Category: Insight

Jumpstarting Your Construction Company

If you need to raise funds to jumpstart your construction company, you might need the help of a pitch presentation consultant to aid you in getting your target capital for your business.

Construction companies are a lucrative business, essential in building infrastructures. It is one of the fastest growing industries, doing their part to satisfy the housing demand. Apart from residential, there is also a demand for commercial construction as more businesses grow and require their very own office space.

If you are thinking of starting a construction company, here are a few things that can help you jumpstart your business.

Create a business plan

A business plan helps you determine the direction you want your business to take. It provides clarity and help you win over investors for your construction company.

Ask important questions like “Are you going to focus on remodeling or will you build a homes from the ground up?”

During this phase, you should also decide on your company’s structure. Are you going for a sole proprietorship? Or do you want a partner to help you with the company? Consult with your company’s attorney or accountant to determine which option would be best for your business.

Hire a professional PowerPoint service

Once you have polished your business plan and have a clear vision of your company, you will need capital to put all those plans into action. You may finance your business through several ways… you can go traditional and acquire the capital you need by tapping into your savings, applying for a bank loan or you can attract investors for your business.

Remember that investors are looking for businesses that have the potential for growth. This is where your business plan comes in. Back your ideas up with data and don’t forget to highlight your company’s story to set yourself apart from other startup construction companies.

If you want to increase your chances with investors, consider hiring a business presentation PowerPoint expert to help you create a first-class presentation. This gives you the extra push you need so you can open your dream construction company.

If you’re not sure how to make your own, don’t worry! You can have one made for you at affordable rates by clicking here.

Get legal

The next step in starting your company is to file the required documents to become a legal entity. Don’t forget to register your business, acquire the necessary documents (the name of your business, Tax ID number, etc.) and your business account.

Since the requirements needed vary from state to state, do not hesitate to inquire what papers are needed. Make sure you acquire all the needed licenses (business license, tradesman license) and permits before you operate your business.

Take note of the specific licenses that you will need. You will need to know the type of licenses that are required at the local, state and federal levels. If you’re unsure as to which Tax ID or licenses would be applicable to your company, it’s best to ask assistance from your attorney or a certified public accountant (CPA).

Part of the paperwork is getting your business and your employees insured. This protects you from liability and the interests of your employees.

If you already own construction equipment, it’s best to insure it so your business would not take a financial hit in case they get damaged. Check the insurance requirements for the state that you live in.

Set it up

Now that you’ve taken care of the paperwork, set up your company by acquiring tools and equipment. Construction equipment is expensive, but you can opt to lease them temporarily. If you can afford a few larger pieces, go for yard ramps and forklifts as they are a good investment for any construction firm.

As for laborers, you may source them by hiring employees, independent contractors, subcontractors or labor brokers.

Market it

Last but certainly not the least, start your online presence and connect with people to grow your professional network. Set up your website, make sure that all info is present and correct. This includes a short description of your company, services offered and contact details.

Set up your social media accounts and establish a network in the construction industry. Market your company online by churning out relevant content, promos and connecting with people.

To aid your marketing campaign, you can opt to create a PowerPoint presentation to help communicate your plans, whether in product management, promotions and advertisement of products. They can also help you show how you plan to price your services and merchandise.

Feel free to check out our PowerPoint Templates here—or give us a call should you need a business pitch presentation consultant!

Customers Are Always Right—Or Are They?

business

Customer Experience

Employee Welfare

Dec 12, 2017

The business world had first heard the maxim, “The customer is always right,” when Harry Gordon Selfridge, the founder of the Selfridge department store in London, used it to reassure customers that they can always expect good service from his company. More than a century later, it’s still being applied by many business giants, often to the exasperation of employees.
Decade after decade, this mentality has been drilled into the heads of entrepreneurs. Workers are told to look beyond the need to do what is just. They’re expected to turn the other cheek and smile when an irate customer is calling them down. Well, here’s a secret for you that everyone knows but nobody wants to spill out: The customer isn’t always right. You know it, and business owners know it, too.

Why ‘The Customer Is Always Right’ Mentality Is Wrong

Why This Mentality Should Be Ditched

Businessmen have long touted the customer-is-always-right mentality. However, it’s time to let it go and accept that it could destroy employees’ morale, mess up the business process, and harm customer service in general. Customers are not always right—they just think they are. However, that doesn’t mean you should continue to apply this principle mindlessly in your business. Here are six reasons why this mentality should’ve been flushed down the drain a long, long time ago.

1. Customers don’t always know what they’re doing

Customers are not experts. They may be aggressive in asserting their opinions, but most of the time, they don’t really know how their words and actions affect the bigger picture. To contend the absolute power of customers, regardless of their individual attitudes and unique situations, is one way to send good business flying out the door.
If you know that the client is wrong and your employee is right, don’t suck up to the former and disown the latter. Instead, be just and reasonable. Remember that part of your job is to help both customers and employees. Telling customers they’re right when they’re not doesn’t do them—or you—any favor. Don’t bend over backwards every time a client complains. Remember, you’re the expert, not them.

Why ‘The Customer Is Always Right’ Mentality Is Wrong

2. Most customers are resistant to change

The case is simple—there are many consumers out there who are simply not progressive thinkers. They care more about keeping the status quo as it is than exploring possibilities for improvement. They don’t care if you’re trying to create something new; they’re not going to adopt it until the rest of the world is onboard and they’re the only ones left in oblivion. The fact that there are still many retrogressive people in the world can put you in a vulnerable spot, especially if your business is geared towards innovation. As you know, the enemy of business success is stagnation, so it will harm you to stay on one spot for the longest time just to please regressive customers.

