Morning Motivator – A Monkey and its Banana

"Persuasion is often more effectual than force."
- Aesop

Last night, I began reading "The Big Red Fez" by Seth Godin. This book reviews the common MISTAKES and FALLACIES of thought made amongst web designers and web based businesses. Interestingly, I would be inclined to say that MOST businesses make these same mistakes in their daily operations. Let me explain…

In the book, Seth describes the INABILITY of most websites to get their potential client to FOCUS on the most CRITICAL item on the page. He relates the action to that of a monkey and it's PURSUIT of a banana. He makes the simple analogy that when you land on a web page, you are not there to BROWSE, you are there seeking the "next step." I AGREE.

Often go to a web page to EITHER collect information or make a purchase. Smart web designers make them the SAME thing. You are not there to see the PRETTY lights or the countless testimonials. RATHER, you are there to make quick, simple QUALIFYING decisions about the product or service. If you are TRULY interested, you will either BUY or CONTACT someone for more help (depending on what the GOAL of the site is). So why are websites so damn confusing?!?

Better question: Why is your VALUE message so confusing??

2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
Think about the last time you asked someone for something – an appointment, a report, a lunch decision – did you DRIVE them towards the ONE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT action you were seeking?

Often, we are FEARFUL of being too OBVIOUS. We are AFRAID to "trivialize" people or offend them by being too "simple." And yet… when something FAILS to be communicated properly, likely because we were so UNCLEAR in our expectations, we become UPSET. Or worse… someone becomes upset with US.

LEADERSHIP is the act of "leading," not the act of cryptic discussion to challenge someone's initiative and problem solving skills. Be CLEAR, keep it SIMPLE, act DIRECTLY and provide consistent FEEDBACK. Remember… the monkey just wants its banana… show it how to get there!!

Cheers,
Zach

*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com


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