8 Seconds to Make an Impact

I’m just having a well-earned cup of tea after a morning of filming for a new marketing video. Filming is often both fun and anxiety-making at the same time. One has to try and look good, sound good and remember to include the important points. Even after twenty years of doing this I still find it hard to get all of that right at the same time!?

Luckily though, I recently re-read the great marketing messaging book 8 Seconds, which has lots of simple but powerful pieces of advice, one of which I’m going to share with you below.?

When crafting a messaging rule number one is to imagine you are the audience or talking to an individual the audience. I like to imagine a specific individual as my ‘muse’ to whom I am talking. Usually it’s a real person that I know who fits the persona of the audience I am addressing. This makes the conversation feel a bit more personal and helps to ensure that I am speaking in a way that I would in a normal conversation.?

Beyond that there are three things you must get right.?

? First be clear on the purpose of the communication, make sure it’s something that your chosen audience will value, not just what you want to tell them.?

Secondly decide on the ONE message you really need to convey, and say it clearly and repeat it for emphasis.?

Lastly, remember to tell your audience what action you would like them to take. This ‘call to action’ should be simple and inviting.?

Here’s hoping that I did my job well this morning and the video will tick all those boxes.??

So, this week let’s remember these simple guidelines in all of our communications and keep on practising to get things right! And do take a read of 8 Seconds – it’s worth it!?

Wishing you a fabulous good communications week ahead!?

#LeadershipTips #8SecondsRule #MarketingCommunication

Read last week "Expand Your World"...

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About?Catherine Wijnberg

Catherine Wijnberg is a powerful advocate for change, for entrepreneurs, for Africa and the planet.

She is the Director and Founder of Fetola, the leading provider of world-class entrepreneurial support programmes for South African entrepreneurs, building businesses that last through scalable solutions that deliver social, environmental and economic impact.