3. Unreasonable customers are bad for business

Most entrepreneurs are possessed by the illusion that the more clients a business has, the better off it will be. While this may be justified to some extent, it’s not an absolute truth that every businessperson should uphold. There are things more important than garnering a massive consumer base and earning money—and yes, we’re talking about dignity and respect. That said, it’s only appropriate to fire a bad customer who is on the verge of burning all of your resources and energy. Remember, you can only expend so much, so don’t use up all your resources on clients who deserve them the least. Dedicate them instead on reasonable clients who are willing to work things out. Do your part, and if that doesn’t lead you anywhere, move on. After all, no reward can make keeping a difficult customer relationship worthwhile.
To use author Peter Fader’s words, “Not all customers deserve your company’s best efforts. And despite what the old adage says, the customer is most definitely not always right. Because in the world of customer centricity, there are good customers…and then there is everybody else.”

Why ‘The Customer Is Always Right’ Mentality Is Wrong

4. It gives bad customers an unfair advantage

Since when does being rude gets rewarded? Abusive customers need to know that they can’t always get what they want. Sometimes, they need to adjust their mindset. What makes more sense is for nice people to be treated with care and respect. Businesses should run the extra mile for those who leave a long-lasting positive impact, not for those who only bring problems.

5. It makes employees unhappy and resentful

The customer-is-always-right principle is a double-edged sword. Not only does it encourage rudeness; it also dampens employee morale. By choosing a hard-to-please client (who is halfway through the door anyway) over a valuable employee who’s been with you through tough times, you’re only reinforcing the prejudice regarding employers not having the employees’ back—and this will upset your employees. To quote Bret Larsen, CEO of eVisit, “Chances are, you assembled your team based on their values and abilities. Put faith in that. Support them however you can.”

6. It results into worse customer service overall

If your argument for insisting that the customer is always right is that it’s a good customer service principle, then you need to reevaluate your business assumptions. To borrow words from author Alexander Kjerulf, “Believing the customer is always right is a subconscious way of favoring the customer over the employee, which can lead to resentment among employees. When managers put the employees first, the employees will then put the customers first. Put employees first and they will be happy at work.” When employees are happy, they feel more motivated. This ultimately leads to a more positive environment where customer service can thrive best.
The gist is simple—customers are not always right. However, that doesn’t mean they’re always wrong either. You have to weigh in the facts and use your judgment fairly. That’s what being a good entrepreneur and employer is about, anyway.
 

Resources:

Beal, Andy. “Why the Customer Is Not Always Right and Why It Doesn’t Matter.” American Express. July 25, 2011. www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/why-the-customer-is-not-always-right-and-why-it-doesnt-matter
DeMers, Jayson. “No, The Customer Is Not Always Right.” Forbes. September 2, 2014. www.forbes.com/sites/jaysondemers/2014/09/02/no-the-customer-is-not-always-right/#74b964ad4412
Kjerulf, Alexander. “Top 5 Reasons Why ‘The Customer Is Always Right’ Is Wrong.” Huffington Post. April 15, 2014. www.huffingtonpost.com/alexander-kjerulf/top-5-reasons-customer-service_b_5145636.html
Page, Bubba. “3 Reasons Why the Customer Is Always Right…Is Wrong.” Inc. October 15, 2015. www.inc.com/bubba-page/3-reasons-why-the-customer-is-always-right-is-wrong.html
“The Customer Is Always Right.” Phrases. n.d. www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/106700.html

Crafting a Presentation that Ends with a Bang

presentation

Presentation Agency

presentation tips

public speaking

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Oct 23, 2017

It’s almost time for a new year, for a new beginning. Looking back, you see how well you did and where you need to improve. From an optimistic viewpoint, a great year-ender is appreciating deeds and being inspired to make the next one better.

A year well-ended can be a great drive to improve. It can be the cornerstone of a pleasant beginning. The charisma of great things has the power to move. Spectacular presentation endings—especially ones that strike a chord in the heart—can inspire people to do generous acts.

Crafting a Presentation: Marching band

Where to Begin Your Presentation

Although, yes, it’s the season for holiday gimmicks such as festive shows and productions, many presenters will tell you that one doesn’t simply chorus his way to winning an investment or donation.

Curation is necessary when crafting a pitch. Relevant and influential data are what you need when choosing the right content for your pitch.

Even crafting PowerPoint Presentations have dos and don’ts. Let the 4-by-5 rule guide you in using words sparingly and curating only the essentials for your pitch.

Visuals can also be charming additions to a presentation. Not only are they entertaining, but they are also powerful storytellers.

Your choice of presentation content must, at all times, not only be largely influenced by the interests and preferences of the audience; but also primarily benefits your cause or proposition.

A polished PowerPoint Presentation takes one far but presenting them confidently will get one further.

Your confidence level should always rule your audiences. They may not know how prepared you are with your presentation but they can easily pick up that you are poised enough to show them you are.

Take command of your pitch. Know where the good stuff should fall and make sure you strut them when there’s a chance.

Crafting a Presentation: Exit

How to Get There

The content that comes before a conclusion plays crucial roles in supporting a proposition.

Other parts of a pitch add depth to a presentation ending, and vice versa. How well you build your presentation to your audience has a great effect on whether the ending makes it or breaks it.

