How we learned that “Backup Rules” and why
backup rules should be adhered to with unyielding fervour

A few weeks ago we (Sliding.ca) were doing some work for a client. As part of that process we were creating a WordPress blog site. At one point in the process we encountered a warning on the screen that seemed counter-intuitive to what we were doing.

After performing a few checks and considering our options we decided that the warning was an error and gingerly applied an index finger to the enter key and initiated registration for the client’s WordPress blog.

Everything seemed to be fine until, a short while later, when we went to our Sliding.ca website and realized that the entire site had been overwritten by our client’s site. We had, in effect, erased all the content at our Sliding.ca website. After a quick call to our service provider to see if they could retrieve our data we were told that the information was lost forever. We would have to reload all our data and, essentially, rebuild our website from scratch.

After talking with our very accommodating  and helpful (as helpful as she could be under the circumstances) service provider listening to her gentle but well earned dressing down for not properly backing up ALL of our files we became instant adherents to her oft repeated chorus: backup rules!

The frustrating thing about the whole episode was that we already know that backup rules. In fact, we teach our clients that backup rules and we suggest, as one of the keys to successful presentations, that backup rules be established and used for every facet of a presentation.

When we present a seminar or a workshop we always make sure we take a backup computer, backup cables, backup materials for use in case the backups fail and backups for anything else we might need to ensure we have a successful event. Unfortunately, when it came to the most basic backup rules of all, we let our guard down.

We have learned our lesson. We now vigilantly follow the backup rules and backup anything and everything that to do with our business. So, what are the backup rules?

The backup rules are:

• Keep at least 2 copies of everything you consider important.
• Keep those copies in at least 2 different formats so that one fails you’re not completely shut down.
• Store at least 1 copy of anything you’ve backed up off-site; catastrophic loss is rare but it does happen.

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Our Sliding.ca website is now up and running and it’s better than ever. We survived our mini crisis, humbled but wiser for the experience, and we’re ready to move forward… backing up along the way.

Cheers, Patrick

Effective communication speaks to both sides of the brain

In preparation for a speech I’m writing I needed to look up the meaning of the phrase “effective  communication.”  The most common definition I found described effective communication as “A two way information sharing process which involves one party sending a message that is easily understood by the receiving party.”

After seeing that same definition over and over again it occurred to me that there must be an awful lot of people think of effective communication as a very left brain, logical process. So, what about our right brain; where do our emotions fit into the process? It seems to me, if someone is communicating by appealing to only the left side of the brain they’re only communicating one half of their message. That’s not effective communication and, in the 21^st Century, half a message just isn’t good enough. So, why, do people so often try to communicate that way?

Many people think effective communication is about the transference of data. In reality, effective communication is much more than that. Effective communication is about connecting with people and delivering a message that not only informs them but inspires them to action. If the listener isn’t engaged emotionally a portion of the message isn’t getting through and the portion that isn’t getting through may be the most important portion of all.

When we receive information we don’t only process it logically we also process it emotionally and, more often than not, our decision to accept or reject the message is an emotional one. It doesn’t matter how cogent or well argued our message may be; if our audience isn’t connected with us emotionally the message won’t be accepted and we haven’t delivered an effective communication.

As the century unfolds before us we find ourselves bombarded by more and more information and more and more demands for our attention. With that kind of competition we can’t afford to deliver only half a message. Our message must be clear, it must be concise and it must be compelling. Most of us handle clear and concise reasonably well, it’s the compelling that we stumble on.
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Weave your data or information into a story and you’ll find that people are much more receptive and willing to listen to you. Just like any story you need to introduce your characters, plan a structure, develop a plot-line, build to a climax and finish with a suitable epilogue. If you include those elements in all you presentations you’ll not only keep your audience’s interest you’ll leave them wanting to hear more and inspired to act on your words.

And that adds up… to effective communication.

Cheers, Patrick

(Originally posted on January 21, 2013.  MLK Day)

One of the best investments that you can make today is to
elevate your communication skills

The higher you climb up your career ladder the more your communication skills influence your ability to continue to move upward.

All the know-how and experience that you acquire are definite assets but unless you can communicate it to your audience you may remain unknown.To be recognized as an expert you need communication skills that set you apart from the crowd.

Every time you stand before an audience your improved communications skills will add to your reputation, your credibility, and ultimately, your bottom line. Learn to deliver clear, concise messages backed up with real-life examples and you’ll be perceived as more knowledgeable about the services and products that you represent.

The more effective that your communication skills are,the better you’re able to connect with twenty-first century audiences and in a language that they understand – a language that not only says that “you know”,but also that “you care”.

