By Dale Dauten
"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." - Dorothy Parker
Walt Disney once pointed that the key to success was to do something so well that people will pay to see you do it again. So, using that as a standard, here's the question: When was the last time you saw a business presentation that you would pay to see again? OK, that's too much to ask. How about this: when was the last time you saw a presentation that you'd want to sit through twice?
One reason that presentations have become exercises in forced concentration is the dumbest advice ever offered to presenters, the old Keep It Simple, Stupid. This leads to The Lucidity Paradox, where you make your points so clear that they disappear.
Another piece of classic advice to presenters is the old What's In It For Me principle, where your remarks address the audience's self-interest. That would seem to be good thinking, but the fact is that most people have their self-interest figured out before you begin and come not to learn but defend. So, instead of KISS or WIIFM, I say the best advice to follow comes from the people who know audiences best, the ones whose livelihoods depend on knowing audience: the folks in the entertainment business who say, "Leave ‘em wanting more."
Let's face it, the typical PowerPoint presentation is an exercise in leaving the audience wanting less. So how is it possible to cover a topic thoroughly and still leave the audience wanting more?
What got me thinking about that question was a presentation by Mike Figliuolo (fig-lee-OH-lo), a former corporate guy who's now consulting on how thought processes influence communication via his company, ThoughtLEADERS. Here are three of his suggestions:
1. "An individual's compensation is inversely proportional to the number of PowerPoint pages he or she will tolerate before having a stroke."
2. "If it's two pages, it's not a summary." (Figliuolo quotes one executive commenting on the readability of written reports as saying, "If it has a staple I won't read it.")
3. "When people start thinking, bad things happen." (The advantage of moving quickly through a presentation is that, done properly, you guide management to the conclusion you want to reach before they have time to let their minds wander off onto another agenda.)
You can see where he's going here - right to the point. Seems easy enough, but it isn't. Why? Figliuolo points out that the person giving the presentation yearns to impress the boss and the way to do that has always been by working hard. Thus, if you're a typical corporate employee, you believe at some level that showing management all the research and data you've collected will impress them. Alas, it only impresses them that you think like the little people.
So you keep it short but NOT simple - you keep it big and fast and leave them working to keep up. You have the details available, should they want to see them. They won't. But, with some luck and skill, they'll want to see you present more often.
Dale Dauten is author of six books, two nationally syndicated advice columns and the founder of The Innovators' Lab. His latest book is "(Great) Employees Only: How Gifted Bosses Hire and De-Hire Their Way to Success" (John Wiley & Sons). He can be reached at www.dauten.com.By Dale Dauten
"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." - Dorothy Parker
Walt Disney once pointed that the key to success was to do something so well that people will pay to see you do it again. So, using that as a standard, here's the question: When was the last time you saw a business presentation that you would pay to see again? OK, that's too much to ask. How about this: when was the last time you saw a presentation that you'd want to sit through twice?
One reason that presentations have become exercises in forced concentration is the dumbest advice ever offered to presenters, the old Keep It Simple, Stupid. This leads to The Lucidity Paradox, where you make your points so clear that they disappear.
Another piece of classic advice to presenters is the old What's In It For Me principle, where your remarks address the audience's self-interest. That would seem to be good thinking, but the fact is that most people have their self-interest figured out before you begin and come not to learn but defend. So, instead of KISS or WIIFM, I say the best advice to follow comes from the people who know audiences best, the ones whose livelihoods depend on knowing audience: the folks in the entertainment business who say, "Leave ‘em wanting more."
Let's face it, the typical PowerPoint presentation is an exercise in leaving the audience wanting less. So how is it possible to cover a topic thoroughly and still leave the audience wanting more?
What got me thinking about that question was a presentation by Mike Figliuolo (fig-lee-OH-lo), a former corporate guy who's now consulting on how thought processes influence communication via his company, ThoughtLEADERS. Here are three of his suggestions:
1. "An individual's compensation is inversely proportional to the number of PowerPoint pages he or she will tolerate before having a stroke."
2. "If it's two pages, it's not a summary." (Figliuolo quotes one executive commenting on the readability of written reports as saying, "If it has a staple I won't read it.")
3. "When people start thinking, bad things happen." (The advantage of moving quickly through a presentation is that, done properly, you guide management to the conclusion you want to reach before they have time to let their minds wander off onto another agenda.)