Interesting opening remarks and clear introductions help set a good first impression for audiences. Data that are laid out and presented in an organized manner will highlight your first objective: to be remembered.

Before you reach the end of your presentation, make sure that attention is developed and maintained from start to finish.

Lastly, create a strategy on how you project a smooth transition when it’s time for an epic ending. Make way for the remarkable close.

As Brian Tracy advices, pick up your tempo as you approach the end. Add some energy on your voice and fire up your expressions when referring to highlights and interesting details.

Crafting a Presentation: Wizard

Call to Action

From delivering up to 5,000 seminars to more than 5 million people in different countries, in his own video presentation, Brian Tracy shares four awe-inspiring ways to end pitches.

The renowned speaker said that “A call to action is the best way to wrap up your talk with strength and power.”

Not only does it vividly imply that there’s an option for the audience to take steps but it also signals that, based on your justification, there is a need for action.

There are many ways to end with a call to action when giving a pitch. Knowing which ones effectively influence audiences, instead of abruptly asking, is the way to go.

The call to action often comes in the first or the final part of a presentation.

In a challenging close, audiences were asked to recall the presentation and were also asked to apply what they have learned just to see if it works for them. Challenging the audience triggers curiosity on whether they can do something or not.

Feed that curiosity when you get the chance. It is one of the hardest things to resist.

Crafting a Presentation: Fireworks display

Quick Summary

Summarizing after pitching is a common way to signal an audience that a presentation will be over soon.

Again, why are you agreeable? Remind them of your key points. Summarized presentations make it easier to internalize the thoughts in a presentation.

With a bookend close, you refer back to the earlier parts of your presentation to show that you have arrived at the same final point where you began. A title close similarly does the same technique except that the title conveys the main message.

When there’s a pile of slides to remember, it’s hard to make an impact on an audience. These types of closes are ideal when points-to-remember require a list.

Crafting a Presentation: Once upon a time

Closing Story

“Tale as old as time, true as they can be.”

Not all stories are real, but the point is, those that have morals are true enough to guide people with the ups and downs of life.

One would prefer to spend five minutes hearing a short but meaningful story than another load of data. Stories serve as breathing room for audiences, especially when the presentation is quite technical.

Also, stories can be charismatic enough to improve the way an audience perceives. Relating with audiences gives you more power to convince and to convert.

Crafting a Presentation: Closing story

Inspirational Excerpt

Brian Tracy believes that hope is the great religion of mankind.

Sometimes, audiences, especially the anxious ones, are just an inspiration away. Some may see trusting you as a risk, but let inspiration pull them up and lead them to their first step of action.

A feel of familiarity takes out anxiety among audiences. Sharing thoughts or insights they can relate to eases out tension between them and the unfamiliar person onstage, you.

No matter what age, inspirational excerpts help when your audience need a little soothing. Quotations from books or songs are some of the most popularly used. They have a nostalgic characteristic that people can relate to apart from the timeless morals they share.

Or, you can use a third party close. Here, a quotation is used as a premise to frame the whole presentation and at the same time, to wrap it up.

Conclusion

Audiences base decisions on how a proposition is presented.

Do you manage content and take audience presence seriously? It’s necessary to know which data fits the puzzle, making sure that they count.

Presentation maneuvers have the power to kick start the pounding of your audience’s hearts. Preparing for the arrival of a great presentation ender has a great impact on the next steps that your audience will take after the presentation.

Lastly, be compelling when you say they need to act yet observe genuineness when you bid them well, especially on their new year. Let a pleasant final impression be the last thing they remember from you before the year ends.

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Resources:

Tracy, Brian. “4 Ways to End a Speech With a Bang.” YouTube. July 14, 2015. www.youtube.com/watch?v=EucZKuqaVEE&feature=youtu.be.

Jeff, Peter. “10 Ways to End Your Speech With a Bang.” Six Minutes. October 12, 2009. www.sixminutes.dlugan.com/10-ways-to-end-your-speech

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The Most Effective TED Talks and What You Can Learn from Them

custom powerpoint

pitch deck

presentation

presentation tips

public speaking

public speaking tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Ted Speakers

TED talks

Jun 12, 2017

TED Talks have become a gold standard for engaging, impactful presentations. The best TED Talks captivate audiences by blending storytelling, emotion, and a clear message into a concise, compelling format. Whether you’re preparing for a presentation or aiming to improve your public speaking skills, studying the most effective TED Talks offers valuable insights into what makes them so powerful.

Here are key lessons you can learn from the most successful TED Talks:

1. Clear and Focused Message

One common thread among the most successful TED Talks is a clear and focused message. These speakers avoid overloading their audience with information and instead distill their core message into one clear idea that resonates.

Why It Works:

  • Memorability: Audiences are more likely to remember a single, well-communicated idea rather than multiple points crammed into a short presentation.
  • Easy to Follow: A focused message makes the talk easier to follow and understand, even if the subject matter is complex.

Example: In Simon Sinek’s famous TED Talk, “Start with Why,” he simplifies his core message into one principle: successful leaders inspire action by starting with their purpose (the “why”) rather than their product (the “what”).

Takeaway: When preparing your presentation, focus on one main idea. All your content should support and reinforce this key point.

2. Engaging Storytelling

TED speakers often use storytelling to illustrate their points, making abstract concepts relatable and memorable. Stories humanize the speaker and help create an emotional connection with the audience.

Why It Works:

  • Emotional Engagement: Stories tap into the audience’s emotions, making the presentation more impactful.
  • Relatability: Personal anecdotes or real-world examples allow the audience to connect with the material on a deeper level.

