11 Ways to Improve Email First Impressions Subject Line: In your subject line, give the recipient a reason to read your message. When replying, change the subject line if the topic changes. Make it easy to forward. Be specific: Know what you want and communicate it clearly. Ask yourself “what do I want the reader … Read more
If they do need your product or service, the major barrier for most prospects is a lack of trust. Put simple, they just don’t trust you yet. What builds trust? Consistency Time in market Testimonials and Referrals Awards Expertise (content, blogs, articles in magazines, books, videos)
I was inspired by Michael over at Box of Crayons blog in his post 5 ways email is killing you. He found a terrific article from PsyBlog. They’ve written a compelling article that sets out the ways in which email lessens our impact in the world, rather than supports it. The original article actually sets … Read more
Randy Nelson, Dean of Pixar University, outlines four criteria that they look for when hiring new people into the team at Pixar. Depth (in any area) – Randy believes that the best predictor of ability to master any one area is if somebody has already mastered another area. It is more likely that someone who … Read more
TED talks are some of the best speeches that I watch. TED organisers have a set of 10 rules that no speaker is ever allowed to break. This might be a lesson for all speakers. Thou Shalt Not Simply Trot Out thy Usual Shtick Thou Shalt Dream a Great Dream, or Show Forth a Wondrous … Read more
I spent Thursday at the World Innovation Forum in Barcelona. I had the opportunity to speak to a great group of entrepreneurs and some politicians and regulators about the process of pitching a business plan to professional investors. What does it take to communicate a business plan in order to raise money? I had the … Read more
I have a page of notes in my notebook about asking questions. In the spirit of breaking the mold of my blogging, I will dump it here unedited… and a bit of commentary and James Joyce style flow of consciousness thinking to follow. The best answer is a question. Ask question = control power, help … Read more
Ira Glass, presenter of This American Life, tells us that there are three basic building blocks of the story – the anecdote, “bait” and moments of reflection (video here). We improve a story by building up the central conflict, ensuring that the listeners can relate to one of the central characters and by adding surprise. … Read more
A short note inspired by a post from Verne Harnish of Gazelles. He wrote about a keynote speech by Dr. William Horton, author of Mind Control. After showing various debate clips featuring Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Obama, Horton outlined five techniques for winning over (manipulating) the masses: Encourage their dreams Justify their failures Allay … Read more
This is relevant for anyone who communicates regularly from a position of authority – doctors, scientists, professors… 3 Types of Experts I have had several people who have expertise say to me “but I haven’t been successful myself”. Toni Nadal isn’t better at tennis than Rafa, but he knows how to get results. Michael Porter … Read more