I’ve grown to learn that the goal of most anyone who works with the public is clarity, by which I mean making that which is not readily understood understandable. Simplicity.
I am no exception. But first, let’s pick a few different, random lines of work that involve customer/public interface:
- Travel agent: a dying breed but their aim is to present the most uncomplicated path from one point to another. They need to factor in the constraints of time, cost, availability and flexibility and present it in an easy to understand itinerary.
- Bus driver: needs to follow a route and make clear of the stops for passengers to get on and off the bus. They need to facilitate the entire system of public transportation to anyone who rides the bus (keyword: anyone).
- Doctor: needs to translate over a decade of schooling and residency into simple, compassionate care for patients. Can’t get caught up in trying to explain the why and how but rather the what and what’s next.
- Teacher: pretty obvious but teachers are the basis of why things need to be made clear. Teachers must not only uncomplicate knowledge, they must also inspire.
Of course, my work aspirations are all about clarity: entrepreneur to make a clear cut business case for what I’m doing with publishing and publisher to make clear the content I’m giving to people. I give the content as part of my business strategy to expand it.
So, I need to make clear to myself what I’m offering. So far, it’s this: a channel that defines the value proposition of ebooks, which is be able to share reading experiences with others. Make a human connection where there was once not one. A way for readers to connect directly with their authors, for writers to connect directly with their readers and for readers to connect with each other.
As far as I can see nobody is doing this the way I see it.
So why not try? And be clear about it?