Example: Brené Brown’s TED Talk on vulnerability incorporates personal stories about her own struggles with vulnerability, making the topic more accessible and relatable.

Takeaway: Weave stories into your presentation. Whether they are personal experiences, case studies, or examples, stories make your message stick.

3. Passionate Delivery

The most effective TED speakers are not just knowledgeable—they are passionate about their topic. Their enthusiasm is contagious, energizing the audience and keeping them engaged throughout the talk.

Why It Works:

  • Authenticity: Passionate delivery feels authentic and convincing. When the speaker believes in their message, the audience is more likely to be inspired.
  • Energy: A passionate tone elevates the energy of the room, keeping listeners attentive and emotionally invested.

Example: In Ken Robinson’s TED Talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?”, his enthusiasm for creative education is evident, making his message not only educational but also deeply persuasive.

Takeaway: Show your passion for the subject. Let your enthusiasm come through naturally in your tone, facial expressions, and body language.

4. Simplicity in Visuals

The most impactful TED Talks use minimalist slides that emphasize clarity. These slides serve as visual aids, not distractions, and are designed to reinforce the speaker’s points rather than overwhelm the audience with information.

Why It Works:

  • Less is More: Simple visuals ensure that the audience focuses on the speaker rather than being distracted by overly complex slides.
  • Reinforces Key Points: Minimalist slides with key words, simple images, or data visualization can help clarify complex ideas without detracting from the speaker’s message.

Example: Bill Gates’ TED Talk on energy innovation features clean, simple slides with graphs and charts that complement his explanations without overwhelming the audience.

Takeaway: Keep your slides simple and to the point. Use images, diagrams, or brief text that enhances your talk rather than detracts from it.

5. A Powerful Opening and Closing

TED speakers understand the importance of a strong opening and closing. A compelling opening grabs the audience’s attention right away, while a memorable closing leaves a lasting impression.

Why It Works:

  • First Impressions Matter: An intriguing opening (whether it’s a bold statement, question, or story) sets the tone for the rest of the talk and hooks the audience.
  • Call to Action: A strong closing often includes a call to action or a thought-provoking statement that encourages the audience to reflect on the message after the presentation.

Example: Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk, “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are,” starts with an engaging story and ends with a memorable call to action, encouraging viewers to apply her body language tips to improve their confidence.

Takeaway: Craft an attention-grabbing opening and a powerful closing that reinforces your message. Consider ending with a call to action or a key takeaway that lingers with the audience.

6. Using Humor to Engage

Humor can be a powerful tool in presentations, breaking the ice and keeping the audience engaged. Many TED speakers use light humor to build rapport with the audience, making their talk more enjoyable and relatable.

Why It Works:

  • Relaxes the Audience: Humor can help ease tension and make the audience feel more comfortable.
  • Makes the Speaker More Relatable: A well-placed joke or light-hearted comment makes the speaker more approachable and human.

Example: Sir Ken Robinson’s talk is filled with witty remarks, which helps make his discussion on education reform feel less formal and more accessible.

Takeaway: Use humor appropriately in your presentation to keep your audience engaged, but make sure it aligns with your message and tone.

Final Thoughts

The most effective TED Talks succeed because they master the art of clear messaging, engaging storytelling, and passionate delivery. By incorporating these techniques into your presentations, you can create a powerful and memorable experience for your audience. Whether you’re speaking to a small team or a large conference, these lessons will help you elevate your public speaking and presentation skills to TED-level effectiveness.

Cultivating the Right Presentation Mindset

mindset

presentation tips

public speaking tips

Jun 12, 2017

Someone once said, “The human brain is a wonderful thing. It starts working the moment you are born, and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.” Indeed, public speaking is so emotionally taxing that many people make all kinds of excuses to dodge it. Some say they don’t have the expertise yet while others say they’re not emotionally ready. To many, these excuses are a sign of weakness and an inability to deliver.

However, most people don’t realize that this is a natural response. In fact, it is expected, and in some cases, desired and encouraged. The can’t-do attitude towards public speaking is not always negative. If any, it’s a good asset waiting to be unraveled. You can channel the energy you use to dwell into your hesitation and self-doubt into something more positive. You can turn your can’t-do mindset into a presentation asset.

Focus on yourself, not on others.

This doesn’t mean you have to disregard your audience’s needs and preferences. It only means you shouldn’t worry too much about what others think of you. It’s okay to fret a little if you’re new to public speaking, but you have to remember that you don’t need to perfect it the first time. No matter how well you prepare and deliver your speech, there will always be room for improvement.

Look past the temptation to look smart. Instead of worrying about things that are out of your control, why not focus on honing your skills? Be open for growth, and embrace any challenge that might come your way. A lot of things can go wrong in a presentation, and sometimes, there’s nothing you can do to stop them. However, your attitude towards the situation will determine how it affects you.

Doubt yourself, but only for a minute.

There are two types of mindsets: fixed and growth. A fixed mindset encompasses static givens such as character, intelligence, and creative ability. These aspects can’t be changed in any meaningful way. A person with a dominant fixed mindset typically strives for success and avoids failure. A person with a growth mindset, on the other hand, sees failure not as a drawback but as a springboard for improvement. Both types of mindsets can have a profound impact in your life.

For you to overcome stage fright, you need to let your growth mindset take over. Think of your speaking engagement as an opportunity to expand your knowledge and enhance your experience. 

Find a motivation, not a reason to quit.

