All that Glitters

12 Nov All that Glitters

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.

A few years back, a young professional at a networking meeting extolled the virtues of Crypto and NFT’s. How has that worked out?… AI is being revered as the panacea for creating instant books, scripts, student reports and speeches, but how do these products compare to human creativity?… And miners in 1848 brought pyrite home, believing they were wealthy but it was “fool’s gold” and totally worthless. Shiny and new doesn’t necessarily mean valuable.

Speakers should be wary of overstating the features and benefits of their products or services. It’s enough to tout the qualities you believe in, without promising the stars. Overzealous pronouncements, or big promises have a way of coming back to haunt you, especially when customer service professionals are tasked with delivering on these pronouncements.

When listening to speakers or pitch teams, make it a practice to exercise critical acumen. Examine their statements through the filter of your own experience. And when your bs meter is triggered, ask questions, check their referrals, or pay close attention to how these services will be delivered. Leave quacking to ducks. Walk and talk the truth.