August 21, 2007

3.5: The 1 Word, 1 Sentence, As Many Words as You Need Test

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 1:04 pm

Still The Decision Model

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Chris Garrett and I had a conversation yesterday morning. We discussed the difference between the way we see our blogs and the way our readers see them. That got us talking about testimonials.

Testimonials are more than meet the eye. They tell us what customers value . . . what we do for them.

Chris and I talked about using surveys to focus a businesses. We agreed that the key is to listen carefully. Read every word that is said. Look deep in the text for the hidden testimonials.

One goal of great survey is to gather what customers say and use it to promote our businesses.

But don’t stop there.

Look closely at what the testimonials say — testimonials often reveal what we don’t know about ourselves and how people see our work.

That’s what Chris and I were talking about . . .

The 1 Word, 1 Sentence, As Many Words as You Need Test

Other people see what we do in ways that often surprise us. Try this test about your own work then pass it on to a friend. Here’s how it works.

Do a favor. Write a testimonial for someone’s blog — in this case would you do mine, please? (Write your answers in the comment box.)

1. Describe my blog in one word. _______.

2. Describe my blog in one sentence. _______________________________. <

3. Describe my blog in as many words as you need. _____________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

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Now write a testimonial for your business or blog. Write your answers in the comment box too, if you are ready to.
1. Describe your blog or business in one word. _______.

2. Describe your blog or business in one sentence. _____________________.

3. Describe your blog or business in as many words as you need. _________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

What do you think other people will see in you? Make a prediction.

Now print out this page and do it a few more times. Each time as another friend to do it with you. Compare each new person's testimonial to the one that you wrote. Write a new each time, you'll find you'll get closer to your message if you do.

Pay attention to what bits your friend calls out.

When you have finished the exercise, check to see how close your prediction was.

You might be surprised what you learn about yourself.

--ME "Liz" Strauss
Is your business stuck? Check out the Start-up Strategy Package. Work with Liz!!

Related
To follow the entire series: Liz Strauss’ Inside-Out Thinking to Building a Solid Business, see the Successful Series Page.


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11 Comments to “3.5: The 1 Word, 1 Sentence, As Many Words as You Need Test”

  1. August 21st, 2007 at 1:57 pm
    Ramkarthik said

    Very good idea. I would like to describe your blog in 1 word, 1 sentence and as many words as I can.

    1. Your Blog In One Word Is A: Teacher

    2. Your Blog In One Sentence Is A: Teachers which teaches the students(us) about everything from blogging to normal life

    3. Your Blog In As Many Words: It is a blog where I started commenting a lot. Your blog teaches everything to a person. It is a thought provoking blog. Your blog is a “Good Luck” provider because I have got so many things after starting to read your blog. What more can I say? This is a blog for everyone irrespective of age.

    I have started a new blog and right now I cannot tell much about it. Maybe in short, my blog is about Blogging.

    This testimonial does not end here. If I have to write more then it will a very big one, bigger than the blog post. :)

  2. August 21st, 2007 at 2:01 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Ram!
    A teacher! My parentes would be happy to hear that. They would be glad to see my education still is working. :)

    Your blog = seedling

    It has promise.

    It will grow to bring forth many ideas and powerful thoughts.

  3. August 21st, 2007 at 2:04 pm
    Ramkarthik said

    Liz, Thanks for your views on my blog. And the word Teacher explains your blog best, in my opinion. :) And I’m sure everyone will agree with it.

  4. August 21st, 2007 at 2:06 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Thank you again. :)

  5. August 21st, 2007 at 2:53 pm
    Karen Putz said

    Hmm, this one had me thinking about my blog and seeing it in a new light.

  6. August 21st, 2007 at 3:09 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Karen!
    That’s a good thing! :)

  7. August 21st, 2007 at 3:50 pm
    Carl Lingen said

    1. Your blog in one word: Resourceful

    2. Your blog in one sentence: An online resource where you can usually find any answer to blogging or life in general.

    3. Your blog description: A cornucopia of information dealing with how to talk to your audience and to build relationships. A blog that has taught us to first write from the heart with a clear message then worry about editing. Giving us guidance not only in business and blogging but also being a great human being.

    I hope this helps,
    Thank you.

  8. August 21st, 2007 at 6:57 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Boy! Carl!
    Wow! It helps a lot! Thank you. Those are ideas that are some I don’t easily get to. It’s nice to know where to focus my dream. :)

  9. August 22nd, 2007 at 3:56 am
    Joanna Young said

    Hi Liz, thanks for this challenge (I’m still processing “what do I do” and “tagline” so I’m going to have to ask you to please stop soon!) but it’s such a good question I’m going to play… starting here with some of my answers for you and your blog

    One word: encouragement

    One sentence: encouragement to learn, to explore, to try new things, to spend time amongst friends, to keep going, to be nice :-)

    As many words as I need: okay, you asked!

    I was reading your blogging goal at the weekend so I’m going to link my comments back to that.

    This is a blog that doesn’t feel virtual, it feels like a place where you can drop by to learn something, to read something, to have a quick chat, to pop in on your way to work or for a quick refresher on your way home again. There’s always something - loads of things - going on here, and you probably can’t keep up. It took me a while to work this out - it’s okay not to keep up, just pop in when you want to or need to, to learn something, share something or just to say hi. It’s okay to have a quiet drink on your own just absorbing the vibe, but if you join in you’ll be given a welcome, personal to you, with some words of friendship, humour, insight and …encouragement.

    Joanna

  10. August 22nd, 2007 at 4:50 am
    ME Strauss said

    Joanna!
    Thank you for taking the time to do that. You’re right there’s no need to keep up. All of the stuff sticks around if you need it and well, I don’t try to keep up either. :)

  11. October 11th, 2007 at 6:03 am
    When You're Stuck for a Story | Middle Zone Musings said

    [...] To enter into the spirit of a place that is just so – well I’m still not so sure what the one word is – but it’s like – refreshing, or rejuvenating – the way you feel after a long cool beer [...]

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