News

Not just talking, see me walking.

[May 14, 2010]

I feel it’s important as a consulting professional to not just ‘talk the talk’, but to ‘walk the walk’.

I meet a lot of consultants when networking, and always am impressed by the ones whom are straightforward in the areas they excel. For me, I appreciate hearing about two things… what they’ve done, and where they are excited to grow. Both those things say a lot.

What I am not impressed with is a consultant who has a ‘superhero’ complex and sound like they have all the skills and can solve any problem. Let’s be honest it isn’t true, and even if they try, is it really what’s best for the client; of course not.

True Story: Recently I was considered for some work and was given the opportunity to see the resumes/references of a few other candidates. What struck me in this circumstance was seeing these impressive resumes, filled with loads of worldly experience, every acronym and adjective you could want. But when it came to their references (where they could show the walk they have talked); I saw what appeared to be experience different, unrelated, and not representative of the experience they presented. Is it a personal branding issue, or a bit of over-polishing in the resume? Doesn’t really matter.

And here’s the walk: I am now thinking and working on presenting not only what I can do, but what recently I have done, and where I am excited to grow

. I want it visible, to everyone (including current and potential clients).

I am very interested in any thoughts, responses, or suggestions related to this article and undertaking. Have you seen this done well? Please drop me a message via the contact form or my email chad[at]redpointrisk.com.

Thanks as always for reading and responding.

Sticking to your guns

[Apr 14, 2010]

Just read an article titled “How I Did It” from the founder of Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

My Take: He really lets his instinct lead, and doesn’t take pressure from anyone (other than his sons).

Rather than write more, I rather you read the quick article: Link.

P.S. They make really great burger and fries. I had them years ago in D.C. Now they are all over the place, including Columbus, OH.

Go on a Meeting Diet

[Mar 24, 2010]

Meetings are like PowerPoint. They have their place, but in today’s business world they seem to be:
- Over-used
- Poorly arranged
- Either too vague or too stuffed with detail.

Think: Do recent meetings you have attended have one of the above mentioned issues?

Minus the above… one of the biggest issues with meetings and why you should consider going on a “Meeting Diet” is that they kill productivity.

A 1-hour meeting with 8 people is really an 8-hour meeting.
Re-read that sentence.

It’s one hour for you… but also one hour for Sally, Bob, ______ (Fill in Blank), and so on.

8 hours of time spent working…. is now being committed to a meeting.

Another Analogy: A pint of Guinness has 210 calories. A bit high but not bad. If I however visit a pub and have 6 pints in one evening… there’s a big difference (equal to 1260 calories and your more than likely your feeling it).

Think: How many meetings did you have last week? How many people on average were in those meetings?

Let me know if you like these “food for thought” articles and want to see more. Enjoy your day.

- Chad Weinman