My name is Allie, and I'm a Networking Introvert 👋

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My name is Allie, and I'm a Networking Introvert 👋

A common comment that comes up while I'm walking someone through one of our workshops is:

"This sounds great for all you extroverted performers who like to be onstage all day, but how am I going to pitch this to my [fill in the blank] team? They're all too shy - they'll never be onboard for something like this! Have you ever done this workshop with introverts?"

I take a dramatic pause for effect, and then I bring it home for the big reveal:

"As a matter of fact - we have done this workshop with shyer groups. Some of these workshops were even developed by an self-described introvert. Me!"

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Sammi Signs Off: improve it!'s Latest Intern Heads Into the Workforce with Some Lessons Learned

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Sammi Signs Off: improve it!'s Latest Intern Heads Into the Workforce with Some Lessons Learned

Nowadays college and internships go hand in hand. What better way to learn about being in the real world? You are afforded all of the opportunities that come with experiencing being a working (in my case) woman while still having the safety net of college to catch you if you fall. However, internships are not just something to put on your resume. They are intended for students to learn all that they can.

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5 Tips to Encourage Risk-Taking at Work

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5 Tips to Encourage Risk-Taking at Work

We have a saying we like to repeat here at improve it!, “Be comfortable with the uncomfortable.” It’s short and sweet, and reminds us that a great deal of the best moments in our careers (and our lives) are spent outside of our comfort zones. This is all well and good, but there’s a little something missing from that phrase - the how. How do we create an environment where people are encouraged to take risks and do things outside of their comfort zones at work?

Click to read 5 tips for you to encourage risk taking at work today!

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5 Ways to Improve Your Workplace Experience

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5 Ways to Improve Your Workplace Experience

Spring is all about second chances and growth. Although, with the upcoming warm weather, it’s easy to let your head get stuck in the clouds, dream the days away, and let your work pile up. Do not fall for this trap! All you’ll be doing is inducing an stress-ache (stress headache), and a couple sleepless nights.

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The Importance of Reliance

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The Importance of Reliance

We’ve all been there. It’s the middle of the week. Assignments are piling up and Friday seems so far away. You feel the stress creep up on you like an itch you can’t scratch when suddenly, a coworker approaches your desk with an earnest smile and quizzical arch of the brow and asks you, “How’s it going?”

What is your response? Usually a modest “fine” or even “great” but never the truth. Why is that?

 

Click the link below for the 5 benefits of honesty in the workplace - in gifs, no less!

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Workplace Appreciation (As told in Gifs!)

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Workplace Appreciation (As told in Gifs!)

Hello people of the interwebs! Today, I want to chat about workplace appreciation.

Why workplace appreciation? Well, I’ll tell you why! February is a strange month. It’s around this time that we start to lose sight of our New Year’s Resolutions, fall prey to the common cold, and grow tired of the constant snow. It becomes easy to focus on the negative and, with the prevalence of social media and constant communication, it’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you are missing out.

Is a job that once left you feeling excited and motivated now beginning to feel like a chore? Are you unsure of how you fell into this mindset and desperate for a way out? Have no fear! With these five reminders, you’ll be slinking out of that workplace slump in no time!

Click the link to read on!

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Values, Goals, and 2018 Actions: Grab a Seat on the Couch with Allie & Erin!

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Values, Goals, and 2018 Actions: Grab a Seat on the Couch with Allie & Erin!

Join Allie & Erin on the improve it! couch to chat about what values make the office tick, how they set (and celebrate!) goals, and how to turn your visions into a reality. (SPOILER ALERT: The answer is hard work and persistence).

Feel free to listen in via podcast, or get the highlights from the conversation below!

Curious how to apply the improve it! methodology to your own dreams? Check out our "Confidence in Change" DIY Coaching Curriculum here as a part of our improve You! Series.

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Graduate from being a boss, be a mentor

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Graduate from being a boss, be a mentor

In the varied experiences that 22 years have given me, I’ve found some great bosses; but I had never had the privilege of experiencing a mentor in the workplace (hint: until improve it! Came along). As it turns out, there’s a pretty big difference.

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August All Stars: Claire Jolcover, Advanced Resources

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August All Stars: Claire Jolcover, Advanced Resources

improve it!  family - meet Claire! Claire is a wonderful human, doggie owner, and cheerleader of everything improve it! She has been in attendance at almost every one of our public workshops this year.

Claire is also the President of the Bear Necessities "Young Professionals Board", and introduced us to the organization that is now our charity partner.

Shine on, you beautiful star! Read more about Claire and how improv has a place in her professional life below.

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The Week of "No"​: How to Harness the Power of "No"​ (and how not to be a j*rk about it...) Part 4 of 4

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The Week of "No"​: How to Harness the Power of "No"​ (and how not to be a j*rk about it...) Part 4 of 4

Welcome! This week, we're celebrating the "Week of 'No'". (Sometimes it's good to be bad.) Throughout the week, we'll explore ways to harness the power of "No" but still create a "Yes, And" environment around you! This week, we complete our journey with "Yes, And".

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improve it! on "The Culture Chat" podcast for WorkXO

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Take a listen to improve it!'s own Erin Diehl on "The Culture Chat", a podcast from our friends over at WorkXO! Erin and the WorkXO crew talk company culture and how improv fits into the mix. For a bonus, check out Allie Keller's blog reaction to the podcast where she explains how we're all Steaks, Potatoes, or Parsleys. Trust us - it makes sense!

Listen to the podcast here.

Too Late: Business is Politics is Business

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Too Late: Business is Politics is Business

No matter your political leanings or beliefs - this inauguration day we're about to embark on a journey to an unknown destination. No matter if you're scared, relieved, excited, neutral, or angry: it's real and it's happening.

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