Houston, Can You Hear Me?

By Julie Hein, General Manager

Had a rare moment when I both kids and hubby were asleep, and I didn't have any stray work to do.  Turned on Bravo.  Pre-kids, Bravo and I used to be pretty close friends.  Now, not so much.  There was a new (I think) show called Around the World in 80 Plates with Curtis Stone as one of the hosts.  I love me some Curtis.  Anyway, imagine that "The Amazing Race"  and "Top Chef" had a baby.  The teams race around the world competing at different challenges then there's a cook-off.

There was one contestant who made me think of the effectiveness of selling messages.  She was broadcasting loud and clear.  But what she was saying didn't resonate with anyone.  She only looked through her own lense, never considering that other people might also have skills or opinions or input.  She likely thought she was being persuasive and doing the best thing for the group, but she wasn't considering anyone else's desired path.  And then she was mad when everyone got frustrated because they couldn't (or didn't care to) execute her plan.

Why do people do what they do?  When they come into your space, literally or virtually, what are they wanting?  It's about them.  Not you.  And that can feel quite unnatural.  You've built this cool thing and you want to tell them about it.  Perfect!  Just do it through the filter of why they should care.