Supercharging your Business, Employees and Self

Yesterday I had the pleasure of listening to Boaz Rauchwerger, at the OIA Rendezvous.  His session was "Supercharge Your Business, Your Employees and Yourself."  He was amazingly entertaining and had many great suggestions for improving your life. 

I arrived just in the nick of time and was greeted personally at the door by Boaz, and pointed to a chair selected just for me designed to keep the front of the room packed completely (all chairs full).  And, he proceeded to offer suggestions on how to run a good meeting.  Here are a few:

• No empty chairs (make the room feel full to increase engagement).
• Don't make people sit for more than 30-40 minutes.  (we got up twice during the session, once to shake hands with our neighbors, another time to stretch).
• No distractions.
• As the presenter you must be enthusiastic (if you aren't - fake it until you are!).
• The group runs at the speed of the leader.

He offered suggestions on relating to people (with 5 questions to use to create rapport):

• You are in the people business (everyone is, so get good at it!).
• You are genuinely interested in other people (you need to be able to relate to them to create rapport).
• Everyone's favorite topic is themselves (so ask about them!).
• People are as interested in you as you are in them.

Boaz's style was out of control!  He said, "I talk at 300 words per minute, with gusts up to 600."  His style was rapid fire and thoroughly engaging.

Other lessons he peppered into the presentation (and had us write it down):

• I will have a good time.
• If it's not what I want, I won't say it (meaning, don't go around saying negative things like, "business is slow"  Instead, if someone asks about your business, say, "UNBELIEVABLE!" - one word...which covers everything...).
• Words are previews of things to come (so select the good ones).
• I'll fake it until I make it.
• It's easy for me to change. (Affirmation!)

He also handed out a bright yellow sign with these words emblazoned on it:  "Every day I PLAY like a champion." 

He said, put this up in your office and repeat it (and touch it) everyday and you will inspire greatness.  You can read the story behind it on Boaz's blog.

Two books he absolutely recommends for improving business and your life: Think and Grow Rich and How to Win Friends and Influence People.  He said he has read them every month for 5 years (60 times each).

I can't possibly cover all that he did?but, suffice it to say, another great presentation put on by Vistage International.

Great work, OIA!