Innovation Capital

5

Personal Impression Amplifiers

Broadcasting, Signaling, and Storytelling

Do you know how to make a good impression? Most people feel they do. But what about making a good impression for your ideas? For a moment, consider what advice you would give to a friend trying to raise money for his or her idea or to win the backing of a recalcitrant manager? What would you recommend beyond “have a good idea,” “have a strong business case,” or “be passionate?” And would the advice be effective? Could you share any guidance that has some basis in evidence, more than what has been handed down as common wisdom?

Good impressions are important, of course, but few of us have real evidence about what makes a good impression, particularly when it comes to winning ...