First of all, if you have not read Why My Mom Would Have Been a Good Warehouse Manager, please do so. This will give you a very quick understanding of Helga. Now, a quick story; I make these homemade meatballs that are extremely labor intensive and well worth it. My Mom and I joined a church pot luck event one year and upon arrival, one of the ladies grabbed my meatballs in the crock-pot and immediately put them on a lower shelf as if to say they weren’t good enough to be displayed. So the following Christmas, Helga bought me a beautiful serving dish with a sterno underneath. The card read, “No one will ever poo poo my daughter’s meatballs again.” What does this have to do with presentation and preparation? Let’s take a look at it.
Time Is Valuable – Respect Yours and Others
You automatically give yourself a leg up when you not only look presentable, but are also knowledgeable and prepared. Let’s take for example sales people. I make sure to follow up with “warm calls” to companies to generate possible leads. When I do, I not only look at notes from past calls but I also review their website to be prepared for any changes they may have made. Not only can I pick up where we left off from the notes, I also have a high level understanding of their business and connections already established from previous contacts. Taking the time to learn about the business is often interpreted as a sign of respect and interest and if you don’t take an interest in their company, why should they take an interest in yours? Just the other day I received an unsolicited call and the young lady on the line was so “off.” She did not know who she was calling and bumbled on the call which, in turn, immediately turned me off. Let’s face it; time is valuable so you should ensure you are mindful of people’s time and be quick and to the point with knowledge to back you.
“Winging It” May Be A Deal Breaker – People Can Tell
Now, when it comes to interviewing for a career opportunity being early, dressing appropriately, and meeting qualifications are very important factors. However, there are certain other things that can be “deal breakers.” In my opinion researching the company, learning their initiatives, and preparing questions before you even come to the interview could put you ahead. The same applies for giving any sort of presentation. Things will surely go smoother if you don’t just “wing it.” Regardless if you are a seasoned professional, any extra preparation could mean the difference between a mediocre event and an event that will get you noticed, in a good way. This could mean taking the time to brand that bland PowerPoint, practicing your speech and refining your pitch, presenting yourself in a professional manner, or even supplying merchandise or snacks! Presenting in a professional and unique way is guaranteed to make people remember you and even if it does not ensure a sale, it could ensure a recommendation.
Work Harder – Why Not?
Moral of the story is that no matter how great you look, if you are not prepared, chances of success are slim. Taking the time to educate yourself and do your research for anything from a “warm call” to an interview for a new career or position, to a full blown event or presentation can mean the world of a difference and can give you a definitive advantage over the competition. Not to mention that when you are prepped and ready to go, you have more confidence and people tend to gravitate towards those who show self-assurance. So next time you think you are all set, take a little extra time, do some more digging, and put your best foot forward!
