What Did You Just Say?

A couple blog posts ago I wrote about getting sponsorships off on the right foot and how important it is in these relationships to pronounce a sponsor’s name right.  I shared the story of how Mitt Romney knew the importance of saying Bombardier’s name the right way.  What I didn’t share in that post was how after the questions ended at the press conference announcieg Bombardier as a sponsor, Mitt Romney decided to climb into one of Bombardier’s snow grooming machines.

As he sat in the cockpit of the snow groomer he said something along the lines of how cool it was to sit in it and how he imagined it being like sitting in a Ferrari.  As he said it, he quickly, almost immediately followed that up with the statement that he had never driven a Ferrari, so he wasn’t speaking from experience.

I remember laughing and feeling bad for Mitt all at the same time.  Had I said that statement it wouldn’t’ have been a big deal.  It would have been clear that I was simply theorizing what it’s like to be in a Ferrari.  However, because Mitt is wealthy the automatic assumption is that he must own or at one point has owned a Ferrari.  Mitt was very conscious of this perception and I’m sure that’s why the clarification came as quickly as it did.

The right words are important and if the wrong word is used it can cause embarrassment or even do irreparable damage. Failure to choose your words wisely may not be as severe as in this Indiana Jones clip, but it can cause lasting damage or be incredibly embarrassing as it was for Oprah Winfrey.

There are other times where you may repeat something and inadvertently say something embarrassing.

Many of these instances arise as a result of nerves or trying to improvise.  In these cases, I recommend taking a minute to pause and think about what you want to say.  There is nothing wrong with taking a moment to decide what you want to say.  If you’re being asked a question, a pause before answering is acceptable.  Don’t pause too long because that can give the impression you’re about to lie or make something up, but a short pause to gather your thoughts is a wise move.

Also, if you know you’re about to be interviewed or in a stressful situation, think about what you want to communicate beforehand.  Practice talking and verbalizing your key messages and the points you want to make.  The more you practice, the more you’ll be able to rely on muscle memory and less on remembering exactly what it is you want to say.

Also, stick to the theme or message.  If you try to get too creative and start talking about things you know nothing about or have little understanding of, your chances of blundering increase dramatically.  If you don’t know the answer to a question or are unsure of the topic of conversation, there’s nothing wrong with simply telling somebody that you don’t know the answer.  If it’s something important and needs a response or an answer, tell the person you’ll check on it and get back to them.  If you do that though, be sure to get back to the person.

At one point or another, everybody has said something they regretted or didn’t mean to and been embarrassed by it.  It happens, but if you stay calm and think before speaking you can avoid these types of embarrassing situations.

Author: Jeremy Kartchner | Google+

Can I Have No Privacy

As a child of the ‘80’s I remember liking Rockwell’s Somebody’s Watching Me song.  As far as I know, he was a one hit wonder, but I find that I still like that song.  I even have it on my iTunes.  At the time it was different and kind of funny.

Looking back on the song though, there is some truth to it.  There is always somebody watching you.  This has become more evident wit the number of “ninja pics” that appear online and through social media and through sites like The People of Walmart.  From a public relations (PR) perspective this creates some nervousness and requires some training to be ready for and prepare for this.

Let me share some examples to illustrate the point.

I have a friend that was heading to a client meeting.  The meeting was scheduled for just after the lunch hour and he ended up spending most of his lunch break preparing for the meeting.  On his way to the meeting he stopped and picked up some tacos at a local fast food joint.  He went through the drive thru and drove to the client’s office.  Upon arriving at the client’s office he sat in the parking lot to eat his tacos.

He was in a hurry and proceeded to eat fast so he wouldn’t be late for the meeting.  When he finished his tacos, he got out of his car and walked into the office.  When he walked in, the receptionist smiled and said, “You must have been hungry the way you devoured those tacos.”

My friend smiled and agreed that he was hungry.  He knew he had eaten fast but was now wondering what that must have looked like.  Without knowing it, he had been watched while he quickly ate his tacos and was left wondering what impression he had left.

In a similar scenario, at a recent client event, I was driving a client to the event venue.  As we arrived, my client got out of the car and walked away to check on a few last minute items.  I got out of my car but just stood by my car waiting.  As I stood there I heard a voice from behind say something.  I didn’t know anybody else was nearby and didn’t quite catch what the person had said.  I turned to see who was talking and asked the person to repeat what she had said.

