Why do some ideas thrive while others die? How do we improve the chances for worthy ideas?
Every business owner is on the “look out” for new ideas to propel their business into the stratosphere. But, how do we come up with ideas that “stick”, ones that resonate with our customers and make them want to do business with us?
Give up? Well, I recently read a book called Made to Stick, by Chip and Dan Heath where this issue is tackled head on. The brothers offer what they consider the anatomy of ideas that “stick” and explain sure fire methods for making ideas “stickier”.
By “stick” the authors mean that your ideas are understood and remembered, and have a lasting impact that changes the audience’s opinions or behavior.
Specifically, the book uses the SUCCESS acronym to illustrate the key elements required to make ideas more likely to “stick”.
S – Simplicity – ideas should be easily understood
U – Unexpected -create mystery
C – Concreteness – help people remember and understand the idea
C – Credibility – the idea needs to be believable
E – Emotions – your idea must provoke an emotion in the reader or listener
S - Stories – people love a good story that they can relate to.
This book is a worthwhile read for anyone looking to have their ideas “stick like glue”.
