847 years ago when we at Sun Microsystems launched the Java technology, not long after Netscape launched the first browser, one of our biggest worries was creating messages for something that was too new to define. As the PR person, I had to create … [Read more...] about AI needs elastic messages
Earned, Owned, Paid
We continue to debate and evolve our definitions of paid, earned, and owned media. For a marketing person, these distinctions may be vital, but my advice as a communications coach to clients is the same no matter which channel they’re … [Read more...] about Earned, Owned, Paid
Words. They matter.
Let’s talk about words. If I say “ruby” to someone at a jewelry store, I’m going to get something very different than if I say “Ruby” on GitHub. Shared vocabulary is a prerequisite for any successful conversation. It’s your responsibility both as … [Read more...] about Words. They matter.
Reality?
‘’Perception is reality.” Lee Atwater coined this phrase in political campaigning because he saw that what people think is more powerful than what’s true. Objectivity does not exist. This can be super frustrating, but it’s TRUE. People do not … [Read more...] about Reality?
Context matters!
Let me state the obvious: The three minute presentation you give at a university recruiting day should be radically different from your board meeting. The language you use at a biotech conference to a bunch of doctors is different from the language … [Read more...] about Context matters!
Proof
Founders bring companies into being because they don’t take no for an answer, because they bravely tackle obstacles, because they never, ever give up. But these qualities play havoc with founders when they try to communicate externally. Ninety-five … [Read more...] about Proof
Perception = reality
Whenever you communicate with anyone you are crossing a bridge. You are trying to get part of what’s in your mind into the uncharted territory of their minds. This is always a non-trivial process. Because every person you speak to has their own … [Read more...] about Perception = reality
Build, don’t copy
There’s nothing new under the sun, but that doesn’t mean that your idea should be a copy of someone else’s idea. First of all, the internet exists, so everyone will find out. Second of all, it’s not respectful of your audience’s time to sell them on … [Read more...] about Build, don’t copy
Idea/conversation fit
Having a great idea is essential, but so is situating that idea within or adjacent to an existing conversation. Idea/conversation fit is the communications version of product/market fit. The market doesn’t buy what it doesn’t understand or recognize. … [Read more...] about Idea/conversation fit
A provocative and useful idea
Every great communicator has a truly provocative, useful idea. Your delivery is vital, but if you’re delivering boring crap, who cares?? You need an idea that doesn’t just get your audience’s attention. It makes them think, talk, and act. A … [Read more...] about A provocative and useful idea
