managers assess understanding of expectations and can signal other aspects of team members needs like over allocation. 

Skype is getting more and more popular.  I was first introduced to Skype’s capabilities when my nephew was in IRAQ and we could talk to him on Sunday’s via a small inexpensive camera attached to our home computer with the use of Skype software.   Since that time, you may have seen me show the film, THE FUTURE OF WORK, on Youtube. 

Have you had practical use of Skype and what can you share regarding this fascinating team communication tool?  What other tools have you used to enhance Project team communications?

Why Networking Works for Project Managers

by Donna Russell on March 10th, 2010

Networking has been and always will be the tool and technique used by project managers in regards to building and securing their project teams.  Networking also works well when integrated into the career of project managers to help them find and secure their next project management opportunity.

Why Network?

No longer can a project manager sit in an office and manipulate software to get work done -- work is done through people.  It takes communication: up to 90% as evidenced on the PMP exam to accomplish successful projects.  If not assigned to you, you are networking and negotiating to find your dream team (and I don't mean the dream team that gives you nightmares).  I mean the team of qualified, subject matter experts that will accomplish the goals and objectives of your project. 

Building a solid networking list will help you when you need to replace or add people to you team for reasons outside of your control.

Benefits to you career:  If you have taken my PMP certification class, you know that I am a strong proponent of networking using handbills.  Handbills, if done correctly can facilitate the discussion with anyone in regards to your next career opportunity.  There are many project managers that have found out that when they network, they give more than they get! 

You may say, "Really?"

This is the secret behind successful networking -- helping others in their career pursuits.  Give me your thoughts!

 

 

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I attended a resume writing seminar & conducted mock phone interviews with a Microtrain career counselor. These two activities gave me a leg up on distinguishing myself from all the other people looking for work. Since the career counselor's at Microtrain had a track record of getting people hired, their insight and positive past experiences helped me tremendously in getting hired with a Cisco Voice Systems Integrator in the Chicago area. I was hired as a Cisco Voice Tech Engineer with a starting salary of $65,000 / year with a Cisco voice systems reseller located in the Chicagoland area. Microtrain was very instramental in making this a reality. From expediting my WIA grant, to providing excellent hands-on training from knowledgable instructors I was able to achieve becoming certified with my CCNP. Microtrain's career services was the final catalyst in connecting me with this company by communicating with them on my behalf and with me in setting up the interview. One week later and I was hired. No joke. Thanks Microtrain!

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