She said something about how it looked like I was happy and having fun.  I hadn’t thought about it to be honest but that’s the perception I gave.    Again, without knowing it, I was being watched. It turns out the impression I left was positive and reflected well upon me.

Here are five tips to help remind you that somebody’s always watching and to help you avoid embarrassing yourself.

• If you don’t want to be heard saying, don’t say it in public.  In a previous blog I wrote about how you’re always on the record.  Be aware of your surroundings.  If you’re at an airport waiting in the terminal or on the plane and you say or do something inappropriate, it can be repeated or used by a reporter in a potential story.  Be careful about who is around you and who could hear or see you.  If it’s sensitive or confidential information, wait to talk about it until you know you’re alone.
• If you don’t want to be seen dong something then don’t do it in public.  How many times has a celebrity or athlete been caught on film or seen doing something embarrassing?  It seems to happen all the time and we seem to find out about it more often now due to social media and constant social sharing. In a famous Seinfeld episode called “The Pick”, Jerry got caught in what looked like picking his nose. There are always things you need to do, but some things, like picking your nose should be done in private.
• Be aware of open mics or recording devices. During the last presidential campaign, Mitt Romney and President Obama both got caught saying things they didn’t intend for the general public to hear.  Both got lambasted for the things they said and then had to answer questions about what they said and try to defend themselves.  In one instance that happened years ago, a client was speaking at an industry event.  He did an amazing job and the crowd loved his presentation.  As he sat down he whispered to a colleague something along the lines of how that speech had just destroyed their largest competitor.  This individual had forgotten to take his mic off his lapel and the entire audience, including their competitor heard his comment
• Be aware of what information is available to see.  Be conscious of what you’ve got written on the whiteboard in your office, what’s showing on your computer screen or what papers are on your desk for anybody and everybody to see.  If a reporter, or anybody for that matter, sees something on your whiteboard they can use it.  A few years ago I set up a media interview for a client.  The interview was held in the client’s office, specifically the CEO’s office.  As we talked, the CEO invited the reporter to come around the desk to see a demo on his computer.  As the reporter and I moved around the desk, I noticed the company’s bank statement and payroll report sitting on the CEO’s desk.  I quickly sat on the papers to shield them from the reporter.  Had the reporter seen those documents he could have used them in his article.
• Check and double check.  If you want to say something in confidence or do something without an audience, check to make sure you’re alone or that nobody’s going to see you.   My brother-in-law likes to work on and fix up old cars.  He has a system he’s set up to check and then double check that he’s followed the proper steps to ensure that he’s fixed, repaired or replaced the things he needs.  It takes him a few extra minutes but in the long run it saves him future problems because he’s checked and double checked his work to make sure it’s done right.

I once heard somebody say his policy is to never write anything down, don’t’ take any photos and to deny, deny, deny.  While I don’t recommend this as an effective policy, I do believe you can take certain precautions to ensure that even though you’re always being watched you aren’t embarrassing yourself or hurting your personal brand by doing something you’ll later regret. I have a good friend who says he follows two basic rules.  Don’t do anything that will embarrass his employer and don’t do anything that would embarrass his mother.  Those are pretty solid guidelines and when you think about it, if you follow and adhere to those guidelines you’ll save yourself a lot of potential embarrassment.

Author: Jeremy Kartchner | Google+

Getting Sponsorships Off on the Right Foot

Sponsors a can be the lifeblood of a business.  Not all businesses have sponsors, but if your business does there are significant advantages to having a sponsor.  When I worked at the Salt Lake Olympic Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002, corporate sponsors were critical to our success.  Without them the Games may not have happened.

One of the first things I learned while working with the Olympics was the importance of caring for sponsors.  They pay a lot of money to sponsor the Games and are promised, and even expect, certain things in return for their sponsorship and financial support.

Since the Games ended more than 10 years ago I haven’t had a lot of opportunities to work directly with sponsors like I did then.  However, I am associated with other organizations that do work with sponsors and have even had the opportunity to sponsor local golf tournaments through Snapp Conner PR.

In a previous blog entry, I wrote about the importance of remembering and getting a person’s name right. With sponsors it’s no different, especially from a pubic relations (PR) perspective.  This rule applies as much to an individual as it does a sponsor.

Recently as I was talking to a group from an organization I work with, one of the directors at this organization referred to one of its major sponsors and called them by the wrong name.  Granted the name is unusual, but I know this sponsor and was surprised that he didn’t even know how to say the sponsors name correctly.  I thought it was laziness on the part of this director.