You can see where he's going here - right to the point. Seems easy enough, but it isn't. Why? Figliuolo points out that the person giving the presentation yearns to impress the boss and the way to do that has always been by working hard. Thus, if you're a typical corporate employee, you believe at some level that showing management all the research and data you've collected will impress them. Alas, it only impresses them that you think like the little people.
So you keep it short but NOT simple - you keep it big and fast and leave them working to keep up. You have the details available, should they want to see them. They won't. But, with some luck and skill, they'll want to see you present more often.
Dale Dauten is author of six books, two nationally syndicated advice columns and the founder of The Innovators' Lab. His latest book is "(Great) Employees Only: How Gifted Bosses Hire and De-Hire Their Way to Success" (John Wiley & Sons). He can be reached at www.dauten.com.
Bigstock
This time of year offers special opportunities for job seekers. Holiday networking events, for example, can be great chances to meet professionals you might not encounter otherwise. Additionally, some employers are still eager to fill positions before budgets reset or headcount is finalized in the new year, making it a prime time to stand out with a strategic approach.
Here are five ways you can stand out from the competition this holiday season and find a job before the end of the year.
1. Showcase The Right Skills On Your Resume
Bigstock
When updating your resume, focus on aligning your experience with the specific demands of the industry. Go beyond just listing responsibilities; dig into job descriptions to identify the core skills that consistently appear for your target roles. By tailoring your resume with these keywords, you not only capture the attention of hiring managers but also boost your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are often programmed to scan for these key terms. It's all about keywords!
During the holiday season, hiring managers are often managing tight timelines and high demands, making it crucial for candidates to demonstrate that they’re ready to hit the ground running. Highlighting industry-relevant skills shows you're not only familiar with the landscape but also equipped to make an immediate impact. Be sure to include examples of how you've leveraged these core strengths in previous roles to support team goals or tackle challenges (aka quantify your work experience). The holidays are hectic, so share with the potential employer how you'll be a positive addition to the team by leveraging your strengths and emphasizing your value as a business-of-one.
2. Dress The Part
Bigstock
Don't underestimate the power of a great first impression. Dress for the interview in professional attire. Even if the job description mentions a casual dress code, such as jeans and a sweatshirt, it’s essential to show respect for the employer by dressing in a way that demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impression. Wearing attire that reflects your professionalism shows you care about how you're perceived and the impression you leave on others.
Not sure what to wear? We recommend dressing conservatively in clothing one level above what the current employees at the company are wearing. You want to look professional, but not like you don't fit in with the workplace culture.
3. Show Your Connection To The Company
Bigstock
Employers like to hire candidates who have a passion for what they do. Why? Because when people are passionate about their work, that enthusiasm often translates into a higher level of commitment, creativity, and productivity. This intrinsic motivation can lead to consistently strong performance and a positive impact on the team and company as a whole.
In your disruptive cover letter (and during your job interview), demonstrate how and why you admire the company. Highlight what you love most about their products and services. Give examples of how you have personally used them in your own life with success. The more you can show them you understand and respect the business, the more likely you'll impress the hiring manager and move forward in the interview process.
4. Demonstrate Your Value
Bigstock
It's important to remember that you're a business-of-one, and you're trying to sell the service you provide as a business-of-one to employers (the customers who will be paying you for the service).
To find a job during the holidays, you must adequately demonstrate your value as a business-of-one and highlight your strengths and the specific benefits you bring as a potential employee throughout the hiring process. How do you do this? Well, make sure to quantify your work experience on your resume. Use numbers to showcase your accomplishments. Clearly state how you'll make or save the company money with your employment. Do this, and you'll easily become one of the top candidates for the position.
5. Express Gratitude
Bigstock
The holidays are busy for everyone. When you're applying for jobs during the holiday season, keep gratitude in mind. This positive mindset not only helps you stay resilient but also shines through in your applications and interviews, leaving a memorable impression on potential employers.
After every job interview, always send a thank-you note. It's just the polite thing to do, and you'll score more points with the hiring manager. Even if you get rejected, or never hear back about a position, make sure you send an email thanking the employer for the opportunity and wish them the best of luck with finding the right job candidate.
Don't be bitter. Be gracious. You never know what will happen in the future. You might want to apply for another job at the company down the line. So, don't let your frustration get the best of you. Remember: If you get rejected, they didn't say, "No, not ever." They just said, "No, not today."
A successful holiday job search depends on a solid strategy. Follow the guidelines above and land a job this holiday season!
Need more help with your job search?
Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
Featured
