Having an effective conversation is one of the most essential components of the business world.  EVERYONE should know how to have an effective conversation – no matter what role you play.  Employees, managers, stakeholders, and executives alike should know how to get a point across effectively, while still being polite, approachable, and memorable.

Whether you are sitting around a conference room on a Tuesday morning, or at a high-power networking event, here are 5 important points to remember about holding a memorable conversation:

5 Do's:

1.  Listen more than you talk – Ever heard of conversational narcissism?  It's not pretty and most people don't want to hear it.

2.  Come to a conversation with topics ready to go – if you're meeting some very important people – come prepared.

3.  Tailor the conversation to the listener – Even if your end point revolves around your business or your point – listeners will be more receptive if they are involved.

4.  Take your turn – if there's anything uglier than conversational narcissism, it's an interrupter.

5.  Think before you speak – don't be offensive.  If you have something negative to say, make sure it is phrased in a manner that will be well-received.  After all, you want to be remembered as the “person who made the point” not “the jerk with too many opinions.”

Most of all, remember to be natural – that's the best way to make a true impression.

Optimism --  Apparently, it's innate. 

In 2011, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that optimism is rooted in the hormone oxytocin, known as the “lovey dovey” hormone – and that it is strengthened by receptor genes within one's genetic makeup. In other words – your genes can affect your positive outlook, happiness, and optimistic view about the world. 

So, does that mean – you either got it, or you don't?

Like all things in life, sometimes you have to work a little harder on something in order to achieve it.  If optimism doesn't come to you naturally, or wasn't given to you from mom and dad's gene pool, it is a worthwhile investment to try to improve upon.  There are a myriad of reasons why.  Some reasons include: 

• Research has showed optimism promotes longevity

• Reduces stress levels

• Increases productivity – leading to success at work

• Improves your social life and personal relationships

• Makes you proactive

• Helps you maintain an open mindedness toward change and improvement

• Promotes forgiveness

• Helps avoid depression 

If you're not a natural positive thinker – how do you become one?  Here are some tips from Ayo Olaniyan, a certified Unitive Life Coach. He is also an Accredited Professional Counselor with the Counseling Society United Kingdom. 

• Have realistic goals and expectations
• Always remember you are human with a lot of imperfections
• Acknowledge past events, but endeavor to manage the present with a view to creating a brighter future
• Don't fall into the trap of feeling hopeless.
• Be true to yourself
• Network with people who show optimism in their daily lives
• Believe in your dreams  

So whether or not you are a natural optimist – your personal and professional life will greatly benefit from looking on the brighter side. 

Does your company work with an LMS (Learning Management System)? We've been singing its praises for years.

Whether you are establishing an LMS for the first time or looking to make improvements to your current one, TrainingIndustry.com outlines the positive features of this useful tool.  Some of the features include granting more time for trainers, bolstering confidence, and combining various training materials.  

Click Here to read the entire article. 

Wish someone gave you some sound financial advice in your 20's?

Listen up 20 something's.  If you want a cushy lifestyle down the road - try to hit these 5 financial milestones before you hit the big 3-0.

1.  Pay off credit card debt

2.  Start saving for retirement

3.  Establish an emergency fund

4.  Get health insurance

5.  Have a sense of career

Want the details?  Check out the full article and video on Yahoo! Finance.