Maybe it’s superstitious, but I’ll tell you this: Having a ritual before a big event has been very helpful to me. When you’ve been working so hard towards an event, and the time has finally come, there’s a lot to think about. Are you prepared? Do you feel great? I think feeling great is a must. So I have a checklist. Maybe you do too.
1. I try to live healthfully. When your clothes are a little tight, you’re always a little self-conscious. After eating a little too well a few weeks before a recent business trip, I was reminded of this. I felt unprepared. A little exercise never hurts. When there’s so much else to do, it can be easy to push aside, but to do so is unwise.
2. I get a haircut. What’s your style? I’ve learned to get my hair cut about a week before an event. No one likes his hair cut too short. If you’re thinking about your hair, you’re not focusing on things that hand.
3. I used to bite my nails and of course as a result my fingers always looked like a mess. Now I take great pride in making sure my fingernails are properly groomed. That’s been a big step for me. I have a little kit. When I’m done after a little time, I feel good. I’ve heard younger generations are more used to getting manicures — good job!
4. I think about what I’m going to wear. What’s appropriate? Make sure you look your best. Clothes make the man or woman. A big event is a great time to dress to feel good. Always dress for your audience. Buying something new can feel fantastic. Stay current. Between discount outlets and the Internet, being fashionable is not about spending a lot of money.
5. I familiarize myself with my material. If you’re marketing yourself an expert, you should know your content front words and backwards. Let’s hope to God you don’t notes, let alone hope a Teleprompter. Relax. Practice. But when it gets down to just a day to two before the event, stop practicing. You want to be natural.
6. Shining my shoes. I grew up watching my dad shine his shoes. I do this the night before an event. To have that extra polished look? Why not? I was always taught to look at someone’s shoes to see how well they’re kept up. Why? That person has an appreciation of and the discipline for fine details.
7. I make sure I have my business cards. Is your information up to date? Bring more than you think you will need — just in case. If you’re planning on bringing other marketing materials, make sure they function like you want them to. If I’m a speaker, I bring an extra copy of my Power Point presentation.
8. I pack my charger and make sure my contacts have my telephone number. Things change. Let
9. I put myself in the right frame of mind. Take a little time to yourself. Enjoy the things you love, be it music, or reading.
10. I figure out how I’m going to arrive early. Being punctual puts me at ease.
Feeling like a million bucks is priceless. And it never hurts to be prepared for any situation. We all have different ways of preparing for a big meeting, maybe a conference, or giving a presentation, an interview etc. What’s your checklist? How do you prepare?
Originally published on Entrepreneur.com December 11th 2015.
