I often talk about the “6 Ws” and how they are the basis for almost every strategy I design. This approach is easy and takes about 20 minutes. I usually use it at the beginning of a project, like when I’m writing a blog.  But you can use it anytime you need to get the creative juices flowing.  The six Ws are: who, what, where, when, why, and how (“how” ends with  w, so we’ll include it).

I discovered this process while reading The Back of the Napkin, by Dan Roam.  I learned that the solution to every problem can be found in a well-phrased question.  The best way to come up with that well-phrased question is to put all the questions in front of you and see which ones jump off the page.  One of them will hold the key. (more…)

What does listening have to do with being heard? Everything!  In today’s communication environment where social media channels are teeming with conversations, it’s hard to get a word in edge-wise.  It’s hard to get noticed even when you have something important to say.

Contributing valuable content is only part of the answer.  Generally, you know what you want to say and who wants to hear it.  But according to my favorite 6W’s method,  your strategy could be strengthened by also asking how, when, where and why.  You can get some very good answers by listening.  Here are five tips for listening well: (more…)