My friend Michael Hughes over at www.networkingforresults.com just sent me this practical tip and I thought I’d pay it forward to you.  Check Michael’s site for some other great resources.

A new west-coast contact called using Skype. It was early morning there. Suddenly she shrieked, utterly embarrassed, realizing her laptop’s web cam was on. She was sitting in bed in her pyjamas.

A fellow speaker contacted me. Before returning his call, I Googled him and found him on two links. When I asked about these, questioning their validity to his area of expertise, he paused nervously and said “are they still there?”

I was in a meeting with a corporate executive who was key to securing a large project. Halfway through our conversation, my cell phone rang. I can still feel his cold eyes saying “how unprofessional” (I didn’t get the deal).

This week’s tip:
Technology is a requirement for success in today’s fast-paced business environment. However, when not used properly, it can be as much a liability as an asset in building trust and developing relationships.
Perform a “tech check” as part of your preparation for every meeting, event or contact. That way, you’ll be more confident, focused and be perceived as more professional.

SPECIAL NOTE: Never check your Blackberry or PDA during a meeting or event. It does not make you look important. It is rude and demonstrates a lack of respect for those around you.

Now, get out there and sell something!