3 Rich Insights from Guy Kawasaki

Guy Kawasaki is best known as the author of The Art of the Start.  On his visit to Sydney, he pre-warned that he would not bore us by sticking to talking about 10 key points.  Luckily for you I have further condensed this to the juiciest three! The night’s topic was evangelism and Guy was evangelizing about Canva, a graphic design product I use, love and gladly tell friends about. In fact, the pictures which feature in my blog are made using Canva. Looks like after just one night he has turned me into an evangelist too... Clever Mr Kawasaki!

Below is what he has Wisely Shared.

Relate to your customer

An interesting gem applicable to the workplace or in a business.  Don’t try to bedazzle the customer with how smart you are, instead get to know what it’s like to be in their shoes, understand the problem you are solving for them, speak in their language.  Being a remuneration expert, I can sometimes explain things using technical jargon, so clear to me, but I get blank looks as I alienate my audience.  I always try to make things simple, clear and relevant, often by using stories or analogies that help people see the point. The more you personalize a story stronger the connection you will build.

Look beyond a person’s title or pedigree

You know the feeling you get when talking to someone who really understands you (your idea, your product).  The conversation grows naturally, the excitement increases.  Those people can be found in the strangest of places, don't overlook the spark and the possibility in someone by trying to find someone who seems to have the right title . In today’s workplace title and pedigree is being replaced with diverse networks, relate-ability and know how.

Be kind and reciprocate

Guy told us that his early days at Microsoft were fast and not always kind, which meant that he learnt the hard way the price of not being nice to people on the way up, because they became the same people he had to pass on the way down.  Humble pie had to be eaten.  I think being kind is always simpler to start with!

Kawasaki gave us his top tip that he learnt from Richard Branson: kindness is a two way street, when you do a favour for someone, give the person a chance to reciprocate, be specific how the person can give back. This keeps the giving relationship fluid. Richard Branson once polished Guy’s shoes to get him to fly Virgin, many years later Guy polished Richard’s shoes.. What the....?  Must be a man thing!

Do any of these resonate with you?

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