Can you remember when you
had a WOW experience?
What was it about the
experience or product that captured your attention and led to such a high,
memorable rating? That’s just one of the
questions asked by Michael Hyatt in his new book Platform. Get Noticed in a Noisy
World: A Step-by-Step Guide for Anyone
with Something to Say or Sell.
As I reflected on the
question, a couple of occasions immediately came to mind, and each time it was the
attention to detail, coupled with the atmosphere created that blew me
away.
One was the first ATHENA leadership
conference that I ever attended, where its high calibre speakers impacted my
life, creating a defining “ah ha” moment.
Based on that experience, I have since tried to replicate those inspiring
moments in the conferences I have organized. The second was a building, a club – the Verity
Club - with its bursts of colour (orange
walls), beautiful artwork and atmosphere of acceptance.
So often the WOW factor is
about going the extra mile; doing the unexpected that will grab the person’s
attention. In both these instances, efforts were made to make the space or
learning environment not only women-friendly but warm, with those little
touches such as fresh flowers, that tell you someone cares, and that unquestionably
a woman is involved in the design.
(Sorry guys)
So what can you do to
create that same level of WOW in your business?
Part of the secret to a WOW
experience, explains Hyatt, is truly knowing your audience and not only talking
in their language but demonstrating that you understand their challenges. As a
result, you choose to provide a service or product that really addresses those
needs, remembering always that it is not about you, it’s about them.
But it is not just about knowing
your target group, it is also knowing and believing in your brand; and nailing
down the detail to best message what you offer.
Doing your homework and checking out popular trends as well as your competition
helps build that foundation.
As Hyatt says “you won’t
get a second chance to make a first impression.” So you need to make sure that your package
captures their attention straight away.
But, he cautions, let your designers have some leeway to create
something innovative and different.
His favourite designs are
simple and elegant and I would concur.
When we make the message too difficult to decipher, we lose out and
dilute the impact. Short, punchy and to
the point says it all.
However, he also warns
that we have to be clear on our messages and stick to our gut instinct and not
let the designers get too carried away in the design element. Last but not least, check in with your fans, he
advises, they will quickly tell you if you are on track, or not.
Bottom line, the more clear
you are on what you want to create – be it product or service – the better able
you will be to provide that extra WOW factor.
And that is what we all
want and deserve.