Tiger Woods is undoubtedly one of the worlds greatest athletes. He is worth millions and is adored by even more around the globe. Now all eyes are on this fearless legend not by his actions on the golf course but because of his actions, or lack there of, following his car crash early Friday morning, November 27, 2009.
Allow me to quickly provide you with the timeline of events:
Friday around 2:25am; Tiger crashes his SUV into a fire hydrant and then a tree while attempting to leave his Florida home.
Friday afternoon around 3:30pm; some 13 hours later, news of this crash hit the media. Not many details of the crash were available and no comments were made by Tiger Woods.
Saturday; no comments from the great one, only a flurry of speculation by the media.
Sunday afternoon; Tiger releases a statement on his website stating the accident was his fault, his wife Elin was not to blame, and that this was a private matter and wanted to keep it that way. He even declined to be interviewed by the local Police.
Monday morning; Tiger announces his withdrawal from his own golf tournament this week and does not plan to play golf until the New Year.
Where did Tiger go wrong? Silence.
Recently, many celebrities including David Letterman have learned the easiest way to control a situation is to come clean, tell the truth and admit the mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. Own up to them and move on. Instead, Tiger's silence has opened the doors for more negative comment and more harm to his squeaky-clean good name. We are living in the 'now' generation. We do not want to wait for answers, we want them now. If we do not get the answers we are seeking, we will look to any source to provide the information. This is how rumours grow rampant.
In a time of crisis, follow these 5 steps and control the situation:
1) Use the media to your advantage
As soon as you are able, call a media conference and explain as much information as you can without getting into private details.
2) Prepare a statement
When giving your account of the crisis, you will be glad that you have prepared a statement in advance. Camera flashes, microphones and the excitement of the moment will be overwhelming. Be prepared.
3) Admit the mistake
If you are at fault, tell the truth and admit the mistake. Enough said.
4) Focus on your message
After giving your statement, be prepared to answer several questions from the media. Focus on your message and do not deviate from that message. Once you go 'off the script' you will be open to more questions and speculation (not to mention more expensive Lawyers)
5) Correct the un-truths
After you have provided the truth about the crisis, be sure to correct media operations that continue to publish incorrect information. Try first with a phone call. If that is not successful, have your Lawyer intervene.
Are you prepared to face the music when crisis occurs at your company or organization?
-Darren
Monday, November 30, 2009
Three tips to a successful career
Ask any top executive about their career, and they are most always willing to share a few anecdotes about the good old days. I am certainly no veteran but I have had the privilege to learn from some great minds that have passed along bits and pieces of wisdom that I have carried with me throughout my career.
Regardless of title, rank or years of experience, I began to hear recurring themes from these great executive. They have been in the trenches, done all the back breaking work, and heard all the excuses. If it has worked for them it should work for me, right?
While coaching new staff or when asked to speak to University and College students I always refer to my “Theory of Three”. Three principles I have gleaned from watching, listening and learning from my mentors.
1) Take care of yourself
Sounds simple enough, yet one we tend to brush off.
As a manager we require staff to work at their peak performance level every day. However the moment a staff member phones in ‘sick’ (we’re heard every excuse in the book), it puts a strain on all the remaining staff who are required to fill the void. There are limits to everything but the more ‘sick’ days you take, the more apt you are to finding yourself taking an order at a drive-thru window. Take care of yourself. Drink lots of water, take vitamins, go to the gym, stop smoking, lay-off the all night parties - take care of your voice and take care of your body. Do not give your manager a reason to go looking for your replacement, because there are many fresh faces who want your job.
2) Never burn bridges
There are only a handful of companies in Canada.
OK,I know there are many more than three but think of all the people you know in your line of business. Now think about all the managers they know? In conversation with any Manager you will quickly find they know a lot of the same people you network with. They know two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on.
There are no secrets. We talk.
As a Manager who does reference checks when going through the hiring process I might phone one person on your resume. I will most likely check your Facebook page. Or in most cases, I will drop an email to another person who I know from that city, company or at your business. Like any Jerry Springer show, we will find the truth, without having to throw any chairs around. As I mentioned earlier, there are only a handful of companies in Canada. They should be your best friend. Network with other managers as much as you can. Make them your support team the next time you are looking for a new career change.
3) Always be accepting to change
This has happened to me, as it will happen to everyone several times in their career. Does this sound familiar? One day you are doing a dream job at a great company, the next day you are in the General Managers office being laid-off because of a company restructure or other major changes. It sucks. How could this be happening to YOU, the ‘star’?!
