What do you get when you combine passion, vision & expertise?

This fantastic presentation introduces the extraordinary World Wide Telescope to your desktop & makes travel back in time possible.

Watch this video from TED

The irony of expectation

Yesterday I had lunch for the first time at a local bar that had been voted #5 in the top 20 bars in the world - The Matterhorn in Wellington, New Zealand.

My expectations were HUGE. A bar of this quality must be outstanding.

Interestingly the bar was down a very ordinary corridor and behind a very ordinary door with very ordinary signage.

As I walked in, my expectations had been dampened... until the waitress welcomed me as if I was the most important person in her day (which was a great feat considering there was a film star in the restaurant), invited me to a suitable table, enticed me with recommendations and delighted me with ordinary culinary delights that had extraordinary taste.

The secret to their success (I believe) is their ability to manage expectations, then blow them out of the water.

Will I go back? - For sure!

Changing perceptions by changing language

Early last week I thought "World Class" was as good as it gets...

... until I heard Kevin Roberts from Saatchi & Saatchi tell the audience that "World Class" was only as good as everyone else - average.

Today, when I received an e-mail announcing a "World Class website development", I thought "that's a pity".

It's amazing how you can influence people's perceptions with your language. Most importantly, you also need to explain the context of your words, like Kevin did with "World Class".

If you are in sales and price is an issue, you can educate your clients on the difference between "cheap" versus "value".

Think about the words your customers use and then educate them on words and stories you would like them to use to describe your products or services.