Think Forward Work Backward

One of the most intimidating, but most helpful questions I’ve been asked, came during a break in a presentation I was giving to a customer.  It was asked by one of our internal senior managers, when I asked for feedback –   “So What?”.

So What??  What does that mean I thought?  That’s not the feedback I was anticipating!

It wasn’t until later that I realized the value of his question.  “So What”, is a powerful question I’ve since asked myself numerous times, and would encourage each of you to ask regularly.  It forces you to take a hard look at what you’re working on, and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is what I’m saying adding value?
2. Are all of my statements and questions made deliberately, i.e. am I just talking for the sake of talking?  What are the possible answers to my question, and what are the actions that will be taken if each is given?
3. Am I looking from the audience’s perspective?  How does it apply to them?

These are sometimes difficult questions to answer, but vitally important to consider, in order to successfully communicate your intended message, via a presentation, email, or blog post.

So I asked: Think Forward Work Backward – So what?

As I began to review the question I came to a few important improvements.  While interesting, the blog can and needs to be more actionable.  It’s one thing to provide information, but unfortunately there is more information available than anyone can ever use.  In order to be beneficial to users, it also needs to be something they can apply in their own lives.  In addition, it needs more collaboration from within the rest of the community to truly add value to the readers.  The experiences and additional information provided by other readers is one of the most valuable aspects of a blog, and were the most learning comes from.  While not always an easy thing to attract, I will be working to gather input from other bloggers and provide posts that are more conducive to discussion.

It’s a difficult question, but you’re audience is already asking it, so you better have an answer.

TFWB Action Plan – So What?

1. Within the next week, find an important task and take the time to ask yourself the “So What?” questions listed above.
2. From your audience’s perspective, list what would help you fill those gaps.
3. Produce and execute a plan to prioritize and resolve each of the identified gaps.
4. Let others know your experience, and help increase the overall blog communities value, by leaving a comment below.
5. Keep questioning yourself, there’s always room for improvement!