Prepare Like Crazy
Summary
- The fastest way to appear smart is to be the most prepared person in the room.
- Meeting someone important requires you to prepare thoroughly. A cheap first impression can be a costly mistake.
- Success comes from the work you do before sitting down at the table, not from what you say during the meeting.
- People often say we don't reach our highest expectations, but we fall to the level of our preparation.
- If this is true, then prepare intensely and make your worst-case scenario still lead to amazing results.
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How To Take Action
I would suggest implementing a rigorous preparation routine. Before any meeting or interaction, spend time researching the person or business you are going to meet. This could mean doing a quick online search, reading their previous work, or learning more about their industry. This preparation will allow you to make a stellar first impression without spending money.
Next, create a checklist of topics or questions you want to address in your meeting. Outline your thoughts clearly so that when the time comes, you can communicate effectively without missing any key points. This kind of preparation ensures that even if everything doesn't go as planned, you still achieve amazing results.
A good way of preparing is to practice your pitches or conversations with a friend or family member. By doing this, you can get feedback and make necessary improvements. You’ll walk into the actual meeting more confident and relaxed.
Focus on a morning routine that includes reading or watching industry-related content for 15 minutes each day. This keeps you informed and makes it easier to prepare for unexpected questions or topics.
Finally, visualize your meeting beforehand. Imagine how you want it to go, how you will present yourself, and the points you want to make. This mental practice can lessen anxiety and ensure your preparation translates into impressive performance.
