-
You Are Static
July 16, 2013
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
He just yelled, "Bullshit!" I was stunned for a moment. In fact, the whole group was stunned when he stood up and made the declaration in the middle of our meeting.
It started off like any other new business pitch where my partner and I were proposing our services. We discussed our approach and the benefits our company could provide to them as a client. We had a polished presentation, or at least we thought so, until this proclamation came flying out of left field. It wasn't until Tim, the manager, explained his sudden outburst that I started getting tuned in to a valuable lesson in this very memorable meeting.
Tim and his colleagues, along with many other business professionals, sit through pitch meetings all the time. Tim explained that he had simply heard the idea to yell, "Bullshit" anytime someone used more than three current buzzwords in any presentation. It was funny, but it also hit home a valid point about the way most of us approach any conversation. You may already have started to become aware of a similar moment for you.
What happens when you communicate with others in your work, your money and your life? Is the approach one where your goal is to dominate, prove to them you are right or dazzle them with your one-upmanship? You may have a great routine complete with all the latest buzzwords and the ability to always make yourself look good.
A good strategy if your goal is to simply complete a conversation and become another static moment in their life.
That's right, I said a static moment. The whole world is becoming a static moment. Look at it this way: Remember a time when you had to work really hard to pick up a signal just to hear a conversation, a hot topic or a great song on the radio? You probably remember the interference -- and the time wasted trying to hear it -- more than the actual content. It may have been something you could get away with many years ago, but the expectations have changed dramatically and no one will accept that today. Everyone filters out the empty phrases along with irrelevant information and quickly calls, "Bullshit," too! No one has the time or attention any longer!
If you want to have someone tuned in to you, make the communication relevant, memorable, sensory, emotional and meaningful. Create a connected experience by talking to them (not at them), listening to their wants and needs, desires and hopes, dreams and visions. Imagine how good you'll feel when you act on "co-creating" a conversation that has true meaning and leaves both of you fulfilled. It's one neither of you will soon forget ... and that's no bullshit.
-
-