Real Criticism – Design Like DaVinci

Brian Sullivan’s Design like DaVinci was apparently one of the highlights of SXSW 2013, and came to me recommended by Slideshare. Brian’s presentation was excellent in so many ways, I recommend it as a must see.

Excellent criticism provides context and extends meaning. Design Like DaVinci is the jackpot.

Design Like DaVinci is about work and working better. It is about history, biography, culture, and innovation. It is also a demonstration of gifted presentation.

I’ve seen more useless slide shows than I can remember. I habitually avoid podcasts and webinars, having found I get more understanding in less than half the time from the transcript (if available), or even related writing if the subject interests me.

I am not an artist. I am graphically challenged, and work hard for the few graphics on my posts.

Design Like DaVinci is the best I’ve seen weaving slide show and podcast to create an extraordinary presentation. It’s an hour of magic. Turn on the slides, then turn on the podcast in another tab, strap yourself in, and take good notes. Design like DaVinci is an hour of learning, entertainment, and optimism.

Then by all means, go Design Like DaVinci.

Junior Academy – Excellence in Education

Don't Just Talk!

“Talk is cheap” and it doesn't require planning or preparation or understanding. No wonder there is so much of it.

Listening is effective for changing someone's thinking, and is often necessary...but not sufficient.

When it's your turn to lead the conversation, what can you do that gives you a better value for your limited time?

Jump, sing, balance a spoon on your nose, give treasure, but don't just talk. Try something that that will be remembered after the conversation moves on.

What is your favorite communication booster?

The Point Of The Presentation

Lunch with one of my strongest salesmen. He is introducing some new products and fretting that he needs deeper product knowledge.

I let him finish and then asked, “What is the point of your presentation?”

He thought, and said, “To get the prospect to define his problem in your presence.” Usually the best service we can give is to let the prospect focus to define her problem. A side benefit for us is that everyone who came before is no longer qualified to solve that new definition.

He then said, “As a matter of fact, I made a list of ten questions I was going to ask…I only asked four.”

We discussed that and designed the single question that he thinks will get the whole story out, which most often leads to buying his offering. In artillery, you bracket the target, throwing one short and one long. Except the really good guys. They like to put it down the chimney first time.

He has a trade show next week where he can ask his question to between 60 and 100 good prospects in three days. He said, “Do you think I should spend more time cold calling?”

Really good guys never let up.

What does this remind you of?

Please come to

How To Get More Value From Your Existing Resources 

 Tuesday, October 19th, 7:15am to 8:30, Intelligent Office, Rockville, or 

Championship Leadership in Resource Constrained Markets  

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Sales Lab's Talk Your Business! April 28

Talk Your Business – How to make more and better sales right away!
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