Leading up to the Olympics, we announced that Bombardier was becoming a sponsor.  Their winter recreational, snow removal and management equipment was going to play a critical role in clearing walkways for the outdoor venues as well as in grooming the mountainside for a number of Olympic competitions.

I remember very clearly seeing the name for the first time and wondering how to say the name properly.  It didn’t take long to realize most of the people on our PR staff were wondering the same thing.  We asked the person overseeing the sponsorships how to say the name correctly.  We wanted to make sure we were saying it the right way as we were going to be communicating to the media and wanted to be sure we didn’t embarrass this valuable sponsor and get off on the wrong foot.

The one person who knew exactly how to pronounce the name properly was Mitt Romney.  He was the face of the Olympic Committee and he never mispronounced the name.  In fact, he knew the company’s background, history, it’s complete product line, how their products would benefit the Games and anything else he thought might be asked by the media upon announcing their sponsorship.

Mitt took the time to learn about the company and to ensure that he knew how to pronounce the company name.  He understood the important role sponsors played for the Games and wasn’t about to start the relationship off on the wrong foot because he was too lazy to know how to pronounce their name.

The media also struggled with it.  It was our job to ensure that they also knew the proper name so they would communicate it to their viewers and readership the right way.

In another example where Snapp Conner PR sponsored a golf event, the host company got up at the end to thank the sponsors.   As he got to our name, he called us by a competitor’s name.  Not exactly the way we wanted or expected to be recognized for our contribution and support of the golf tournament.

It doesn’t take that much effort to learn how to pronounce or say a company’s name the right way.  If you misspeak it can cause significant embarrassment and may cost you future or long-term sponsorship dollars.  Don’t be lazy and cost yourself valuable support from sponsors.  Take the time to learn what you need to get your sponsorship relationship off on the right foot and, for heaven’s sake, get the sponsors name right.

Author: Jeremy Kartchner | Google+

Book Review: Getting a Business Loan; Financing Your Main Street Business

Since 2007 when the market imploded and businesses around the country were faced with challenges that threatened their very existence most small business owners have faced a very gloom and doom outlook on their success.  The economy has created fewer and fewer options for finding the capital needed to grow and start a business.

In Getting a Business Loan; Financing Your Main Street Business, Ty Kiisel provides expertise that shows there is hope for small business owners.  While it’s more difficult than ever to get a bank loan, there are other funding options available to small business owners.

The book provides a step-by-step analysis of the types of loans available, details on how bankers look at your business to determine you eligibility, how to find potential borrowers, how to build a relationship with lenders, how to prepare properly to increase your odds of landing the loan, alternative financing options and the pro’s and con’s of the different types of loans available to small business owners.

For a Main Street business owner, this book is the educational tool needed to help grow business in America.  Only about 10 percent of small business owners that apply for a small business loan through their local bank receive a small business loan.  Those odds aren’t very good or encouraging.  Especially when you consider that Main Street businesses are responsible for two thirds of new jobs in the United States.

Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan said, “Knowledge is power.  Information is liberating.  Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.”  I’ve known Ty for a number of years and believe this book is a valuable asset to any Main Street business owner, small business owner and entrepreneur.  It provides the knowledge needed to succeed in today’s business environment.  I highly recommend this book.

Author: Jeremy Kartchner | Google+

The right words can make a more lasting impression than a thousand of Porthos’s kisses

As a kid I was taught that sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.  At the time, this was a nice phrase to scream at somebody that was calling me names, but in reality words can inflict significant pain and suffering when delivered with venom and hate. Words can also heal wounds and express gratitude and love when coming from a friend or loved one.

Words carry great power. American bestselling author Patrick Rothfuss said, “Words are pale shadows of forgotten names. As names have power, words have power. Words can light fires in the minds of men. Words can wring tears from the hardest hearts.”

As a public relations (PR) professional I am very aware of the power words carry and I try to help my clients understand the impact the words they speak can have on an individual or audience.

In Disney’s 1993 movie, The Three Musketeers starring Charlie Sheen, Keifer Sutherland, Chris O’Donnell and Oliver Platt, O’Donnell plays D’Artagnan, a young hotheaded would-be-Musketeer. In one scene, Sheen’s character, Aramis and Platt’s character, Porthos are teaching D’Artagnan that to be a proper Musketeer he must be schooled in the art of “wenching.”

