Tom Peters (no relation) has posted a new manifesto over on ChangeThis: “111 Ridiculously Obvious Thoughts On Selling.” Of course, “ridiculously obvious” can apply to so much of business writing in general, but Peters has a style all his own that makes his stuff very readable food for thought. And sometimes it’s just a focus on the basics that’s all you need to get through the next step in whatever you’re up to. Here’s a taste:

18. Work incessantly on your “story” — most economic value springs from a good story (think Perrier)!

38. You haven’t a clue as to how this situation will actually play out — be prepared to move fast in a different direction.

46. Keep it simple! (Damn it!) No matter how “sophisticated” the product. If you can’t explain it in a phrase, a page, or to your 14-year-old … you haven’t got it right yet.

69. The way to anyone’s heart: Doing a nice thing for their kid. (But, gawd, does this take a gentle touch.)

85. Master — yes, you — the “PR” Game. “Word of Mouth” is not accidental! You want Word of Mouth? Make it happen!

106. Beware complexifiers and complicators. (Truly “smart people” …. simplify things.)

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 27th, 2006 at 7:17 am and is filed under Marketing Stuff.