That is the nature of the business world. If you have followed the first two rules I listed then, in most cases you are not being fired because of something you have done. It is a decision out of your control perhaps made in a boardroom across the country, but you will survive. If you are lucky, you might find yourself transferring to a new position or to a new location because your talents are needed there. Be accepting to change. In today’s industry, most companies use words like centralization and shared resources. That boils down to fewer positions available in the work force. Which would you prefer; a paying job or that drive-thru window gig at the hamburger place on the corner of town.
Bottom line is: never give your manager a reason to fire you. There are many people who want your job. Do not get voted off the island.
I have offered three very basic principals that will affect you somewhere along the way just as they have for my journey.
We are all on a rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. Have fun and enjoy the ride.
Regardless of title, rank or years of experience, I began to hear recurring themes from these great executive. They have been in the trenches, done all the back breaking work, and heard all the excuses. If it has worked for them it should work for me, right?
While coaching new staff or when asked to speak to University and College students I always refer to my “Theory of Three”. Three principles I have gleaned from watching, listening and learning from my mentors.
1) Take care of yourself
Sounds simple enough, yet one we tend to brush off.
As a manager we require staff to work at their peak performance level every day. However the moment a staff member phones in ‘sick’ (we’re heard every excuse in the book), it puts a strain on all the remaining staff who are required to fill the void. There are limits to everything but the more ‘sick’ days you take, the more apt you are to finding yourself taking an order at a drive-thru window. Take care of yourself. Drink lots of water, take vitamins, go to the gym, stop smoking, lay-off the all night parties - take care of your voice and take care of your body. Do not give your manager a reason to go looking for your replacement, because there are many fresh faces who want your job.
2) Never burn bridges
There are only a handful of companies in Canada.
OK,I know there are many more than three but think of all the people you know in your line of business. Now think about all the managers they know? In conversation with any Manager you will quickly find they know a lot of the same people you network with. They know two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on.
There are no secrets. We talk.
As a Manager who does reference checks when going through the hiring process I might phone one person on your resume. I will most likely check your Facebook page. Or in most cases, I will drop an email to another person who I know from that city, company or at your business. Like any Jerry Springer show, we will find the truth, without having to throw any chairs around. As I mentioned earlier, there are only a handful of companies in Canada. They should be your best friend. Network with other managers as much as you can. Make them your support team the next time you are looking for a new career change.
3) Always be accepting to change
This has happened to me, as it will happen to everyone several times in their career. Does this sound familiar? One day you are doing a dream job at a great company, the next day you are in the General Managers office being laid-off because of a company restructure or other major changes. It sucks. How could this be happening to YOU, the ‘star’?!
That is the nature of the business world. If you have followed the first two rules I listed then, in most cases you are not being fired because of something you have done. It is a decision out of your control perhaps made in a boardroom across the country, but you will survive. If you are lucky, you might find yourself transferring to a new position or to a new location because your talents are needed there. Be accepting to change. In today’s industry, most companies use words like centralization and shared resources. That boils down to fewer positions available in the work force. Which would you prefer; a paying job or that drive-thru window gig at the hamburger place on the corner of town.
Bottom line is: never give your manager a reason to fire you. There are many people who want your job. Do not get voted off the island.
I have offered three very basic principals that will affect you somewhere along the way just as they have for my journey.
We are all on a rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. Have fun and enjoy the ride.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Networking - How do you get others to notice
When asked if I could give a presentation on Networking I immediately accepted.
In Calgary Alberta through SAIT's School of Business, they are holding a Business Development Workshop with Junior Achievement where 84 high school students will learn about Business. This is a great opportunity to showcase the SAIT School of Business students while allowing them to play a critical role in the success of the Junior Achievement participants.
My presentation: Networking
It is not about who you know now, but who you want to know tomorrow.
The most successful Business people in the world are always networking. Like most, they started with a small group of friends and supporters who helped get them to where they are today. How? By networking. Your 'network' of associates are connected to other successful associates, and so on.
Start with the people you know now; friends, family, business associates, competitors, interesting people you met at a training seminar, etc. From that list, create a second list with the names of the smartest, those with strong personalities and the most successful people you know. Once you have created your initial 'network', start contacting the people on your list. After you get through catching up on old stories be sure to let each person know what you are currently working on and where you see this project advancing in the future. Remember, you are not asking them for a job. You are simply updating your network with details of your new venture. Ask them to review the product and offer a second opinion. There is a good chance some people in your initial network might seem disinterested in your project but that is their opinion. They are still your friends. But from your initial network you will find those who will take your product and idea to their 'network' and pretty soon you will be introduced to others who share similar interests.
