I have been watching the World Cup since I was a little girl. The whole family would gather around the television and cheer (or boo) whenever a team made a goal. It is one of the only times that you will not see me move from the couch unless it’s too jump up with delight. I have learned a thing or two (wish it would have been how to learn to actually play futbol) while watching this World Cup in South Africa. Here are the five things that I learned:
1. Natural Skill Doesn’t Fully Cut It
There have been so many futbol players who are naturally amazing players. However, it wasn’t enough for them to shine at this year’s World Cup. When you are writing a technical document, you have to work with other people (e.g. Subject-Matter Experts, Developers, Stakeholders, etc.). It’s the only way that you will have a successful document and hit a goal.
2. Surprises Are Always Around the Corner
Before the World Cup began, the teams that everyone thought would make it until the end were Argentina, Brazil, England, etc. However, those weren’t the ones who advanced and are now on their way to having the cup in their hands. There will always be surprises that you can’t prevent. Therefore, you have to always have alternate plans in case something doesn’t go according to plan.
3. Don’t Get a Yellow or Red Card
If you play dirty, then the referees give you a yellow or red card, depending on the severity of your actions. It’s the same when you are a freelance Technical Writer. You have to be up front with your clients, and not do underhanded things that will make them distrust you. Clients are already a bit weary because you are an independent consultant, so you always have to ensure that the trust that they build with you doesn’t diminish in a matter of seconds.
4. You Will Cry If You Lose
There is a Spanish commercial that shows futbol players crying. A message is displayed at the end, “This is the only time you will see men cry. Please don’t lose.” If you aren’t prepared and/or another Technical Writer has more knowledge and skills than you, then you will lose clients. Therefore, you always have to be on top of your game by keeping up-to-date with the latest in the technical writing field and always being prepared.
5. Don’t Ever Stop Until You Kick That Goal In
You see the players run, fall, get back up, and run again. They never give up until they kick a goal in. It’s the same with Technical Writing. The first draft might get frowns, but you keep editing until your clients are happy. When they are happy, then you are as well.
What type of tips have you learned by watching the World Cup?
