The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Always be prepared

by tdhurst · 8 comments

If you’re giving a presentation, have a backup. If you’re counting on an internet connection, have a flash/video file available. If you’re at an event, bring a pen. If you’re outside, have your business cards.

Show up prepared.

There are many things that we can’t always control, like the environment, weather, emotions, power or even room choice. When we’re in public, we’re always presenting, whether we know it or not. If you show up for a meeting with me and forget business cards, you’re an idiot. If you show up late because of traffic, that’s okay.

Don’t tell me “if we had internet” or “if I only had my computer.” Bullshit. You mean “if I was only prepared.”

Some things can be planned. Backup options are something we CAN ALWAYS HAVE. Use them.

I understand nervousness. I understand technology problems. I understand the weather not cooperating. You can’t control all any of that.

What I don’t understand is people not being prepared. Learn it.

Tagged as: be prepared, bitches, downtown phoenix, please

  • Bryan

    I won’t make fun of you on this one because I agree with you. One thing that I always make sure I have is a pair of pants and boots because you never know how deep the bullshit will get.

  • Bryan

    I won’t make fun of you on this one because I agree with you. One thing that I always make sure I have is a pair of pants and boots because you never know how deep the bullshit will get.

  • http://millarian.com/ Curtis Miller

    I believe the ability to adjust to changing circumstances is more important. Preparation can only take you so far. For example, what’s your backup plan for your backup plan? How much time would you waste preparing for multiple backup scenarios?

    Like Mike Tyson said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Or the military quote, “No plan survives first contact with the enemy.”

    Always be prepared to adjust as needed.

  • http://flatterline.com Curtis Miller

    I believe the ability to adjust to changing circumstances is more important. Preparation can only take you so far. For example, what’s your backup plan for your backup plan? How much time would you waste preparing for multiple backup scenarios?

    Like Mike Tyson said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Or the military quote, “No plan survives first contact with the enemy.”

    Always be prepared to adjust as needed.

  • Matthew Fritz

    I agree – but why so angy? :)

  • Matthew Fritz

    I agree – but why so angy? :)

  • http://www.azhttp.com/ Bill Austin

    I spoke at the E2V * Conference at Thunderbird School of International Management back in the 1990′s (1999?) maybe 2000 … yes, there is actually a reference to it online

    http://list.azphp.org/azipa.old/2001-February/msg00130.html

    “e2v Fall 2000 Forum on “Global Issues in the New Economy” at the Thunderbird American Graduate
    School of International Management”

    I got to the conference and all of the power was out for about a mile around the school.

    No computers
    No projectors
    No Internet
    No microphones

    Those of us who had really loud voices and could project to a couple of hundred people still got to talk and those who needed to talk off of their Powerpoint slides or rely on microphones did not. The Boy Scout Motto should be firmly ingrained into the presentation preparation process. “Be Prepared”

    From: http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsmotto.asp
    Be Prepared
    That’s the motto of the Boy Scouts.

    “Be prepared for what?” someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting,

    “Why, for any old thing.” said Baden-Powell.

    * E2v stands for e-commerce, entrepreneurship and venture capital.

    Bill Austin

  • http://www.azhttp.com/ Bill Austin

    I spoke at the E2V * Conference at Thunderbird School of International Management back in the 1990′s (1999?) maybe 2000 … yes, there is actually a reference to it online

    http://list.azphp.org/azipa.old/2001-February/msg00130.html

    “e2v Fall 2000 Forum on “Global Issues in the New Economy” at the Thunderbird American Graduate
    School of International Management”

    I got to the conference and all of the power was out for about a mile around the school.

    No computers
    No projectors
    No Internet
    No microphones

    Those of us who had really loud voices and could project to a couple of hundred people still got to talk and those who needed to talk off of their Powerpoint slides or rely on microphones did not. The Boy Scout Motto should be firmly ingrained into the presentation preparation process. “Be Prepared”

    From: http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsmotto.asp
    Be Prepared
    That’s the motto of the Boy Scouts.

    “Be prepared for what?” someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting,

    “Why, for any old thing.” said Baden-Powell.

    * E2v stands for e-commerce, entrepreneurship and venture capital.

    Bill Austin

Previous post:

Next post: