#93| Mini-Workshop: Preparing for Big Opportunities
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What are your go-to tactics when preparing for big opportunities? Do you wake up early to practice your presentation? Do you have a power pose? Maybe you block your calendar before and after to prevent distractions. However you prepare, today I’m sharing tips to level up your routine and ace your next interview, meeting, or opportunity. We’re talking meeting must-do’s, my biggest pet peeves, and sure-fire ways to impress your guests!
But the party doesn’t stop here. Visit copymyhomework.com for more tips, tricks, and content on all things work, career, entrepreneurship, and business.
Copying Matthew McConaughey and Emmanuel Acho’s Homework (02:18)
Speaking of copying homework, I had the opportunity to ask Matthew McConaughey and Emmanuel Acho what their best life and career advice is. Matthew gave a message on resilience. “Think of your victories, wins, failures, and losses as commas, not periods. Also, choose resistance and risk but remember it’s not a risk if you can’t lose the fight.”
Emmanuel says to lean into the chaos. “You don’t know who you are until you face chaos. When you stand in the chaos of life, your beauty, resilience, and strength are unearthed, you’re refined, and the most beautiful version of you is revealed.”
Figuring Out Who Will Be Attending (12:55)
Preparing for new opportunities usually includes preparing for meetings. Whether it’s a job interview, new client call, or presentation, you need to know who’s coming. Check the calendar invite, who is cc’ed on the email, or simply ask the other party who you can expect there.
Once you have the full guest list, the detective work begins. Research them thoroughly! Find out how to pronounce their name correctly, and review their profile on the company site, Google, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Find out if you have mutual friends, went to the same school, or grew up in the same town. Finding common ground will make you stand out!
Also, listen to podcasts they’ve been on, read articles about them, sign up for their newsletter, and read their LinkedIn posts. Use your new knowledge to reference things they’ve done and show your interest.
Preparing For The Q&A (21:35)
So you nailed your presentation! Great, now it’s time for the Q&A.
Avoid answering with ‘uhs’ and ‘ums’ by having a response prepared for all potential questions – and follow-up questions – someone could ask. Then, practice answering the questions out loud! Talking to yourself in the mirror may be uncomfortable but the results are worth it!
Be sure to cover all bases when you’re preparing for big opportunities.
Before presenting my idea on season 5 of Shark Tank, I watched every episode of seasons 1-4 and wrote all the questions the Sharks asked plus tallied how many times they asked them! I refused to stumble on an answer on national television. You will never regret being prepared.
My Biggest Meeting Pet Peeves (29:45)
Here are two big no-no’s, red flags, do not past go rules of thumb when preparing for big opportunities.
- If your question can be answered via google, it is NOT a good question. You risk others thinking you don’t understand the subject or that you’re lazy.
- DO NOT run late! Start and end on time. If you make someone late, they are less likely to meet with you again or they will give you off-peak times and will be skeptical of your time management.
Tips For How To End Meetings On Time (33:40)
Use this phrase to end your meetings on time, “I want to respect your time. I know we have this blocked off for 30 minutes. I want to use our last 5 minutes to wrap up.”
Your guest will either respond with, “Oh, that’s ok! My next meeting is canceled, we can run over,” or “Wonderful thanks. Let me gather my last question.”
Either way, you win, because you presented the option!
Pro Tip: Set an alarm! Before starting the meeting show your guest you have the time set to keep you on track and keep their day going as planned. They’ll appreciate your organization and that you respect their time.
Meeting Must Do’s (36:39)
These meeting must-do’s are just as important as the no-nos.
Here are three rules to follow when preparing for big opportunities.
- Send an agenda 24 hours before the meeting.
- Send action items and thank you’s 24 hours after the meeting. Also, connect on LinkedIn and be sure to include a note.
- Spruce up your LinkedIn profile with these tips on helpmylinkedin.com.
Following up is the best way to show your potential client, boss, or business partner you’re interested in staying connected and a great way to stay top of mind.
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Want To Learn 1 on 1 with Me?: I’m passionate about making YOU stand out at work. After a 45 minute training, Avery (aka my newest shining star) implemented my tactics and got a new job making $60k MORE than the last. Want some of that secret sauce for yourself? Check out more here.
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