When the curtain comes down, the star of the show may take the bows, but every successful performance is the result of the coordinated, collective effort of (often) dozens of people in a wide range of … [Read more...]
Lessons from Showbiz: Every Performance Matters
From 2002-2005, one performer in Las Vegas was voted the top entertainer every year. His name was Danny Gans. As a pro baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, Danny picked up a small role in … [Read more...]
Tech Tip: Using PowerPoint on the Big Stage
Here’s the picture: You’re speaking at an event that will put you on the big stage. You’ve decided to use PowerPoint (or Keynote) to support your presentation. You’ve put in hours on your graphics… … [Read more...]
Meeting Matters: Set Objectives
In many cases, the annual meeting is an organization’s largest annual spend on group communications. Whether it’s a sales meeting, a franchise convention, a company conference or an association event; … [Read more...]
More for Your Money: The 3-Rs Test
I don’t know any company that isn’t looking for ways to either cut costs or maximize their return from the dollars, euros, pounds sterling and/or yen they spend on their annual meeting. For those … [Read more...]
Lessons from Showbiz: Be Yourself
“Be yourself. Unapologetically.” —Ke$ha During my 20s and 30s, I had the privilege of backing up some legendary showbusiness personalities. Across the spectrum of performers… from Tony … [Read more...]
Tech Tip: Make Sure You’re Heard
When moving from the conference room to the big stage, one of your most important tools will be the microphone. Here are a few basic tips to make sure you're heard. If you’re speaking … [Read more...]
On Presenting: Make Your Message Matter
If you’re tapped to speak at a meeting or convention, here are a few things to consider as you plan your presentation: Tell stories. People have communicated using stories since the dawn of spoken … [Read more...]
The Measure of Success
If you're a senior sales executive thinking about your next annual meeting, take a cue from consumer goods marketers. Survey your market BEFORE launching that big campaign. Not only can you better … [Read more...]
Taming Your Maverick Network
Check-Out Time Orlando, Florida — Sunday morning, 9:00am I’ve just wrapped a highly-successful sales meeting the night before. (Actually, it was well into the morning hours before my team and I … [Read more...]
Meetings Matter
1774: The first Continental Congress 1865: Summit at Appomattox Courthouse 1894: The modern Olympic Games established 1945: Yalta Conference 1963: Martin Luther King’s march on … [Read more...]
Lessons from Showbiz: Perfection takes Practice
You’ve been asked to speak at an upcoming company meeting. Your first reaction: Excitement. Your next reaction: Panic. When it comes to doing business presentations, there are those who are … [Read more...]