by Laura Camacho, PhD
A compelling point of view acts like a magnet for high-performing employees, top-tier investors, and ideal clients. In our time of purpose-driven profits, people want to know what you stand for, what your priority is, what drives you to action. The answers to these questions can be simmered down to a key message known as your Point of View.
Think about it this way. When people mention you, or your business, what do you want them to be saying? Crafting a compelling point of view and repeating it often, spreads the message that you are someone worth listening to.
Here’s one of my points of view: A healthy culture is one where everyone feels heard, understood and valued.
Here’s a point of view from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr:
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
Here’s a point of view from a civil engineer, Denise Bisnett:
“I believe all dams should be safe.”
Probably you already have a swirl of ideas ready to become a compelling point of view. Let’s go through the three C’s of a compelling point of view to make sure your statements are as strong as possible.
1. Is it clear?
Most people are distracted so speak to them clearly. Use specific adjectives, avoid vague descriptions.
2. Is it concise?
Aim for six to 15 words to avoid eye glaze.
3. Does it connect to your audience?
What’s the value to your audience? That’s what everyone is looking for.
Of any given person’s top 20 priorities, you’re number 21. So carefully, even creatively, connect the idea you’re selling to the audience.
Bad Example: Our marketing strategy is weak.
Even though it’s a concise statement, it is not compelling because “weak” is too vague and the whole sentence offers no connection to your customers.
Better Example: A healthy culture leads to a better bottom line.
That’s because most business leaders see their company culture as a “nice to have” but profits are essential to stay in business. A compelling argument results from the connection between my soft skill trainings to the client’s profitability.
What’s your point of view? People are waiting to hear it.
Laura Camacho, MBA, PhD, PMP, is an executive coach, trainer and speaker who opened Mixonian Institute in 2009 to rid the world of boring business communication. She has created innovative training programs for local and international companies, related to leadership effectiveness, excellent feedback, growth mindset and emotional intelligence. Multilingual, Dr. Camacho’s career highlights include facilitating The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (in Spanish,) being editor of the leading management newsletter in Venezuela. For 10 years she taught communication classes at ECU and College of Charleston. www.mixonian.com
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