I’m sitting in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, shortly before I deliver the first of four presentations at the ConnectWise IT Nation Conference. Two separate thoughts have occupied my mind this morning – both share a common theme.
The first thought was running through my head this morning when I was walking our dog, Bella. I was thinking about the Florida Gators’ open football coaching slot. I was analyzing the recent successful coaches (Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer) against the recent unsuccessful coaches, and I came down to one thing the separated the two groups. This one thing is critical to the long-term performance of future coaches. Spurrier and Meyer won early; the others didn’t. It’s that simple. Gator Nation’s expectations are so high that a slow start leads to a downward spiral that no one can escape.
The second thought occurred a few minutes ago, while I was preparing for my sessions. Even though I have four sessions to deliver today, I was only practicing my first session. I know that if I get off to a hot start that the other three will be no-brainers. I already know the content – I just need the confidence to roll through the day.
Both thoughts – no matter how different in context - lead to one lesson: nail the beginning. No matter what you’re doing, obsessively prepare for the opening. Baseball pitchers’ success differential is drastic between starting with a 1-0 count or an 0-1 count; a second date doesn’t happen after an average first date; and an audience is lost if you capture them in the opening. Whatever challenge or opportunity is facing you right now, make sure you nail the beginning – the rest will just come much easier!