What’s good about having a growth mindset is that you can cultivate a passion for learning instead of a hunger for approval. People with this kind of outlook view things from a different light. To a conventional person, for example, the words, “not yet,” ring with a negative connotation, like being stuck in a certain state. However, to a progressive mind, “not yet” suggests something to look forward to in the future.

If you think you’re not yet ready to give a talk, strive harder to become better at public speaking until you are fully prepared to take the stage. Looking at things in a better light will free you from presentation anxiety and make you more confident.

Don’t let a can’t-do mindset stop you from reaching your full potential. Develop a can-do attitude that will let you find and conquer greater possibilities.

Resources:

Britton, Kathryn. “I Can’t Do It Yet.” Positive Psychology. June 18, 2014. positivepsychologynews.com/news/kathryn-britton/2014061829119

North, Marjorie Lee. “10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills.” Harvard Extension. n.d. www.extension.harvard.edu/professional-development/blog/10-tips-improving-your-public-speaking-skills

Peck, Sarah. “Why a Growth Mindset is Essential for Learning.” One Month. May 12, 2015. learn.onemonth.com/why-a-growth-mindset-is-essential-for-learning
Popova, Maria. “Fixed vs. Growth: The Two Basic Mindsets that Shape Our Lives.” Brain Pickings. n.d. www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/29/carol-dweck-mindset

Roll, Oliver. “6 Steps to Overcoming Stage Fright and Giving a Presentation Everybody Listens to.” Entrepreneur. October 21, 2014. www.entrepreneur.com/article/238442

Tour of California 2017 and the Seven Stages of the Business Cycle

business

Business Cycle

CEO Tips

custom powerpoint

pitch deck

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Tour of California

May 15, 2017

The Tour of California is a professional cycling race that has been dubbed as America’s Tour de France. Debuting in 2006, the event is considered as one of the most important cycling races in the United States. Although it’s now held every year in May, it was originally a February affair. The change was made back in 2010 when organizers wanted to make the race a preparatory event for the Tour de France. The Tour of California typically covers 700 miles through the U.S. state of California.

This year, the cycling race will start on May 14 and cap off on May 21. It’s only a few days before the event officially starts, and excitement is already building around the cycling community. Kristin Klein said, “As the sport of cycling continues to bloom in America, the Amgen Tour of California men’s and women’s events are both part of the UCI World Tour for the first time, a privilege and designation reserved for the world’s premier’s races. This means the competition will reach an all-time high, with the best racers and best teams in the world lining up to take part.”

All this hype will surely attract the public’s eye. Indeed, as Klein noted, “The Amgen Tour of California is America’s greatest race, and this year more than ever, the world will be watching.” Cycling enthusiasts, athletes, health junkies, and casual fans alike will all be there to support the cause. But there should be one more group that ought to jump on the bandwagon: businessmen. That’s right—men in suits may seem like the odd-ones-out in a crowd of Lycra-shorts-wearing people, but they’re not far removed from the spirit of this occasion. In fact, the Tour of California cycling race may just be the new business metaphor that entrepreneurs, like you, need.

https://www.slideshare.net/SlideGenius/tour-of-california-2017-and-the-seven-stages-of-the-business-cycle

Resources:

Chen, Sheen. “What Are the Stages of a Business Lifecycle and Its Challenges?” Business 2 Community. March 4, 2014. www.business2community.com/strategy/stages-business-lifecycle-challenges-0798879#osr2aRkspuuKlDE5.97

Griffiths, Andrew. “If You Want a Solid Future You Need to Know Where You Are in the Business Life Cycle.” Inc. April 19, 2016. www.inc.com/andrew-griffiths/which-part-of-the-7-stage-business-life-cycle-are-you-in.html

Janssen, Thierry. “The 7 Stages of Business Life Cycle.” Just in Time Management. n.d. www.justintimemanagement.com/en/The-7-stages-of-business-life-cycle

Schilken, Chuck. “Amgen Tour of California Announces Routes for 2017 Race.” LA Times. January 31, 2017. www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-tour-of-california-route-20170130-story.html

“2017 Tour of California Routes Announced.” Cycling News. January 31, 2017. www.cyclingnews.com/news/2017-tour-of-california-routes-announced

“Where Are You in the Seven-Stage Cycle?” Addison and Company. n.d. www.addisonandco.co.uk/the-7-stages-of-business

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Marketing Through LinkedIn: Tips and Tricks

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digital marketing

LinkedIn

Marketing

online marketing

pitch deck

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Apr 24, 2017

LinkedIn has become an indispensable tool for professionals and businesses alike. Whether you’re looking to network, promote your brand, or generate leads, marketing through LinkedIn offers unique opportunities to connect with decision-makers and grow your business. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of LinkedIn’s marketing potential.

1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make on potential clients, partners, or employers. Ensuring your profile is professional, complete, and optimized for LinkedIn’s search algorithm is crucial for effective marketing.

Why It’s Important:

  • Builds Credibility: A well-optimized profile establishes you as a credible and trustworthy professional or brand.
  • Improves Visibility: Optimizing your profile increases the likelihood of being found by people searching for your expertise or services.

How to Do It:

  • Use a professional profile picture and a custom banner that reflects your brand.
  • Optimize your headline with keywords related to your industry or services, and fill out the summary section with a concise description of what you offer.

2. Leverage LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups provide an opportunity to engage with professionals in your industry, share knowledge, and demonstrate your expertise. Participating in groups can help you build relationships, share valuable content, and promote your services in a less promotional and more organic way.

Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Engagement: Active participation in groups helps you connect with potential clients or partners.
  • Showcases Expertise: Sharing your knowledge and insights positions you as an authority in your field.

How to Do It:

  • Join groups relevant to your industry and participate in discussions by answering questions, sharing articles, or offering advice.
  • Avoid overtly promotional content—focus on adding value to the conversation and building relationships.

3. Use LinkedIn Ads

LinkedIn Ads allow you to reach a highly targeted audience based on job title, industry, company size, and other professional criteria. This makes LinkedIn Ads an effective tool for B2B marketing, lead generation, and brand awareness.

Why It’s Important:

  • Targets Decision-Makers: LinkedIn’s ad platform allows you to reach key decision-makers in specific industries or companies.
  • Increases Lead Generation: LinkedIn Ads can drive high-quality leads to your website, product, or services.

How to Do It:

  • Use Sponsored Content to promote blog posts, whitepapers, or webinars to engage your target audience.
  • Create Sponsored InMail campaigns to send personalized messages directly to prospects’ LinkedIn inboxes.

4. Share High-Quality Content

Consistently sharing high-quality, relevant content is one of the most effective ways to engage your LinkedIn audience and establish your brand as a thought leader. Posting insightful articles, industry news, and company updates keeps your network engaged and positions you as a go-to resource.

Why It’s Important:

  • Builds Authority: Regularly sharing valuable content helps establish your brand’s authority in your industry.
  • Engages Your Audience: High-quality content encourages likes, comments, and shares, increasing your reach and visibility.

How to Do It:

  • Post industry-relevant articles, how-to guides, and thought leadership pieces regularly.
  • Use LinkedIn’s Publishing Platform to write longer articles or blog posts directly on LinkedIn, showcasing your expertise to a broader audience.

5. Network with Decision-Makers

LinkedIn’s advanced search filters allow you to find and connect with decision-makers at specific companies, industries, or locations. Building relationships with these individuals can open doors to new business opportunities.

Why It’s Important:

  • Drives Business Opportunities: Connecting with decision-makers increases your chances of securing partnerships, clients, or job offers.
  • Expands Your Network: The more relevant connections you make, the more opportunities you’ll have to grow your network and business.

How to Do It:

  • Use LinkedIn’s advanced search to filter for professionals by job title, company, or industry.
  • Send personalized connection requests and follow up with a message introducing yourself and explaining how you can help.

6. Post Consistently

Consistency is key when marketing on LinkedIn. Posting regularly keeps you top of mind with your connections and increases the chances that your content will be seen by more people.

Why It’s Important:

  • Builds Visibility: Regular posting ensures that your profile and content remain visible in your connections’ feeds.
  • Increases Engagement: The more often you post, the more opportunities you have to engage with your audience and grow your influence.

How to Do It:

  • Aim to post at least once or twice a week, sharing a mix of content such as articles, videos, and company updates.
  • Use LinkedIn’s Analytics to track which posts perform best and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn is a powerful platform for building professional relationships, promoting your brand, and generating leads. By optimizing your profile, sharing high-quality content, and engaging with your network through groups and ads, you can leverage LinkedIn’s full potential to enhance your marketing strategy. Consistency and authenticity are key—focus on adding value to your network, and the results will follow.

6 Tips to Keep Your Audience Engaged and Interested

audience attention

audience engagement

presentation delivery

presentation tips

public speaking

public speaking tips

Apr 17, 2017

Imagine looking intently at your audience ten minutes into your hour-long presentation. Imagine seeing, instead of eager faces, a sea of spectators wearing I-don’t-want-to-be-here looks. Some of them are yawning; others are glancing at the time. You also spot a few snoozing in plain view, as though daring for you to call them out. Any speaker facing this situation would undoubtedly be unnerved. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re imposing themselves to others.

The scenario you’ve just played out in your mind is a proof that presentations aren’t just about content. The way you say something is just as important as what you have to say, if not more so. No matter how unique and valuable your content is, it’s useless until you present it in an interesting manner.

The thing about presentation delivery is that it’s not a “one time, big time” deal. It’s not something you can apply only at the start and end of your speech. Building momentum isn’t enough; you need to be able to sustain it throughout the presentation. Since this is harder than it seems, we’re giving away some tips to help you with this ordeal.

Keeping Your Audience Hooked from Start to Finish

There’s a certain stigma that pervades presentations: boredom. Many people perceive speeches as nothing but a waste of resources. The time is ripe for you to join the few great presenters who aim to eradicate this stigma by delivering presentations that are interesting from start to finish.

1. Tell them outright why they should listen.

Your chosen topic should be something that the audience is interested in. If you want them to listen, give them a reason to lend you their ears. Unless you make the talk about them, it’s unlikely that they’ll care at all about what you have to say.

2. Give them enough mental challenge.

Presentations are neither about spoon-feeding your audience with information nor baffling them with incomprehensible data. To keep them hooked, you should provide them with enough mental challenges that will keep them occupied without straining their mental faculties. Dispose of anything that will either underchallenge (e.g. bullet points) or overchallenge (e.g. complicated graphs) them.

3. Turn your speech into a two-way discourse.

An effective way to engage your audience is to include them in the presentation. Cook up some strategies to switch the limelight from them to you. Audience interaction doesn’t come by accident; as the speaker, you need to be the ringleader of the action. By framing the presentation in a way that encourages participation, you’ll be able to keep your audience’s minds from wandering off.

