Google Summit 2012

This past week was crazy. We had visitors from Google and everything was about meetings and presentations. Clients were asking about things we were doing and how we could improve our work. Some slip ups and missing processes were highlighted and that got us all stressed out. We had to make changes in what we do because it looked like we weren't doing too well of a job.

That's when we had a butt kicking pep talk from our bosses. What we were doing was actually right. We were the best vendor they had and always delivered most often than not, stellar work. Any problems they point out is actually gold because we are being pointed into the right direction for improvement. Most clients won't even point out what we're doing wrong. We needed that pep talk because it put some confidence in us to make it through the week.

In the end, things turned out okay. My perspective of nothing-but-complain clients was changed into a cooperative kind because what everyone really want in the end is to deliver. It's hard to see it in this light but when you do, things just run smoothly.

10 things I've learned during this visit:
1. Never say "I think..."
2. If you don't do it, just say so and say what you plan to do about it.
3. If you don't have it, say so and when you'll give it to them.
4. Clients that complain highlight improvement points.
5. Reading the participants in the room (who doesn't like who), and how to use it.
6. Keep discussions within the topic.
7. They are people too, find out what they like doing.
8. Powerpoint whatever you have. Short ones are best.
9. Keep handy data handy.
10. Keep a killer karaoke song handy.

Pic from our last dinner.