One of the key things about successful networking is keeping in touch. Once your network starts talking about you and the services or product you offer you can not afford to keep them in the dark. You have to keep in contact with them on a consistent basis. Either through telephone conversations or email updates, you need to keep your network up to date. The more engaging your network is, the more likely other people will hear about you and your product and want to join your network.
Do you have a website? Keep the content on your website fresh and offer opportunities to demonstrate your services and your product.
Do you have a blog? One of the easiest ways to drive people back to your website and introduce them to your network is through a Blog. It can be updated daily or weekly. Again, your content has to engage the reader to want to become a part of your network.
Do you send out regular email newsletters? Some might consider this to be spam marketing however the most successful email newsletters will be so engaging that it brings more new people to your network. There are several on-line companies that manage email data bases. I recommend Constant Contact.
Do you use Social Networking? Sites like Facebook, Linked In and Twitter are valuable resources to build your network. I use all three. Provide engaging content that others will find intriguing...the more intrigued they are, the more likely they will want to join your network.
What do you do with business cards you collect at social functions? When someone hands you a business card at a function it is an invitation to join his/her network. If you see this person a benefit to grow your network, add them. Get them on your email mailing list, make sure they see your website and read your blog to really get them excited about your network.
You're fired! Several times in your career you will invite people into your network who, after time, are not benefiting you or your business. Donald Trump has made a career out of firing people. At first, the notion of removing someone from your network seems harsh but it must be done in order to grow your network. At least every year, take stock of those in your network that have fallen silent and fire them. At the end of the day, you can still be friends with them if you want, but they have already demonstrated they are not interested in the growth of your company. Therefore it should not come as a surprise that you are removing them from your email list or special offers letter.
Who is on your network? Take the time to review your lists. You will be surprised at the outcome.
-Darren
In Calgary Alberta through SAIT's School of Business, they are holding a Business Development Workshop with Junior Achievement where 84 high school students will learn about Business. This is a great opportunity to showcase the SAIT School of Business students while allowing them to play a critical role in the success of the Junior Achievement participants.
My presentation: Networking
It is not about who you know now, but who you want to know tomorrow.
The most successful Business people in the world are always networking. Like most, they started with a small group of friends and supporters who helped get them to where they are today. How? By networking. Your 'network' of associates are connected to other successful associates, and so on.
Start with the people you know now; friends, family, business associates, competitors, interesting people you met at a training seminar, etc. From that list, create a second list with the names of the smartest, those with strong personalities and the most successful people you know. Once you have created your initial 'network', start contacting the people on your list. After you get through catching up on old stories be sure to let each person know what you are currently working on and where you see this project advancing in the future. Remember, you are not asking them for a job. You are simply updating your network with details of your new venture. Ask them to review the product and offer a second opinion. There is a good chance some people in your initial network might seem disinterested in your project but that is their opinion. They are still your friends. But from your initial network you will find those who will take your product and idea to their 'network' and pretty soon you will be introduced to others who share similar interests.
One of the key things about successful networking is keeping in touch. Once your network starts talking about you and the services or product you offer you can not afford to keep them in the dark. You have to keep in contact with them on a consistent basis. Either through telephone conversations or email updates, you need to keep your network up to date. The more engaging your network is, the more likely other people will hear about you and your product and want to join your network.
Do you have a website? Keep the content on your website fresh and offer opportunities to demonstrate your services and your product.
Do you have a blog? One of the easiest ways to drive people back to your website and introduce them to your network is through a Blog. It can be updated daily or weekly. Again, your content has to engage the reader to want to become a part of your network.
Do you send out regular email newsletters? Some might consider this to be spam marketing however the most successful email newsletters will be so engaging that it brings more new people to your network. There are several on-line companies that manage email data bases. I recommend Constant Contact.
Do you use Social Networking? Sites like Facebook, Linked In and Twitter are valuable resources to build your network. I use all three. Provide engaging content that others will find intriguing...the more intrigued they are, the more likely they will want to join your network.
What do you do with business cards you collect at social functions? When someone hands you a business card at a function it is an invitation to join his/her network. If you see this person a benefit to grow your network, add them. Get them on your email mailing list, make sure they see your website and read your blog to really get them excited about your network.
