4 Points to Ponder in 2016

By Ryan T. Sauers

I hope everyone is off to a great new year—now let’s get down to business. Here are four items that we should think about in 2016:

1. People love a good story. Even if you are not a football fan, how many times have you heard the story of Brady versus Manning in the NFL playoffs? It was hard to miss. Yet, we we bought into the storyline and watched. (For another example of a good story, see “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”)

2. People love to have fun. Why do you see so many people playing fantasy football or watching reality shows? It is a break from the everyday that many need in our constantly connected world. It is fun and simple. (For another source of fun, see “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”—i.e., dressing up, camping out, etc.)

3. People love hype. No matter what it is, we seemingly cannot resist hype. The entire Trump campaign (Note, I’m not offering my political thoughts here) continues to be incessantly discussed because—love it, like it or hate it—we can’t stop watching. And it provides entertainment value of what might happen next. (Need another example? Did I mention reviewing the success of the new Star Wars film?)

4. People love technology, but they miss the personal touch. When dealing with a problem with a good or service, how many of us just want someone to pick up the phone, handle our requests, get it right the first time and save us time? I know I do. But, what we hear instead is: “For faster service, visit us online.” In other words, “Don’t call us. We are busy, and if you go online, we don’t have to staff as many people or talk to you.”

OK, there you go. My four nuggets for us to think about this week. If you want to sell more, market better and lead more effectively, you should consider your audience. Do you make other people feel like they are part of the story? Adults are “kids at heart” and, at some level, enjoy having fun and laughing. So, make business fun. Make others smile and enjoy the ride.

Also, focus on the hype your message delivers to all stakeholders. If you get people excited about their involvement on a project, they will do things because they WANT to, not because they HAVE to. And finally, be sure to include some element of the personal touch in all of your communications. The more you can bring the personal touch into the equation, the more successful you will be.

Until next time, have a great week. And, if we have not done so already, let’s connect: @RyanSauers | Ryan@RyanSauers.com | RyanSauers.com or call (678) 825-2049.

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Ryan T. Sauers has spent nearly 30 years running, leading or consulting with printing, graphics, promotional and visual communications-related organizations. Sauers is CEO of two companies, Sauers Consulting Strategies LLC and End Resultz Inc. that among other things, owns magazines and is a media firm. Key areas of focus of the firms include sales training, marketing strategy, personal branding, leadership development and organizational change.

Sauers is a frequent national speaker and columnist. He has been recognized as one of the top 80 CMOs globally and achieved the top designation of Certified Marketing Executive through Sales and Marketing Executives International.

Sauers is an adjunct university professor teaching leadership and communication courses to current and aspiring leaders. He is a Certified Myers Briggs, DiSC and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner (one of few in the U.S. to achieve all three rigorous certifications related to human communications, personality and behavior).

Sauers has completed his doctoral-level coursework in Organizational Leadership and is now (ABD - All But Dissertation) working on his dissertation on why some entrepreneurs and small businesses achieve initial and long-term success, whereas countless others do not.

Sauers is the host of the Marketing Matters radio show in Atlanta that later becomes a global podcast. He also is the host of the Community Connections TV show that comes out in video and podcast form. Sauers is the author of the best-selling books, Everyone is in Sales, and Would You Buy from You? More info at RyanSauers.com or call (678) 825-2049 or email Ryan@RyanSauers.com