Whenever presenting to a group, I love trying out new ideas, tools, and techniques with the audience. I also appreciate the opportunity to be candid about what works and doesn't relative to the topic we're addressing. This is one of the great presentation tips shared early on by someone who works with a lot of speakers. I've adopted it, and the more intimate and interactive the setting, the more likely I will push further into successes and challenges.
During my "Creating Fantastic, Shareable Content" workshop at the Social Strategies Summit, we discussed how a content marketing strategy fits with a lead generation strategy. Typically, creating and sharing content is motivated by growing the number of prospects in your audience identifying themselves as interested in talking further about how your organization could serve them.
Covering various aspects of this content marketing strategy that must work well to make the overall strategy successful, I shared what we do well and an area we don't do well as an organization with our own strategy.
Okay, rather than simply pointing it out, I said we "suck" at one part of our content marketing strategy.
Later, one of the great people I met at the conference remarked how unusual it is for a speaker to say his organization "sucks" at something. She wondered why I did this.
At the core, it is one of those things I sometimes say in the moment. The workshop atmosphere was very comfortable, making it easier for me to push the messages harder.
Presentation Tips - 3 Reasons to Admit You Don't Do Something Well
Beyond that, there are three other reasons why I said, "We suck."
1. It is truthful
There are some things we do really well on content marketing, including creating business-oriented, evergreen content delivering value for readers around the world. We haven't been as strong on following up and taking the next steps with the audience that wants to work more closely with us.
2. It is realistic
I'm suspect of speakers who paint the picture of EVERYTHING being wonderful as the basis of the credibility for the messages they share. Call me cynical, but I've been around too long to ever swallow that EVERYTHING is perfect with any organization.
3. An audience member may have an idea to help us improve
Overwhelmingly, I'm blessed to talk with very diverse, experienced audiences typically as eager to offer ideas as I am in offering ideas to them. If one of these smart people has an idea for how we can improve what The Brainzooming Group does, I definitely want to learn it.
What did he say?
Yes, saying we "suck" was a little strong, but it got attention, which is why I said it.
If you have us speak or do a workshop, be prepared for truthful, realistic content to help your audience better understand what to do. They will also understand the challenges that could be looming, too.
Consider it part of the Brainzooming brand promise.
If you don't want me to say, "Suck," however, let me know. I'll use another word! – Mike Brown
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