BUSINESS & PROJECT

University of Michigan’s two-man ReLive team pitched their business plan for creating a digital music archive of live music performances. Beginning with the idea that the “live music aficionado” wants and needs live music at the moment they want it, ReLive says there exists a growing market for digital recordings of live music. ReLive looks to partner with small music venues and emerging artists to keep up with the dynamics of the changing music industry.
The ReLive partners, Andrew Charnik and Jeff Richman, believe that their plan is an “investment in the future of music.” ReLive provides emerging artists and small music venues a new way to capitalize on their performances, allowing them to combat the decrease in profit margins.
ReLive would record the live performance and add the songs to its online music archive making the songs available for purchase. Live music fans could pick and choose songs from the concert for $0.99 a download.
After an interesting pitch, the venture team had to handle some difficult questions in the Question & Answer portion of their semifinal round. The judges had questions about the real market potential, technical costs, and consumer response. Judge Tim Berry, president and founder of Palo Alto Software, had some questions about their financial numbers and percentages of people willing to purchase songs.
When asked about how they felt about their Q&A session, ReLive appreciated the judges perspectives on their plan, “The panel of judges was great, their questions were very insightful – which usually means difficult questions- but it helps us develop our plan.”
Read more about ReLive in an article from The Michigan Daily.
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Business Conversation Etiquette
In business, when networking, the rules of etiquette don't just cover your office behavior and e-mail content, they also include conversation etiquette with your colleagues. Business conversation etiquette is most commonly thought of during face-to-face interactions, but it's also relevant on the phone. In both cases, the old-fashioned necessities of listening and talking should be front and center.You might be making small talk with your new supervisor, scoping things out with a new client before you try and close a deal, or calling another company's representative. No matter which of these instances is your reason for contact, knowing what to say and how to listen can be a building block to a better career, a new business partnership or just a fun conversation. Once someone is comfortable with you, you'll feel more comfortable with them, and attaining your goals (networking, persuasion, etc.) will come naturally. Not only can this help you get what you want, it will almost always earn you a great deal of respect.Let's look at some fundamentals of business conversation etiquette.
Be formalBeing formal is classy. In business, you need as much class as you can get. Start with a handshake and if you're being introduced to someone, stick to using a title (Mr., Ms., etc.) until you get an invite for a first name. Logically, the handshake doesn't apply to a telephone conversation, but the name rule certainly does. You can also make things easier by giving them an invite for your first name, as well. Most importantly, once you've heard a name, don't forget it.Remembering names signals respect, so do what you need to do to keep them in your memory bank. One easy way to do this is to mention their name during the initial conversation or even better, introduce them to someone else. As the conversation progresses, stay formal and avoid letting any of your bad habits show. That means that chewing gum, speaking in the middle of a big bite or drinking during a sentence is out of the equation. This is especially unflattering in a telephone conversation. Instead, try sticking to small bites and sips if you're attending a business function with food and just avoid eating while you're on the phone. When your chat is coming to a close, don't forget a closing handshake, another acknowledgment of the name and a business card exchange. By staying formal through each point in the conversation, you have displayed a solid balance of confidence and tact. If you're ending a telephone conversation be sure to thank your caller for their time and ensure that another conversation is sure to follow in the future, or a face-to-face if it's possible.
Stick with safe topicsThe words that come out of your mouth are keys to a successful business conversation. Just like in the court of law, what you say can and will be used against you. One bad word and it could follow you for the duration of your business life. A business conversation isn't meant to be emotional, so it should be pretty basic and drama free. The subjects that run the risk of inciting yells and shrieks usually fall under the umbrella of religion and money. If someone tries to get you going on a topic that you find controversial, don't get sidetracked and take the bait. Ignore those comments and if, by chance, someone else gets loud or emotional, try speaking to them in a lower tone of voice to defuse the situation.Now that you know the topics, learn how to listen carefully and keep your yapper shut... Next Page >>

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Make a good first impression
Making a good first impression is important for building relationships with other people. In business networking, a positive first impression is crucial for forging profitable, sustainable, long-term partnerships to help build the business and keep it thriving.Why is it, then, that I meet so many people in business and everyday life that seem to be clueless as to the importance of making a good first impression? Whether intentional or not, there is no excuse for blowing a first business meeting with someone.
business firstThe other party might not want to do business with you -- it is part of the game, after all -- but it shouldn't be because you present yourself as a brute and make your organization look like a horde of cavemen.Be it face-to-face, over the phone, via fax, e-mail or video-conference, it is very important to come across in a positive light, especially the first time around.We've all met people that we instantly "like" and want to get to know more or do business with. Most of the time, these people follow a few basic rules that make their first impression a strong one. I've compiled a quick list of six easy tips you can use to make a strong first impression, each and every time.
first impression tips
Dress to impressWe've all heard this old saying, but it does hold a good amount of truth. Although today's business environment is much more casual than it was even 10 years ago, it is still important to dress the part.The key here is to dress modestly and appropriately for the gathering you will be attending. There is no need to wear the latest Brioni suit, but do make sure that your clothing is clean and fits well. The last thing you want is to give off a negative impression before you even open your mouth. If you look sloppy, people will assume that you and your business are sloppy as well.
Speak clearlyI cannot emphasize this point enough. Be sure to communicate clearly with the people you are meeting. Few things are more annoying than having to listen to someone without understanding what they are saying because they garble their words.Focus on speaking at a moderate pace with a well-modulated voice. Do not be afraid to enunciate properly. Also, using proper grammar when speaking and avoiding slang is expected if you are to make a good first impression. Remember: If people can't comprehend what you are saying, they will disregard you and your organization. Furthermore, be polite and courteous at all times.Keep reading for the cardinal rules to making a positive first impression... Next Page >>

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