Connect through integrated communication skills. 

Whether you promote, sell, or train the successful outcome of your presentations depends largely on the effectiveness of the three essential channels of communication; verbal, visual and emotional.  Your audiences’ decision to adopt new ideas, proposals,and change are generally emotional in nature.  All verbal and visual elements have to mesh and move in step in order to allow their emotional channels to open up and to remain open.

Openness permits you to connect with your audience. When the audience senses your honesty and conviction they are much more apt to buy into your point of view and accept your value proposition.

Compelling narratives have a clear structure.

Your communication skills must include a clearly audible verbal element that’s animated and interesting to listen to. Clearly define your objective and your main message, and then structure your support material in a way that’s easy to follow, as well as easy to deliver.

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Hold your audience spellbound by preparing narratives that fluctuate with dramatic and timely contrasts. Anchor all of your key points with metaphors that are familiar to your audience. Create a narrative that pertains to your audience and they will see your presentation as fresh, pleasurable journey that leads them towards their desired outcome.

Visual aids reinforce your message.

Effective communication skills include the ability to select appropriate visual aids. Use visual aids that clarify complex ideas. Do not compete verbally with bullet point-filled slides. Your audience will either read your slides or listen to you but they will never do both. Instead, show them simple images that are quickly processed and designed to create a minimum of distraction.

Keep your audiences focused on what you have to say with timely delivered, visually appealing, and consistently designed images. Develop themes and colours that are consistent with your desired mood so as to prepare your audience emotionally for the message being delivered and to encourage them to stretch their imaginations at appropriate moments.

Communication skills is about connecting emotionally. 

Audiences connect to both presenters and other audience members in exactly the same way: emotionally. A skilled delivery guides your audience through a smooth,seamless journey from where they are to the point of decision and then, hopefully, to the point of taking action.

By combining clear story lines, visually appealing images, and heartfelt emotions you will create powerful messages that leave your audience wanting to hear more.  By developing verbal, visual and emotional communication skills you not only prevent misunderstandings but you also go a long way towards achieving greater customer satisfaction, profitability, and forward momentum in your own journey.

Cheers, Carlos

How I learned about the power of sharing data
at Urban Digital’s “Open Data Day”

Last Saturday (February 23, 2013) I attended an amazing event at the Annex location of the Centre for Social Innovation – CSI in Toronto. It was called Open Data Day. Sponsored by Urban Digital the event took place in the main space of the CSI’s Bathurst Street location and offered attendees an agenda full of speakers and activities dedicated to sharing data and making data accessible to all the stake holders in their respective communities.

Following registration and introductions the day began with a networking exercise that really helped to break the ice and put everyone in the mood to learn more about sharing data. The speakers lined up for the morning session included Sheraz Khan from the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto, BethWilson from Social Planning Toronto, Jamie Robinson of the United Way, and Jayme Turney & Bill Cohen from the Toronto Public Space Initiative. One after the other the speakers wowed us with the projects they’re working on and the dedication they bring to their calling. I love listening to people speak about subjects that bring out their passion.

The morning session was followed by a light lunch and the opportunity to sit and chat with other attendees at the event. Following lunch it was on to the afternoon session. The afternoon portion of the event was divided into workshops and, concurrently, lightning speakers who each talked about their individual projects for five minutes and then answered questions from the audience for an additional two minutes.

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As in the morning session, dedication and passion abounded. In the afternoon I had the opportunity to take part in a workshop moderated by Rich Pietro of Citizen Bridge. Continuing with the concept of sharing data, Rich broke us into small teams and gave us the task of coming up with, logistics aside, a concept for an app that could interact with the City of Toronto’s data set and be of benefit to the community. Our team focused on sharing data with the City’s cycling safety data set. Our “we wish this existed” app, which we called CyleReportToronto.com, was one that would allow cyclists to report, with their smart phones, any difficulties they encounter while cycling throughout the city. The information would be entered in a flow chart on the app allowing the City to have the report in both raw data (who, what, when, where of an incident) along with an anecdotal (why, how it happened + photo) report of the event. The brainstorming exercise was a lot of fun and showed the amazing power of the collaborative process and the benefits of sharing data.

By the end of the day we had met some really nice people and gathered some excellent information. All in all I’d say it was a day very well spent.  If you ever get the opportunity to attend an event at the Centre for Social Innovation you should jump at the chance. It’s a great organization housed in a stimulating environment and populated by an inspiring group of individuals.  I came away with a much greater understanding of the importance of sharing data and I can’t wait for their next event.

Cheers, Patrick