Porthos demonstrates the proper way to “wench” by grabbing a barmaid and kissing her.  The character of Aramis is far less bold and believes that there is a better, more effective way to win a woman’s heart…through words. Porthos disagrees and thinks words are a complete waste of time.  The scene goes like this:

Aramis: Only the wrong words are waste of time. The right words can make a more lasting impression than a thousand of Porthos’s kisses.

Barmaid: Not likely.

Armais: As morning hues of sun swept fire caress your passion face. Alone with thee in pure desire, to worship your untold grace. My soul would cry in silent prayer, for hours spent apart. Your essence warms the evening air, as I dance into your heart.

The barmaid says it’s beautiful and proceeds to kiss Aramis.  D’Artagnan decides to give Aramis’s way a shot:

D’Artagnan: As morning hues of sunswept…

Armais: Fire!

D’Artagnan: …fire caress your… poisoned face.

[Aramis looks pained. D’Artagnan gives up, and sweeps the bar maid into a kiss]

Porthos:  I declare, the boy’s a natural!

There is a significant difference between the words passion and poisoned.  When said correctly, the barmaid was swept off her feet by Aramis and gave him a big kiss.  When told she had a poisoned face, well … D’Artagnan had to shift gears and take a new approach.

I bring this up because the right words really can make a huge difference.  They carry great power and can motivate or destroy a person, sometimes by mistake or unknowingly if you’re not careful. I advise my clients all the time to choose their words carefully and make sure they say what they want and mean what they mean to say.

Something as simple as saying “thank you” when somebody helps you or provides a service can mean a lot.  A simple “please” when requesting assistance is seen as having good manners.  There are a number of ways you can affect a person or group of people through the use of the right words.

The other day while talking to a friend, the conversation of my son came up.  I mentioned how he likes to read and my friend asked, “Is he (my son) kind of nerdy?”

My initial response was to go on the defensive and say something like,  “Hell no he’s not nerdy.”  Before I did that though, I realized my friend wasn’t trying to be mean or offensive.  I don’t even think he really realized what he said or the word he chose as he asked the question.  My friend was simply trying to differentiate whether or not my son was more academic or athletic in nature.

In another instance, a colleague was telling me about his sister and her new husband.  His new brother-in-law is in to weightlifting.  He’s naturally tall, but due to his weightlifting he’s also considerably bigger than the average person.  In this case, my colleague used the word big or huge to describe him.  As a guy, those words are ok and it provides a pretty good idea of his stature. The term big or huge is not offensive.  In fact, my colleague’s brother-in-law would be proud to be referred to in those terms.

There are examples where these same words, “big” and “huge” would not be appreciated when describing a person.  For example, if my colleague were to use those same terms to describe his sister, he’d probably get punched in the mouth.  However, if this same colleague used the word “big” with is four-year-old daughter to describe an accomplishment she’d be thrilled.

Here are a few tips to ensure you’re prepared to say the right words and avoid an unfortunate misstep.

• Know what you want to say.  I wrote about this previously, but understand what your key messages are and what you want to tell people.  Knowing the message doesn’t mean you’ve memorized a set of lines and are simply repeating those lines.  It means you know the message and can communicate it effectively (8:40 mark).  If you know the message and what you want to say, practice it so when the topic comes up you know what you want to say.  Knowing this will eliminate mistakes and communicating the wrong message or words.
• Pause before speaking/answering.  If you’re not sure what to say or how to describe something then pause before speaking.  Think about the question and make sure your thoughts are clear before blurting out a response.  Jeff Hornacek, the former NBA player and current head coach of the Phoenix Suns used to do this all the time.  You could always tell because he’d pause and then almost as if to buy more time or make sure he had his thoughts in order he’d say, “Well,” pause some more and then answer the question.  There is nothing wrong with taking a minute to think about the question so you can answer it appropriately.
• Pay attention. By listening to the question you’ll likely know how to respond.  If you don’t hear the question or don’t understand the question then ask for it to be repeated or for clarification.  Don’t guess as to what you think the question may have been.
• Keep it Simple Stupid (KISS).  Answer the question and don’t try to overthink it or over-complicate it.  The simpler you keep your answer the less likely you are to say something stupid.  Don’t try to use big words or sound sophisticated.  Be yourself and stick to the facts, Jack.

The ability to use the right words will empower you and help you communicate more effectively and use the power of words to make a more lasting impression.

Author: Jeremy Kartchner | Google+