You're fired! Several times in your career you will invite people into your network who, after time, are not benefiting you or your business. Donald Trump has made a career out of firing people. At first, the notion of removing someone from your network seems harsh but it must be done in order to grow your network. At least every year, take stock of those in your network that have fallen silent and fire them. At the end of the day, you can still be friends with them if you want, but they have already demonstrated they are not interested in the growth of your company. Therefore it should not come as a surprise that you are removing them from your email list or special offers letter.
Who is on your network? Take the time to review your lists. You will be surprised at the outcome.
-Darren
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
H1N1 Pandemic; Fears before Facts – what you needed to know
I am not a Doctor. I am not employed by any Medical company.
But because of the fears of the H1N1 ‘Swing Flu’ pandemic, I have had to do a lot of my own research to ensure that I remain healthy. And I’m sure you and many of your friends and families have done the same.
Why? Because the people who we elected to ensure the health and safety of the citizens of our country failed to do their job. They failed to control the message, they failed to provide reliable information on the flu strain, and they failed to inform me (the public) on the safety or effects of getting the flu shot. They simply failed.
Where could this have been corrected? Let’s start at the beginning.
The WHO (World Health Organization) has been talking about a Global Pandemic for years, but it was about 18 months ago when their tone changed. No longer were they talking about ‘if’ there would be a concern but ‘when’ there this would be a concern. And what were our Governments doing to prepare for this Global infection? From what we’re seeing now in many parts of Canada – nothing.
Surely someone started to prepare an Emergency Crisis plan. Surely, emergency meetings were called to discuss a crisis management strategy. What are we going to say? How are we going to get the messages out? How are we going to ensure that one message is being delivered at all times? How are we going to ensure the public will not panic? Was this done? Perhaps to some degree, but not to the extent that I needed to be.
As a Media Coach, my message to my clients is simple; communicate a message and do not alter from that message. Use every method possible to ensure your message is being delivered accurately and correctly. How do you think they, the people responsible for ensuring the health and safety of millions of Canadians performed? Failure.
From the moment the H1N1 ‘Swine Flu’ became a Pandemic concern, they needed to broadcast timely and consistent messages to everyone, everywhere. We’re talking about the lives of Millions of innocent people. Many of these people are also very web savvy and, like me, have had to look to the net to find useful, up-to-date information because it is not being provided by the traditional Media outlets. Think about it.
A newspaper only publishes daily in large markets – weekly in smaller markets.
TV stations only air Newscasts in the Morning, noon hour, supper hour and late evening
Radio stations run short news casts during the morning shows and very few through the rest of the day.
The internet provides content that is refreshed every second.
So how can you prevent panic when you’re only providing minimal updates to the conventional media when we, as citizens, want updates NOW?
You have to be willing to think outside the box – re-invent the box if you have to, but you can do so while still controlling the main message. First of all, you have to build a team of people that understand the importance of message development and message delivery. Once you get a plan in place, you can then begin broadcasting your message to the ‘web’ of Media that will turn to you for comment. Remember, if you don’t provide the information the public wants when they want it, they will find anyone standing on a street corner to give them the information they are looking for at that moment.
So before Crisis strikes your organization, are you prepared?
But because of the fears of the H1N1 ‘Swing Flu’ pandemic, I have had to do a lot of my own research to ensure that I remain healthy. And I’m sure you and many of your friends and families have done the same.
Why? Because the people who we elected to ensure the health and safety of the citizens of our country failed to do their job. They failed to control the message, they failed to provide reliable information on the flu strain, and they failed to inform me (the public) on the safety or effects of getting the flu shot. They simply failed.
Where could this have been corrected? Let’s start at the beginning.
The WHO (World Health Organization) has been talking about a Global Pandemic for years, but it was about 18 months ago when their tone changed. No longer were they talking about ‘if’ there would be a concern but ‘when’ there this would be a concern. And what were our Governments doing to prepare for this Global infection? From what we’re seeing now in many parts of Canada – nothing.
Surely someone started to prepare an Emergency Crisis plan. Surely, emergency meetings were called to discuss a crisis management strategy. What are we going to say? How are we going to get the messages out? How are we going to ensure that one message is being delivered at all times? How are we going to ensure the public will not panic? Was this done? Perhaps to some degree, but not to the extent that I needed to be.
