It’s not your fault that reporters are skeptical. For decades, exuberant founders and CEOs have exaggerated the prospects of their companies. This doesn’t only happen in tiny start-ups, it happens in huge multinational companies as well. That’s … [Read more...] about Never show up alone
Planning matters
If you want to do a terrible media interview, don’t have a plan. Don’t be clear about your business objective, don’t define a communications objective that will help you achieve your business objective, and definitely don’t have messages or proof … [Read more...] about Planning matters
Just start
Chris Hardwick, comedian, writer, host, moderator, podcaster extraordinaire, has one response when people ask him, “How do I get my movie made?” “How do I create my graphic novel?” “How do I start a podcast?” He says, “Just start.” My business … [Read more...] about Just start
Who is your audience? What do they want?
[Editor's note: This is an updated version of a post originally published in 2016.] You know that one of the keys to giving a great presentation (to any audience of any size) is to give the audience what they want and need. But how do you get into … [Read more...] about Who is your audience? What do they want?
A provocative and useful idea
[Note: this an updated version of a post originally published in 2016] There are six things every great communicator does – whether you’re giving a huge keynote or trying to run an effective senior staff meeting. The first: You have a … [Read more...] about A provocative and useful idea
Less please
Less, my great communicators, is always more. Your audiences have so little time. And even less attention span. Don’t force feed them every detail about your products. Tell them one thing about how it will change their businesses and their lives … [Read more...] about Less please
Soundbites are Pez
Every great media spokesperson delivers artful soundbites. What’s a soundbite? A short, interesting sentence, in normal human syntax. The best soundbites are a little saucy. What’s the purpose of a soundbite? To get the reader's and listener’s … [Read more...] about Soundbites are Pez
Where and how to start
OK, so I’m always saying you must become a great communicator. Yes, you say, I get it! I know I have to tell the world about my great idea/new company/new product in the best way that I can! But where do I start? First of all, let’s talk about … [Read more...] about Where and how to start
VCs want to reduce risk – help them!
Even though it is ten years old, the PMARCA Guide to Start Ups is still exceptionally useful. Today let’s look at one of its key points about venture capitalists. They want to reduce risk. So, as a founder going to meet with a VC, what Mark … [Read more...] about VCs want to reduce risk – help them!
Withhold your details
In the tech industry, we spend an ENORMOUS amount of energy on what to build. Founders start with analyzing the problem that exists in the market. You come up with a new way to solve it. You envision how your solution should work. You define the user … [Read more...] about Withhold your details
