Forgive the lapse in posts (both to
DCSpring21 and my
twitter stream); I've spent the past few weeks experiencing our legal system -- one that places the burden of proof on the prosecution -- up close & personal. While the trial concluded yesterday, deliberations relative to the accused's guilt or innocence continued through yesterday evening. Although bound to a 2-year "gag order" by the judge, I can tell you that justice was served to the letter of the law.
While I wish I could recount my experience -- complete with salacious details and colorful personalities -- let me simply offer into evidence a few observations that helped me to frame a pending presentation on business development:
- What you see might not be what others see;
- What you hear might not be what your peers hear;
- What you feel can be influenced; and
- What you think, changes.
Now, sales, marketing and communications activities do not often draw parallels to a criminal trial [*
insert whatever joke you deem appropriate here]. Still, I could not help but reflect on the opportunities companies have to shape the discussion about a product and/or service in their favor while weighing evidence presented by the District Attorney as well as the defense team. From defining competition to specifying "pre-requisites," successful organizations promote their abilities in such a way as to influence the jury (e.g. their potential customers). So, too, do opportunities abound to position your company (nee, client) in such a manner that prospective clients hear what you want them to hear, feel you you want them to feel, and ultimately think the way you want them to think. What you're selling isn't a luxury; rather, a necessity, correct?
Now, I don't claim my time in the courthouse provoked a major epiphany; I would be remiss, however, to not pass along those four points as a reminder to all that a company's growth really does rest with the defense.