One way to elicit engagement is to embolden people to ask questions. Getting their opinions will not only bring variety to the table but also deepen the conversation. You can also post interesting questions that will get them thinking from beginning to end. Also, leveraging social media by inviting your audience to tweet or blog about your presentation can go a long way in achieving interaction. If you only want minimal engagement, however, you can just poll your audience as a group. Ask them to raise hands or stand to show agreement or dissent.

4. Grab their attention with any kind of change.

Uniformity fosters boredom, so you should veer away from any predictable patterns of speech. Add any kind of nuance, however small, to draw your audience’s minds back to the presentation. There are a lot of aspects that you can modify in a speech. For example, you can change your style of delivery depending on the type of content you share. State facts with a deliberate tone and tell stories in an animated manner. You can also change the inflection of your voice to emphasize the differences between strong and trivial statements. By varying your vocal inflections, you can add emotional layers to your words.

Another thing you can modify is the type of media you use. For instance, you can shift from a PowerPoint slide deck to a whiteboard presentation. By incorporating these small changes in your presentation, you can recapture the audience’s attention every time their minds drift away.

Audience Attention Tips: Schedule Breaks Between Sections

5. Vary the types of content you share.

Don’t limit yourself to one type of content. While it’s true that facts and data are essential in business presentations, you shouldn’t let your speech turn into a lecture just because you can’t find creative ways to present your content. As much as possible, blend in some stories into your presentation. People are hard-wired to love narratives, so they’ll be more interested to hear what you have to say when you package your content that way. You can also use metaphors to illustrate a point, or draw from a personal experience to make an example.

There are other types of content you can add to your speech. For instance, a mind map can work for organizing your thoughts. Visual elements are also good for spicing up your presentation. If you can apply humor prudently, it can also be useful in lifting the boredom and energizing your audience.

6. Schedule breaks between sections.

Don’t underestimate the rejuvenating effects of a short break. Give your audience ample time to walk around, refill their drinks, take a breath of fresh air, and get the blood flowing through their legs once again with a quick stretch. These small activities will revive your audience and keep them from dozing off halfway through your speech. Schedule breaks where they apply and see an immediate improvement in the mood of your spectators.

When you feel inclined to settle for a mediocre presentation that will no doubt bore your listeners, just remember that having a ready audience to listen to you is a privilege. It’s an honor you can earn by devoting enough resources to make your presentation worth everyone’s time and effort. Apply the tips we’ve provided, and you’ll be taking a step in the right direction. Good luck!

Resources:

Belknap, Leslie. “How to Find a Story to Enhance Your Public Speaking Presentations.” Ethos 3. November 6, 2015. www.ethos3.com/2015/11/how-to-find-a-story-to-enhance-your-public-speaking-presentations

Brownlow, Hannah. “10 Ways to Keep Your Audience’s Attention.” Bright Carbon. June 18, 2015. www.brightcarbon.com/blog/10-ways-to-keep-your-audiences-attention

DeMers, Jayson. “10 Presentation Tricks to Keep Your Audience Awake.” Inc. August 11, 2015. www.inc.com/jayson-demers/10-presentation-tricks-to-keep-your-audience-awake.html

Grissom, Twila. “How to Make a Presentation: The Importance of Delivery.” CustomShow. November 27, 2014. www.customshow.com/giving-great-presentation-importance-delivery

Hedges, Kristi. “Five Easy Tricks to Make Your Presentation Interactive.” Forbes. January 28, 2014. www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2014/01/28/five-easy-tricks-to-make-your-presentation-interactive/#223ff6ae2586

Martinuzzi, Bruna. “How to Keep Your Audience Focused on Your Presentation.” American Express. September 14, 2012. www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/how-to-keep-your-audience-focused-on-your-presentation

Mitchell, Olivia. “7 Ways to Keep Audience Attention During Your Presentation.” Speaking About Presenting. n.d. www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/content/7-ways-audience-attention-presentation

Patel, Neil. “When, How, and How Often to Take a Break.” Inc. December 11, 2014. www.inc.com/neil-patel/when-how-and-how-often-to-take-a-break.html

Why Listening Is the Most Important Communication Skill

communication

Communication Skill

custom powerpoint

Listening

Marketing

pitch deck

public speaking

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Apr 10, 2017

In the realm of communication, listening is often overlooked, but it is arguably the most crucial skill to master. While speaking clearly and effectively is important, active listening fosters better understanding, builds stronger relationships, and enhances overall communication. Whether you’re leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or engaging in a casual conversation, listening is essential to effective communication. Here’s why.

1. Builds Trust and Rapport

When people feel heard, they are more likely to trust and respect you. Listening actively—without interrupting or jumping to conclusions—demonstrates that you value the other person’s thoughts and opinions.

Why It’s Important:

  • Encourages Openness: People are more likely to share their honest thoughts and feelings when they feel genuinely listened to.
  • Fosters Stronger Relationships: Listening helps build rapport, which is crucial in both personal and professional relationships.

How to Do It:

  • Focus fully on the speaker, making eye contact and giving them your undivided attention.
  • Use verbal and nonverbal cues (like nodding or brief affirmations) to show that you’re engaged.

2. Improves Understanding

Listening carefully allows you to fully understand the speaker’s message. Without active listening, you may miss key details, misinterpret the speaker’s intent, or make incorrect assumptions.

Why It’s Important:

  • Prevents Misunderstandings: By truly listening, you can avoid confusion and ensure that you understand the message as intended.
  • Leads to Informed Responses: Listening helps you respond thoughtfully and accurately, rather than giving off-the-cuff remarks.

How to Do It:

  • Summarize or paraphrase what the speaker has said to ensure you’ve understood their points correctly.
  • Ask clarifying questions if something is unclear.

3. Enhances Problem-Solving

In collaborative environments, effective listening is key to identifying issues and finding solutions. When you actively listen to all perspectives, you gain a broader understanding of the problem, which helps you come up with more effective solutions.

Why It’s Important:

  • Gathers All Perspectives: Listening to various viewpoints helps you consider all aspects of a situation before making decisions.
  • Fosters Creative Solutions: Hearing others out allows for collaborative brainstorming, leading to more innovative problem-solving.

How to Do It:

  • Encourage others to voice their opinions and ideas.
  • Withhold judgment or counterarguments until you’ve fully understood everyone’s perspective.

4. Encourages Respectful Dialogue

Active listening can de-escalate tensions and create a more respectful conversation. By listening rather than dominating the conversation, you create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their views.

Why It’s Important:

  • Decreases Conflict: Listening can help defuse misunderstandings or disagreements before they escalate.
  • Promotes Mutual Respect: Respect is cultivated when people feel that their views are acknowledged and valued.

How to Do It:

  • Practice patience by letting the speaker finish before responding.
  • Avoid interrupting, even if you disagree with what’s being said.

5. Strengthens Leadership Abilities

Strong leaders are often those who listen the best. By listening to your team’s concerns, ideas, and feedback, you demonstrate empathy and foster an environment of collaboration and mutual respect.

Why It’s Important:

  • Builds Team Morale: Team members feel valued and respected when their input is genuinely considered by leadership.
  • Improves Decision-Making: Leaders who listen gain valuable insights that can inform better decisions.

How to Do It:

  • In meetings, give everyone an opportunity to speak and ensure you listen attentively to their input.
  • Make it a habit to seek feedback regularly and act on the insights you gather.

6. Boosts Emotional Intelligence

Listening is a key component of emotional intelligence (EQ). It helps you understand not only the words being spoken but also the emotions and underlying needs of the speaker. High EQ is essential for successful communication, conflict resolution, and leadership.

Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Empathy: By listening closely, you can better understand how the other person is feeling, which strengthens your ability to empathize.
  • Improves Interpersonal Relationships: People with high EQ are more effective in their interactions because they can connect on both intellectual and emotional levels.

How to Do It:

  • Pay attention to the speaker’s tone, body language, and nonverbal cues to fully understand their message.
  • Respond with empathy by acknowledging their emotions and validating their feelings.

Final Thoughts

Listening is the cornerstone of effective communication. Whether in a professional setting or personal relationships, listening improves understanding, builds trust, and strengthens connections. By practicing active listening, you can enhance your communication skills and become a more empathetic, effective, and respected communicator.

Public Speaking Fear: Getting Rid of It in a Jiffy

powerpoint designer

presentation

presentation design

presentation tips

public speaking

Public Speaking Fear

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

stage fright

Mar 20, 2017

Let’s face it: public speaking is frightening. Even the best speakers experience jitters before they go onstage. They just hide it really, really well—or they’re so used to stage fright that it’s no longer an issue after their warmup exercises.

Audience members pick up on signs of discomfort when you as a speaker have a hard time onstage: excessive sweating, stuttering, shortness of breath, etc. When they do, you become more conscious about what you’re doing, and the anxiety starts to build up. Does that mean you’re not ready? Possibly.

There’s no denying that some people, to no fault of their own, have a hard time dealing with high-stress situations—and you can bet that giving a speech in front of a crowd is stressful. Imagine the scenario: You’re minutes away from being called onstage. Your presentation is ready, perhaps designed by a PowerPoint design agency. The lights focus on your spot. But backstage, butterflies are abuzz in your stomach; your knees are shaking, and your palms are sweaty. You feel a bit lightheaded. Dizzy even.

These are uncontrollable responses to nervousness. While completely natural, especially in the context of public speaking, they’re still something that faze lots of people—80 percent of the US population, in fact. However, there are people easily debilitated by the mere thought of speaking in public. Those who suffer from a specific social anxiety disorder, glossophobia, feel nauseous and are prone to having panic attacks, which is why they try to stay away from doing it as much as possible.

For those who need to speak in public, though, how do you deal with stage fright? The ways to do it vary from person to person since each individual handles stress differently. Check this infographic to learn a few tricks to calm down and nail that speech.

https://www.slideshare.net/SlideGenius/public-speaking-fear-getting-rid-of-it-in-a-jiffy

Resources:

Hagen-Rochester, Susan. “Got Public Speaking Jitters? Experts Say Embrace the Fear.” Futurity. April 8, 2013. www.futurity.org/got-public-speaking-jitters-experts-say-embrace-the-fear

McClafferty, Alex. “12 ‘Fear of Public Speaking’ Symptoms and How to Beat Them.” Forbes. January 12, 2015. www.forbes.com/sites/alexmcclafferty/2015/01/12/fear-of-public-speaking/#b4fe7fd37a0c

Morgan, Nick. “Why We Fear Public Speaking and How to Overcome It.” Forbes. March 30, 2011. www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2011/03/30/why-we-fear-public-speaking-and-how-to-overcome-it/#4848c54fea43

Jamieson, Jeremy P., Matthew K. Nock, and Wendy Berry Mendes. “Changing the Conceptualization of Stress in Social Anxiety Disorder: Affective and Physiological Consequences.” Clinical Psychological Science. 2013. journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2167702613482119