Be prepared. It’s the motto of the Boy Scouts of America and some of the best advice in the world. Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boys Scouts, did not merely mean to be prepared for emergency, but be ready in mind and spirit for struggle and meet with a strong heart any challenge that arises. To be prepared for life – to live happily and without regret, knowing you have done your best.
Preparation is key for any meeting, pitch or interview. When I deliver a keynote speech, I make it a priority to know who the important players are in the company or organization, as well as familiarizing myself with the goals and pain points they are seeking to resolve. I recently spoke at North American Bancard’s international sales conference at the Motor City Casino. The vendors needed to be fired up to sell new products, while being kept informed on key changes to technology, as well as being reassured that they are leveraging the power of NABancard across the globe. I dug in and armed myself with all the information; and it paid off in the Q&A when questions were asked that I could not have otherwise answered.
Preparation is also a necessary tool for guarding your time. By doing the prep work necessary you can make a quick, clean kill of the target you are after – the deal, the promotion, the new budget, the new job. Being prepared means that you position yourself to be in the right places at the right time and can leverage every opportunity.
Proper preparation gives you:
Confidence. When you walk into any situation knowing you have done the legwork, it’s like wearing your finest suit and knowing you look your best. And confidence can fill you up with the unknown “it” that people have a hard time resisting.
Leverage. When you are prepared and armed with your Desired Outcome as well as the needs of your target you can leverage that knowledge to anticipate next moves.
Opportunity. When you combine confidence and leverage, you are putting yourself in the position for opportunity to find you. The elements for success are in your territory thanks to your experience, observation and preparation.
Freedom. The simple act of preparation will unchain you from your inner Judge – the voice that preys on your fear. You free to focus on your plan and your target.
Do not leave the prep work to the last minute. Take some advice from Robert Baden-Powell and David Farbman, and get prepared NOW so you can live happily and without regret, knowing you have done your best.
