Showing Your Work

Back when we were in school, our math teachers were constantly telling us that we had to “show our work.” At the time, it was nothing but an aggravation to us. We thought “what difference does it make, as long as I put down the answer?”

Now, we realize that they wanted to make sure we understood the underlying concept, the reason that we we able to come up with the right answer, and not just making a lucky guess.

Showing our work helped prove that we knew what we were talking about.

Doing the same thing now, when most of us are years removed from math tests, can help establish us as an expert. Giving background information, citing a source, or providing some corroborating evidence helps us to prove that we know what we’re talking about.

Even though it may not seem like it sometimes, facts still matter to most people. Making it easy for our clients to access those relevant facts is an easy way to become a trusted source.

When we make it easy for people to understand what it is we’re trying to say, the point we’re attempting to make, the thing we’re struggling to explain, they’re more likely to get it, more likely to be satisfied, and more likely to come back to us in the future.

Repeat customers. That’s always the best way to show it’s working.

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