I agree entirely. I wouldn't call it the WOW factor; I'm English. I
prefer to think of it as being charismatic and being able to think
laterally. I have just sent my manuscript of a novel I have written
to a publisher who requested it on the recommendation of a literary
agent. I will still contact other publishers however, let them
compete against each other; rather than me being put in the position
of competing with other novelists. I enjoy writing and have done a
lot for free and just put it on the Internet this week to amuse
myself. I think everyone should have their creativity encouraged and
get into a position to be able excite or WOW their audience. The
audience may be a literary agent, publisher or ultimately the
readers. I enjoy feedback from my readers and want to know what they
enjoy reading. My novel has comedy, adventure and mystery. I know the
first two are successful with readers but I'm still beta testing it
with friends on the Internet around the world and awaiting the
verdict on whether I got the mystery right. So many people are
waiting to buy the novel; I unashamedly publicise it and myself! I
hope I get a good publisher who is willing to invest time and money
in it. I just have to design a website to back it up now and get that
up on the Internet. Writing a novel is just the beginning these days
and I'm excited by the new e_Book readers being launched. I still
think they are expensive and we really want colour e_ink. But
progress appears be be faster paced and British design is now being
launched that will bring a lot of competition to the market.
We know it when we see it and feel it. Rarely do we know how to create it. With reinvention in the air and so many people seeking change, Frances Cole Jones is expanding upon the theme she created with her book “How to Wow” and introducing “The Wow Factor: The 33 Things You Must (and Must Not) Do to Guarantee Your Edge in Today’s Business World. After a successful career as an editor with powerhouse publishing companies in New York, Francis Cole Jones founded Cole Media Management in 1997 to help her clients identify and cultivate their inherent strengths through powerful communication skills. Skills that enhance their personal and professional performance. Her clients have appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Oprah, CNN, Charlie Rose, Larry, Access Hollywood, Top Chef and much more.
Frances, how important is Wow now?
Wow is more critical than ever before because we are never off duty– we think we are, but we aren’t. For example, you can’t just send your colleague a note commiserating about the behavior of your boss on Facebook. It will come back to haunt you.
If you’re looking for a job, you can’t assume that just because you have cutting-edge skills and an outstanding degree that you will stand out from other candidates– in fact, you can count on there being hundreds of other candidates with similar resumes in line for the same position.
In every situation, you need to ask yourself how you plan to stand out from the crowd– how have you planned to wow in a way that is unique to you?
What are the benefits of having a great Wow Factor?
More important than setting you apart from those around you with similar skills, backgrounds, resumes, etc, having a great Wow Factor means you will move through the world regret-free: if you’ve done everything in your power to get the job, catch and retain customers, or position yourself for your promotion, you won’t be left kicking yourself if things don’t go your way.
Is Wow more important for certain times in the relationship? Ie…when you first meet someone?
In fact, I would say being able to wow someone you’ve known for some time is far more compelling. Beginnings are easy: it’s all floating hearts and double rainbows, walks on the beach and ice cream sodas with two straws. But if you can wow someone you’ve known your whole life THEN you’re working the wow.
How important is attitude?
Attitude is critical. We want to spend time with people who are confident, calm, and in-command. Whining doesn’t wow. Nor does fear-mongering, passive aggressiveness, misplaced anger, procrastination or keeping your head down and hoping it will blow over….
What are some ways to increase our Wow Factor?
As boring as it sounds: checklists. Make checklists of every single thing that must be done to complete your project, prepare for your interview, knock the socks off your date…There is a reason pilots have to complete
checklists each and every time they fly– even though they know each item on them by heart– having that foundation frees them to think on their feet when emergency action is required. You will find the same is true for you.
When will we know that our Wow is working? Can we test in advance?
As noted, you’ll know the wow is working when you aren’t suffering from a continuous internal dialogue of, “If only’s.” As in, “If only I”d done X,” or “If only I’d thought of Y.” Nothing is more debilitating than beating
yourself up. The Wow Factor gives you the tools to ensure you won’t end up in that particular mental cul de sac.
Yes, you can absolutely test it in advance: get your presentation on it’s feet for your family before you have to give it to your colleagues; go to the restaurant ahead of time and make sure the ambiance and food is all
you’re hoping for your anniversary dinner; put together a list of goals you intend to meet at work and share it with your boss six months before your review, etc.
I guarantee taking charge in this way will help you move through your life with confidence and flair.
Thanks Frances!
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