Perfect Vs. Good

Perfection is the enemy of good. Have you heard that one? It’s a well-known quote by French author, Volaire who lived during the early 1700’s. This quote was the topic of a discussion during the recent PCMA Education Conference in Montreal. This conversation wasn’t during a keynote, or a breakout session, but instead over dinner with my business partner. We got talking about out clients, and when we should send them a product to review—should it be “perfect” in our eyes, or just “good enough” to see if they like it. The client is always right, right??

Well, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this. Is Perfection really the enemy of Good? As we relayed our discussion to one of the leaders of PCMA, he added another thought. Perhaps we should strive for “Optimum”, instead of settling for good, or striving for perfection. AH HA! Brilliant. I like it, and I agree.

As I did a little research about Volaire’s quote. Here’s what I found on www.famous-quotes.net:

The point is more to know when to realize that any additional effort toward improvement would result in a negligible improvement, especially in comparison to the effort required.

When you reach that point… the product is optimum. Perhaps not perfect, but as good as it can be without negligible improvement in comparison to the effort required. For me, that means knowing I have done my best, I have given it my all, and I have maintained the client’s best interests at heart. If we have done that, whether the client likes the product or not, I feel like we have done our job…. We have reached “optimum”.

When is your product optimum? Do you find yourself settling for “good enough”, or striving for perfection?

A New Look at Generation Y

I read an interesting article in PCMA's Convene Magazine that really got me thinking. It was about Generation Y, or Millennials. The article was not only written by a twenty-something member of Gen Y, but he actually talked TO Millennials, instead of just talking ABOUT them.

I often work with young people from Generation Y, and in many ways, I can relate. I'm on the younger end of Generation X, and because I work with social media, and online technology, I feel connected to the 20-somethings.

That said, if a reference to Styx, leg warmers, or Outback Red should accidentally slip-- I'm completely out of touch. (I'm from one of the many generations that actually went to college without the internet, and grew up without cell phones!)

Anyhow-- the article debunked many of the myths I've not only heard, but I've come to believe about Generation Y. You can read the whole article at http://www.pcma.org/Convene.

It lays out several of the negative myths, along with a new way to look at things. Here are my thoughts based on the article, and the new outlook I'm determined to have.

1. Millennials believe they are "entitled". We've all heard it. This younger generation doesn't appreciate experience, they just think they can graduate, get a job, and become an expert. What I learned is that there's a flip side to this. They do not view themselves as "entitled", as much as they see themselves "motivated". These kids WANT to graduate from college, get a great job, and become a manager quickly. They are inspired to move up, and rarely settle.

2. Millennials all have ADD. You know the type. A twenty-something with an ipod bud in each ear, logged on to the internet, and updating Facebook all at the same time. Many of us would say they just can't concentrate. Many of THEM would say they've mastered the art of multi-tasking. And they're probably right. They've learned how to do many things at once, and are comfortable with constant stimulation.

3. Millennials don't commit. They are constantly on the move, and aren't willing to put in the years needed to become an expert in one particular area. The positive spin on that view is that Millennials are comfortable with change. They are constantly updating software, are not afraid of new technology, and handle new positions with ease.

This isn't just spin... it's a new way to look at the whole generation. I am going to focus on the positive, and work to engage more members of Generation Y in the coming months. I hope they do the same for those of us who grew up with Holly Hobby, Shrinky Dinks and listening to the The Outfield!

Instant Gratification

Talk about instant gratification.

My business partner and I had a major paradigm shift one time while we were producing video coverage of the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) for Aviation International News. The editor-in-chief showed us an email from a pilot that read, “I’m flying a client from Australia to Geneva for EBACE, and I just watched the AINtv headlines. Can’t wait to get there. Keep up the good work”.

He had seen video headlines just hours after we shot them… from the cockpit! Was that really possible? Sure it was. In fact, he could have watched the event live from 30,000 feet.

It's just more evidence of the NEW information age. We can get information from hundreds of sources, at any time, in any form we choose.

It’s an important reminder for all of us when we have a message to deliver. If your message isn’t being distributed instantly, it’s old news. If it’s not available in multiple forms, on multiple platforms, it’s not really available. We have to make speed and distribution a priority to make sure the content reaches the target audience.

Depending on your audience, that could mean creating a written version, a podcast, and a video. It might mean posting the content on your website, Facebook and Twitter. It could mean communicating with your customer with emails, phone calls, and handwritten letters.

The changes in technology are fast and furious, and we have to work to keep up. If you like instant gratification, make sure that's exactly what you're giving your audience.

Preaching to the Choir

You may not know this, but I’m a PK. Born and Raised. I've been a "Preacher’s Kid" all my life. My father is a United Methodist minister in Tampa, FL. He knows his stuff, and is a fantastic teacher. That’s why he’s leading the Institute of Preaching through Duke University. The Institute of Preaching is a program designed to help clergy improve their preaching. The most recent session was held in Orlando, and my father asked me to be on a panel about story telling.

I was joined by Darren Richards (former WSTP-TV News Director and current VP at Tucker Hall in Tampa) and Pete Ferrara (Former VP with Clear Channel). Both are experts in their fields, and all-around great people.

Because of our years in the communication industry, my father asked the three of us to talk to preachers attending the institute about story telling. Imagine the pressure! It's hard to tell preachers how THEY should be delivering their message. Darren brought video samples, which were perfect, and I quoted lessons I’ve learned at The Poynter Institute. But after a few minutes, I realized… we’re all story-tellers. Whether you’re a preacher, a public speaker, a videographer… we all tell stories about our lives and our careers.

To communicate with your customers and co-workers, to teach your children how to behave, to tell jokes to your friends… it’s all about story telling. That’s why I’ve decided to write about good story telling during my upcoming blogs. Before I offer my thoughts, I’d love to hear from you: What do you think makes a great story???

Leave a comment, or send me an email: cferenac@conventionnewstv.com
Thanks, and here’s to great stories!