Preparation: The Magic Key to Professional Performance

"That looks easy." You've probably said that very thing after watching a true professional do what they do best. I know I have. Whether it's a professional baseball player, tennis player, musician, or golfer; there is something almost effortless about what they do and how they do it. However, if we try to run out and repeat the performance, we find any number of words crossing our mind and lips, but easy isn't usually one of them. Obviously, what we don't see is the countless hours of practice and preparation necessary to achieve mastery. Should we expect it to be any different in our own professional lives?

In his book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell talks about the 10,000 Hour Rule and defines 10,000 hours as the time it takes to gain mastery in any specific area. Although now somewhat debated as to its accuracy, it does underscore the importance of continuous and disciplined practice -- the kind most of your clients, prospects, and partners will never see, but from which they will reap a huge benefit. As business professionals, we are paid for our results and the best way I know to improve our results -- and our pay -- is through a commitment to diligent preparation and deliberate practice. So what does that look like?

To me, it looks a whole lot like Anthony (Tony) Coppola and his company, CC King Entertainment. If you watch Tony in action, you see a near flawless presentation and entertainment experience. The sound, the lighting, and the play list all seem to blend into one beautiful picture that is aptly completed by a packed dance floor and professionally framed by a smiling and confident Tony Coppola working the mixer, the microphone, and the crowd. And, because Tony has developed and continually perfects his system, known as "The CC King Way", you can expect the same professional presentation and performance from any one of his other carefully selected DJs.

It's the beauty of a system, but it didn't happen by accident. When I talked with Tony about the 10,000 Rule he was quick to point out that continuous practice is the important qualifier. "You can't just poke your business with a stick once in a while and gain success", says Tony. "You have to be focused and deliberate in your practice so you can be laser-focused on delivering the best performance possible," he added. So what are those deliberate areas? For the sake of brevity, we'll look at three that not only apply to Tony, but should be important to every growing professional.

Personal Preparation: Having a mindset of continuous improvement is what separates the merely good from the truly great. Tony is an avid reader and is continually looking for information that will help him grow as a person and a business owner. He takes advantage of his time on the road by listening to audiobooks, podcasts, and CDs. He compares notes with other successful entrepreneurs to find out what they're reading and listening to. I'm proud to say he just recently reached out to me for some book recommendations, and I was more than happy to oblige. Tony also understands the importance of physical fitness and is dedicated to a regular exercise and training table regimen.

People Preparation: The journey on the road to success is largely taken on our own. However, knowing the value of the people and the relationships we find along the way is critical to lasting success in any business. Tony is extremely appreciative of all of his clients, prospects, friends, and associates. He is generous with his time and resources and adds value to nearly everyone he meets. His humble spirit and his gentlemanly demeanor make him very approachable and easy to like. Since people tend to do business with people they know, like, and trust the chances of Tony being remembered and referred, are extremely favorable.

Professional Preparation: Successful entrepreneurs know it is critically important to invest in themselves, in their tools, and in their business. One look at Tony's professional sound and lighting equipment reveal that he is a great example of this fundamental truth. Top of the line software, computer systems, and of course sound systems are the trademark of Tony's business. He knows to deliver the best performance; he needs the best equipment he can find. He also knows the importance of marketing and advertising and spends a great deal of his time and resources learning to be more effective in this critical area. He seeks out and employs specific professionals to help grow his brand, his on and offline presence, and ultimately, his business. Like every other area of his business, he is committed to the continuous professional improvement that can't help but find its way to the bottom line.

Yes, the true business professional can make it all look very easy, but looks are deceiving. It is the preparation that makes the professional. Are you putting the time into yours?

Note: Tony Coppola is owner and founder of CC King Entertainment and is the "King" of Michigan Wedding Services. For more information visit: www.cckingent.com.

Originally published on LinkedIn, September 6, 2016