As a Media Coach, my message to my clients is simple; communicate a message and do not alter from that message. Use every method possible to ensure your message is being delivered accurately and correctly. How do you think they, the people responsible for ensuring the health and safety of millions of Canadians performed? Failure.
From the moment the H1N1 ‘Swine Flu’ became a Pandemic concern, they needed to broadcast timely and consistent messages to everyone, everywhere. We’re talking about the lives of Millions of innocent people. Many of these people are also very web savvy and, like me, have had to look to the net to find useful, up-to-date information because it is not being provided by the traditional Media outlets. Think about it.
A newspaper only publishes daily in large markets – weekly in smaller markets.
TV stations only air Newscasts in the Morning, noon hour, supper hour and late evening
Radio stations run short news casts during the morning shows and very few through the rest of the day.
The internet provides content that is refreshed every second.
So how can you prevent panic when you’re only providing minimal updates to the conventional media when we, as citizens, want updates NOW?
You have to be willing to think outside the box – re-invent the box if you have to, but you can do so while still controlling the main message. First of all, you have to build a team of people that understand the importance of message development and message delivery. Once you get a plan in place, you can then begin broadcasting your message to the ‘web’ of Media that will turn to you for comment. Remember, if you don’t provide the information the public wants when they want it, they will find anyone standing on a street corner to give them the information they are looking for at that moment.
So before Crisis strikes your organization, are you prepared?
Marketing and Promotion on a shoe-string budget
How can you create a successful event with very little budget?
I recently attended a fundraising event in my small hometown in central Saskatchewan. For a once thriving community that supported the local farming and ranching families has been reduced to only about 100 residents. The grain elevators are gone, the skating rink has disappeared and the school I once attended is now the community grocery store. But one thing that has not changed is the small town spirit of "community".
While I have always stayed in contact with my family and friends in this small community, I witnessed an event that would make Marketing, Promotions and Public Relations specialists proud. The success of this event was not the result of a major advertising campaign. Not at all. In fact this sold-out event was the result of 10% advertising and 90% old-school social marketing; the telephone.
What I have failed to mention so far is the fact that in this quiet town of approximately 100 residents, many were engaged by the fundraising initiative and picked up the phone to tell their friends and family. Many of those contacted also talked with other friends and spread the word to a more far reaching group of engaged family and friends. After the home cooked meal, the speaches, video presentations and music, more than 200 people attended this small town fundraiser - a sell-out event. Money raised will be provided to purchase a piano and other musical instruments for the residents of a local Seniors Lodge.
Why was this a success? Good old fashioned two-way communication...the telephone.
When planning your next event or promotion, take a page from my friends back home:
-the event must have a worthy cause,
-the event must have a solid base of supporters who believe in the event,
-the event can be 'advertised' through conversation and networking,
-follow up with guests prior to the event to remind them the importance of their attendance,
-do not give up the cause.
In memory of my Uncle, Don Lynch.
"Any day that you don't laugh is a wasted day."
I recently attended a fundraising event in my small hometown in central Saskatchewan. For a once thriving community that supported the local farming and ranching families has been reduced to only about 100 residents. The grain elevators are gone, the skating rink has disappeared and the school I once attended is now the community grocery store. But one thing that has not changed is the small town spirit of "community".
While I have always stayed in contact with my family and friends in this small community, I witnessed an event that would make Marketing, Promotions and Public Relations specialists proud. The success of this event was not the result of a major advertising campaign. Not at all. In fact this sold-out event was the result of 10% advertising and 90% old-school social marketing; the telephone.
What I have failed to mention so far is the fact that in this quiet town of approximately 100 residents, many were engaged by the fundraising initiative and picked up the phone to tell their friends and family. Many of those contacted also talked with other friends and spread the word to a more far reaching group of engaged family and friends. After the home cooked meal, the speaches, video presentations and music, more than 200 people attended this small town fundraiser - a sell-out event. Money raised will be provided to purchase a piano and other musical instruments for the residents of a local Seniors Lodge.
Why was this a success? Good old fashioned two-way communication...the telephone.
When planning your next event or promotion, take a page from my friends back home:
-the event must have a worthy cause,
-the event must have a solid base of supporters who believe in the event,
-the event can be 'advertised' through conversation and networking,
-follow up with guests prior to the event to remind them the importance of their attendance,
-do not give up the cause.
In memory of my Uncle, Don Lynch.
"Any day that you don't laugh is a wasted day."
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