Preparation, experience and confidence…those are some of the things that matter when preparing for your presentation and subsequently, while presenting it. In particular, focus on your slides (if you are using them), make them visual and whatever you do, DON’T READ your slides. Furthermore, engage your audience in a relaxed, casual conversation, invite people to comment and even interrupt as needed, make it natural and easy flowing. As a presenter, you are there to lead the conversation and incentivize open exchange of ideas and experiences, not to monopolize space and time.

Once again…
1. Make your slides visual, less text
2. Don’t read your slides
3. Engage your audience

Are you doing what you are mean to do? Are you sure? How do you know?
Passion is important, but alone, is it enough? When one finds passion and pairs with with quality and adds market demand, then you have something special, something you should go all in on. Then, you may have a purpose.

Talent matters, a lot. When it comes to attracting and retaining top level performers (those who play nice with others), I believe that we could all do more. This pertains to people who are great team players, leaders, collaborators, communicators and have enviable functional skills. While money helps, it is not the primary motivator for all people which is why some of the others things could be considered.

Confirm your facts and don’t spread rumors. This is a solid way to live your life and advance in your career, no matter who you are or what you do. Today, most of us are way to quick to like, share, retweet…a piece of information without asking ourselves whether it is true and where does the source come from. Think for yourself, do your own research (especially on larger things that matter to you and those around you) and be mindful about your actions.

In short, don’t make negative comments or spread rumors about anyone (especially if you haven’t told them what you think, in person) as it depreciates both yours and their credibility.

Keep asking questions as they will enable you to continue learning while contributing to the process at the same time. Don’t be someone who sits in meetings and doesn’t contribute with ideas, thoughts and experiences as that is a sure way to become irrelevant and overlooked when major projects and initiatives come around. As someone who wants to grow, learn and advance, you want to be involved at the highest levels by providing value to all you come in contact with. Asking questions is one of those (very effective) ways.

Share your thoughts, ideas and experiences. Don’t hoard them for yourself, as there’s nothing wrong with enabling others to succeed as well. There’s plenty for us all, so what you can’t or don’t want to do, share freely as it might help someone else.

“Power is gained by sharing knowledge, not hoarding it” – Unknown

Build a great team. Surround yourself with the best people you can find, attract and retain. If you are good (ideally great) at what you do, you want people who are amazing at what they do, preferably, in areas that are not your strengths. Furthermore, don’t simply post a job description on your website and wait for applicants. Instead, leverage your networks and go out proactively and recruit the best people you can get. Build a great team, one person at a time and do it intentionally and proactively. Your success and the success of the entire organization, depends on them, so act intentionally and thoughtfully.

Plan ahead, but live in the moment. Don’t allow today to be wasted because you are daydreaming about next week, month, year or even a decade. Always have long-term plans and goals, but work hard each day to get that much closer to those goals. Make progress one day at a time, patiently, yet efficiently and effectively.

You get what you tolerate, in life and in business. If you attract and retain mediocre players and contributors, you are going to end up with mediocre results, outcomes and performance. This is also applicable to your individual careers as you have the final say on where you are and where you continue to be. If you have decided to stay in a place without leadership, vision and growth opportunities, this is your choice and a decision after all and it is important to be aware of it. Don’t blame others, own your life and career.