April 25, 2007
Want to know how to communicate ideas effectively? In “Made to Stick” authors Chip and Dan Heath practice what they preach by providing concrete examples of successful messages that are understood, remembered and have a lasting impact. To design one, simply follow their SUCCESs checklist.
Simplicity gets right to the core idea and packages it in compact form. If there was time to communicate only one thing, what would it be? The curse of knowledge is that once we know something, we forget what it was like not to know it. We arrive at answers by reading data and arriving at conclusions, but sharing this information is not the effective way to tell others.
Gain attention and interest with the unexpected. Arouse curiosity by posing a question which points out a gap in knowledge. Then reveal one clue leading to another down a path to an answer we now want to know.
Get concrete by converting abstract ideas into clear images of tangible, specific things.
Boost credibility with authorities, demonstrations, and details that symbolize the core idea.
Inspire emotions with imagination. Appeal to interests by spelling out the benefit of the benefit with why, not what. Identify on an individual level to create an emotional response.
Stories involve us in the idea and invite participation. Stories remain in our memories. Be alert for stories with the potential to inspire, entertain, illustrate and teach.
With these ideas, anyone can make an idea stick.
Made to Stick Blog
Common Craft review
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Ideas That Work, information management | 
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Posted by dailyplanit
October 13, 2006
“Businesses choose effectiveness over efficiency to listen to customers.”
Wouldn’t you like to see that headline?
Do businesses really believe that automated telephone systems equals effective communication with customers? Hard to imagine. Who has not experienced the telephone hell of being runaround in endless circles, the clock ticking away while listening to unhelpful machine menus with the problem no closer to being solved? It’s frustrating in the extreme. If you are stuck in this situation, think of it as the perfect opportunity to practice persistence and patience. If that fails, check the gethuman 500 database to see if the company you are dealing with is listed.
1 Comment | Ideas That Work | Permalink
Posted by dailyplanit
July 16, 2006
You want to generate ideas for goals, but the mind has gone blank. Here’s some ideas to get you thinking:
43things is a site where people share their goals.
ehow has action step plans for getting things done ie goals.
USA.gov has links to resources to help with popular resolutions ie goals.
Here are some ideas from a list in the book “You Can Find More Time For Yourself Every Day” by Stephanie Culp:
- Save more money
- Get a new job
- Buy a house
- Buy a new car
- Get organized
- Spend more time with family
- Write a book
- Travel
- Lose weight
- Exercise
- Learn Spanish
Remember to balance life areas.
The next step is to make goals specific and measurable.
No Comments » | Ideas That Work, goals | Permalink
Posted by dailyplanit
July 15, 2006
Updated 8/15/2006
I’m revising my list to reflect new sites I’ve discovered. And if you count, there may be more than ten! I’m going to work on a new separate list for life management and change the title of this one to only time management.
There are many great sites dedicated to exploring ways to use time well. Here are my top favorites. For these and more, go to my del.icio.us bookmarks list.
- Lifehack — Daily digest and pointers on productivity, getting things done and lifehacks. Keep an eye on what Chris Brogan is up to-he’s an incredibly creative guy who writes regularly at Lifehack.org among other things
- DIYPlanner-Paper, productivity and passion
- David Seah-the Printable CEO
- 43Folders-about personal productivity, life hacks, and simple ways to make your life a little better
- Matt’s Idea Blog-Original thoughts on productivity, personal information management, creativity, journaling, personal digital storage for life, and leveraging technology for citizenship.
- Black Belt Productivity-Encouraging higher levels of productivity through the use of Getting Things Done.
- LifeDev-new. interesting.
- Make It Great!-Lifehacks from Phil Gerbyshak
- Productivity Goal, which is “a discussion about work productivity, time management organization, tools and tips.”
- Productivity Pro-Helping people leave the office earlier, with less stress, and more to show for it!
- What’s the Next Action? (”A weblog about Getting Things Done”) — “This weblog deals with everything GTD and the five phases of project planning as written by Dave Allen in his book “Getting Things Done”.
- Open Loops (”Because it’s your time.”) — A weblog about efficiency and productivity.
8 Comments | Ideas That Work, Top Ten Sites, goals, personal development, productivity, work skills | Permalink
Posted by dailyplanit
July 13, 2006
What tools help you get organized?
Here’s some I like:
Project files
Index cards
Sticky notes
Label maker
Glue stick
Plastic vertical desktop file
Duraclip binders
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Posted by dailyplanit
