This Is Embarrassing

The one time you skip a CYA procedure will be the time that procedure was really needed- guaranteed!  If you downloaded episode 5 of my podcast before today (December 22, 2008), and you listened to the Time Saver Quick-tip, you were probably thinking, “What’s wrong with this guy?”  There were long pauses and heavy sighs, it was a mess.  That’s because it was the one time I skipped a step in my process for publishing and posting my podcast.  And of course, it bit me where I sit.

My basic process for recording a podcast is this. I record the segments in one sitting, then go back and edit them, then assemble them.  Then I listen to the whole thing, and then I post it to the web.  I use an outline of the things I want to talk about, but I don’t use a script.  This means I have a lot of editing to do.  Sometimes I will say something over or in a better more clear way, or sometimes I just have to remove a cough or something.  Hey, you don’t need to hear my Umms, Uhhs, and Coughs.  I have too much respect for your ears and your time for that.  So what happened this time, and why I am I telling you about it?

The What is simple.  I was tired and got lazy.  I was sitting on this interview for two weeks because I was sick, and I really wanted to get it out.  I was still feeling the effects of the cold, so the recording was a mess.  I edited everything but when I assembled the final one, I used the wrong file for the Quick-tip.  I was in a hurry to get it out there, so I didn’t listen to the final file before I posted it.  Stupid.

Luckily, I got some email from some listeners asking me what was wrong.  The questions people were asking ranged from asking if I was angry or frustrated to whether I was having an asthma attack.  The truth is I was just still feeling the cold, and out of breath.  I have fixed the file, but the damage is done.  Half of the listeners of this podcast got the unedited version of the file.  If you are one of them and still reading this, Thanks for sticking with me!!

So why am I telling you all of this?  I want it to be an example of why you need to put CYA (Cover Your Assetts) Procedures in place, and to NEVER deviate from them.  The one time you skip a step, is the time that step will be the most needed.  You forget to backup a file?  You will loose or delete it.  You forget to look at the TO: field before you send that scathing email?  You just hit Reply To All.   Count on it.  Forget to backup your hard drive?  Do you smell smoke?

The point is, you need these things in place for when you ARE tired, or off your game.  You need backups becauses drives DO fail.  It takes a little extra time but it is ALWAYS worth it.  Take the time to determine where the scary parts are in your business process.  Develop a procedure for protecting yourself from failure or embarrassment, and make sure you follow it.  If you don’t, trust me, <heavy breath> <lip smack> you’ll regret it.