Do self-help programmes really work?
I’ve been struck in recent months by the number of products being offered for improving or developing a persons personal “brand” or “image”.
There’s a profusion of courses, books and CD programmes that promise instant impact with those you meet and lead, career success and, of course, instant riches by creating the “right impression”, “instant respect” or being seen in the right places.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that these things aren’t important. It’s only an idiot who thinks that dress, image and an ability to communicate aren’t vital to one’s career. Indeed it’s only a few days ago that I spent some time persuading an aspiring manager that having the 007 ringtone on his mobile might not be creating the best corporate image.
I’m also a fan of trainers who train people to describe themselves and what they do in a more succinct statement than some of the sermons we have to suffer at networking meetings. Actually I subscribe to the rule that an “elevator pitch” that’s greater than 35 words is a waste of the listener’s and speaker’s time.
However, I feel sorry for those that buy these programmes simply as Pollyfiller for the chip on their shoulders or who believe that it will produce instant and lasting results. One book isn’t enough to change a person overnight from a boring fart to a sparkling raconteur. What it can do is to make the person aware of the improvements they can make with effort.
I agree with a well known founder of a social media network who recently said to a group of delegates at a conference on the topic of self-wealth programmes, “Remember, no-one’s interested in making YOU rich!”
