The recent article in Wired Magazine about the Janus Friis and Niklas Zennström's (the brain trusts behind Skype and Kazaa ) idea they've named Joost had me smiling. I'm always on the lookout for great examples and this one has it in spades. Early on in the article they are quoted as saying "It's really pretty simple," "We've taken the best things about television and added the best things from the Internet."
I love it! - pure elegance - the essence of what they are trying to do -- right there in a short succinct statement. End of story. What a great analogy to open the conversation -- wouldn't you lean forward and ask for more details if you heard a statement like this? That's the key to a great analogy that helps people "get" what you're trying to accomplish. You don't have to tell all -- not yet -- wait until you bait the hook. Take the time to figure out the essence of what you're trying to accomplish and then express it with this kind of clarity -- it's a great way to get people's attention and avoid the polite nod that comes when you bombard them with all the technical details.
Another nice example in this article that stood out for me was the natural tendency these two entrepreneurs have for focusing on a key market segment. They talk instinctively about "who cares most" about the problem they're proposing to solve -- and they don't say everyone -- they're looking for "young men" to be the early adopters.
Have a read through the article - I love the passion and enthusiasm to create something that will turn the market on its ear. We need to rescue more of these passionate "anything is possible" guys from the ashes of the dot-bomb. The journey is just not as fun without them.
Enjoy your journey!
Wendy
author/advisor/lady with the flipcharts!
www.wendykennedy.com
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