Made to Stick Winner!
March 21, 2009 by Phil Gerbyshak
Filed under Business
We have a winner in the Made to Stick contest ! Congratulations to Donnie Berkholz who shared this winning entry by answering the question:
Pick the step of the Made to Stick SUCCESS method that resonates the most when you hear a story:
Donnie’s answer: “Unexpectedness, because I think it captures the attention of your audience.”
Congratulations Donnie!
Other entries included:
Tisha White who shared:
“Unexpectedness is what does it for me; coming up with something that hasn’t been done or tried before, or going about something old in a fresh, new way that I haven’t thought of, these can be valuable things.”
F C offered:
“I agree [with Phil’s original point ] – I think simplicity resonates most with me. When an idea is simple, it is accessible, and easy for others to follow. It doesn’t require a big commitment of mental energy, and so easier to get buy-in for people’s attention.”
Mike Taylor chimed in with:
“I’m definitely with you. Simplicity. It could be the best message ever but if it’s not simple enough to easily “get” it’ll likely be for not. Thanks!”
Steve Allen offered a new take:
“I think emotions resonate the most for me. I do a fair bit of preaching in my church, and I have found that on the occasions when my emotions have become really obvious to the listeners, they have been hugely impacted, and the talk becomes memorable. Not that I recommend “faking” emotions, but I think being passionately gripped by your subject makes a tremendous difference to how it is received.”
Pete said:
“Simplicity works best in my world – where the only constant thing is that everything will change. Sometimes we feel like our heads could spin off. Avoiding anything superfluous or over complicating is a must.”
Jason agreed …but then made a new point:
“Keep it simple stupid. Great advice offends me every time” – Dwight Schrute
Man I wish I would have read this earlier. I tapped danced all around an important issue in a meeting yesterday, I really should have kept it simple and to the point. But I think the real power and what resonates with me are people who can combine multiple steps. A lot of people possess and often overuse one step.”
Paul mentioned:
“I like #6: stories. If there’s a good story, it sticks, and it transfers to another person.”
Jenny says:
“Concreteness. Although “simplicity” is good, if a person can’t connect with it, then simplicity does not matter.”
Credibility was the one method nobody mentioned. Perhaps it’s because that’s so obvious to most, like if you’re buying water from a motor oil salesman.
Do you agree credibility is important?
Don’t worry, if you didn’t win, you can buy your copy of Made to Stick today. Stay tuned: I have another great book giveaway contest in store for you next week.
Photo is of Donnie Berkholz , used from his website
