The Overlooked Dimension
The world is 3-D.
Our eyes are specially adapted to focus on a point that exists where our mind directs.
So why are most of our business models two dimensional?
The Z-axis
The Cartesian Coordinate system has three axes: X, Y and Z.
The Z-axis is overlooked most of the time. The most frequently seen business graphs use the X and Y axes in an L shape with time on one dimension and money on the other. The next step up is to set up a graph with the X and Y axes crossing at a center point. Suddenly one can put ranges from bottom to top on one and left to right on the other. This sort of graph is particularly good at comparative outcomes.
The whole story
You can’t tell the whole story in a single graph with just two axes. That is why often there is slew of them in a business presentation. And you’re asked to assemble the data in your mind to get the whole picture.
I was intrigued with this problem in the days before I started my Consulting practice. (That’s why my corporation is Z-axis Marketing, Inc.) I believe we restrict ourselves to essentially two-dimensional thinking because of the tools that were available. Pen and paper do not lend themselves to 3-D visualization. Yes, it can be done but it takes the ability of an artist to really be convincing and plotting data is not easy.
The trust factor
Then, too, how do you decide what three factors really tell the story of a business? In my view you need to show the interaction between:
- Time (in most cases months and years but days and weeks can prove useful)
- Money (the primary measure of any business-- can be stated as income, revenue, profit etc.)
- Trust (the single factor that can make or break any organization in my view)
Trust is best demonstrated by situations such as the Tylenol poisoning recall. Their share of market dropped to 8% when cyanide was found in product on the shelf. They recalled all products, developed tamperproof packaging and returned to the market recapturing their 35% share.
In my experience, Trust is the predicator of success or failure for all independent professionals. I have been comparing the citations of Trust in testimonials and reviews versus the pricing and estimated income for consultants and coaches for the last 15 years and seen the proof of the saying:
People do business with individuals and companies they know, like and trust.
Anonymous
Data Points
So why don’t we have programs on every business desktop to give us 3-D graphing capability?
We don’t have sufficient data points. Scientists gather data on every variable they can find. Often, they are drowning in data. Businesses don’t. If it isn’t part of the accounting package it is given short shrift.
That is because the Z-axis is best used to show how a social factor impacts the bottom line. Acquiring the data in the time required is considered “expensive and not part of the essential data needed.”
And so it goes.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jerry Fletcher, Networking Ninja, is a sought after International Speaker,
beBee ambassador, founder and Brand Poobah of www.BrandBrainTrust.com
His consulting practice, founded in 1990, is known for Trust-based Brand development,
Positioning and Business Development on and off-line.
Consulting: www.JerryFletcher.com
Speaking: www.NetworkingNinja.com
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Comments
Devesh 🐝 Bhatt
5 years ago #12
thanks.
Jerry Fletcher
5 years ago #11
Devesh, Research indicates that direct contact with a product or service is not necessary to generate trust. It is strengthened by costumer use and integrity of the supplier.
Devesh 🐝 Bhatt
5 years ago #10
So trust is built on "knowing"? i thought it was built on delivery and accountability. Communication is just a tool to make he consumer aware of it.
Jerry Fletcher
5 years ago #9
Devesh, Trust is the variable that can cause the most difference in how any person, product, service or organization is perceived. They are not interdependent. Time in business can generate a greater number of clients/customers. Money is not required to do that. Money via its use in promotion can generate more leads and more business. Time to do so can vary significantly. Trust however can be developed over time or built via promotion. The more we know about a person, product or service the greater the impact on Trust, positive or negative. that knowledge increases over time and can be stimulated by money.
Devesh 🐝 Bhatt
5 years ago #8
Jerry Fletcher
5 years ago #7
Thanks Pascal. It would be incredible to see in 360 but the array of sensors would surely lead to some strange anatomy!
Jerry Fletcher
5 years ago #6
Dr Anani, the ways humanity continually tries to limit perception are curious but to some degree predictable. In part I believe it is the reptilian part of our brains that wants information that will allow fight or flight responses and is so heavily weighted by emotion in the decision making process.
Jerry Fletcher
5 years ago #5
Bill, The interesting thing is that once again this year Tylenol is one of the most trusted brands.
Jerry Fletcher
5 years ago #4
Edward Thank you for a wonderful illustration through the story of your personal experience. The sad note is that most companies just don't want to deal with the complexity.
Ali Anani
5 years ago #3
Pascal Derrien
5 years ago #2
Ali Anani
5 years ago #1