Business meetings take place every day, all over the world, in all sorts of locations. USA Today's graphic "Top locations for off-site business meetings" helps readers understand just what percentage of these meetings happen where. This isn't just seemingly unimportant, but completely useless information. In case you thought that most executives met on the golf course, think again. With the help of this bright graphic, you can see that most professionals prefer to meet with clients at a restaurant.
The graphic shows two people dressed in white sitting across a table from one another. One of the clip art characters is even wearing sunglasses. Now I can't speak for everyone, but this is not the image that pops into my brain when I hear the term 'high-level executive.' Had they shown two people in suits, maybe. But even still, this graphic doesn't come close to being useful.
I had to think to myself, "did I seriously just read this in a newspaper?" I mean, USA Today is by no means regarded for their astute journalism and newsworthy stories, but this seems a little over the top. It's common knowledge that business meetings happen in restaurants. People eat, it's what we do. And when we eat, we talk. And sometimes we talk business. Thanks for the insight, USA Today.
-Elizabeth
I agree with you, not only is the graph useless but the image is childish. If they really wanted to add a picture they could have taken a photo of a fake business meeting scene using real people. Not only is this a dull topic but I don't think anyone really cares about where meetings are conducted as long as the information is presented.
ReplyDeleteDigging deeper into this image and the statistics provided, how are people, especially business professionals supposed to have a meeting at a sporting event or golf course? Are they suppose to give their Power Point presentation during during half-time on their laptop?
Clearly, USA Today has run out of important issues to write about. I think you did a good job analyzing the graph and writing about it in a casual tone.