I like straight talk. Simple communication. I don’t see a lot of it unless you count the monosyllabic grunt given me by the unconcerned, bored doofus handing me my cup of coffee after my handing him $4.00. (Just kidding. I would never pay $4.00 for a cup of coffee.)
Setting good grammar aside (which is exactly what most Americans have done), let’s just look at simple, straightforward communication that makes sense. Speaking of bad grammar: I watched The Apprentice last night as one of the contestants asked her teammates if any of them were “inclinated” to doing a certain task. INCLINATED. I’m sure she was looking for “inclined.” But instead of using a simple word like inclined, she thought it would sound smarter to just make up a word. Sadly, none of the others called her on that one. Luckily, she got fired, but not for bad grammar.
While walking through an office recently, I noticed a sign hanging outside of a small conference room that said: “Information Relevant To This Room Will Be Posted Here When Applicable.” What does that mean?
I did a speech in the ballroom of a big hotel where a sign was posted at the back of the room that said: “Unconcentrated Occupancy 450. Concentrated Occupancy 527.” Does that mean that if we all really focus and concentrate, we can squeeze in 77 more people?
I ran across a sign in a K-Mart not long ago that said: “Restroom Closed. Please Use Snackbar.” I lost both my appetite and my need to use the restroom at that point.
Signs like this are everywhere. Just pay attention and you will see them. But these signs are just ridiculous symptoms of a bigger problem. The bigger problem is that we make things harder than they really are. We complicate success, customer service, getting rich, being healthy, sales, leadership . . . you name it, we complicate it. Know why? If we make things seem harder than they really are, then we will have an excuse for not doing well. I don’t think there is an excuse for not doing well. I think everyone can do well. Especially when they realize that things aren’t hard or complicated at all.
All of my five bestselling books have been about how success is pretty simple. If you want to know all of my simple little ideas on how to do better in business, life and with your finances, you have to pony up the money and buy the books. But here is my all time, number one rule for success both personally and professionally: Do what you said you would do, when you said you would do it, the way you said you would do it. That’s it. Simple enough, huh? That is all your employer wants from you. That is all you want from your employer. That’s all your spouse wants from you and all you want from your spouse. Same thing applies to your kids. And that is all any customer ever wants when they do business and share their money with someone.
The problem is that my idea is so simple, people overlook it. Therein lies the danger in simple ideas and simple communications: they get downgraded because they don’t sound complicated enough. Don’t make that mistake. Keep it simple!
Love the simple. Unnecessary words lead to a breakdown in communication and understanding.
Here’s another rule to live by, one space after periods–unless you’re using a typewriter!
If success was so simple and you say your 5 bestsellers are based on that, why does it take you 5 books to say that?
Just an observation.
However, before you blast me from here to kingdom come, I am just trying to be a little humorous and I do love your message! I wish we had more people in this world that call it like it is. That is also why I am a Dave Ramsey fan. He, like you, are not afraid to call people stupid when they do stupid things.
My middle-est daughter has that gift to point out the simple things and questions why someone would do something so illogical.
Keep it up.
Amen, Larry! The examples you’ve provided are so pathetic, it’s not funny. I wanted to laugh, but found myself shaking my head. I, too, have seen my fair share of ridiculous signage (some rife with simple grammatical errors such as confusing there, their and they’re and using an apostrophe with “s” when there’s no need for the apostrophe). But, you’re right, we COMPLICATE everything! Even when it’s already at its most simplified. Great job, Larry! Good, thought provoking blog today.
I filled out a job application that said “Check here if you can’t read.”
Yikes.
AMEN, Larry. I love your books and your honest, straight-forward approach to everything.
Best sign I’ve seen: Eschew obfucation! (It means what it says, but it was printed as a joke.)
All are on there!! pure meat slap in your face truth!! Amen larry youre my hero!
I love this “straight talk” stuff. I pointed out to my husband recently how the world writes about itself as if the inanimate object is the one that is holding them back. When car accidents are reported it is written “the vehicle crossed the center line and it crashed into another vehicle leaving the driver with several injuries”. Is this to imply that the vehicle got a mind of its own and decided to end it all? I am referring this blog to everyone I know =0)
Irregardlessly what you people think are the worstest signs. I think their are worser ones. Like when little caesars advertises $5 hot and ready pizzas and you have to wait for it…or when pizza hut says any pizza for $5 and that really means only medium pizzas with one topping. Don’t know why all my examples are about pizza i guess im hungry. By the way…i proof read all my dads books for gramatical errors…your welcome and may the little baby jesus have mercy on your souls
True enough.
It is that simple. But as you’ve also said many times, not always that simple to do it – even though it should be. These days it seems that everyone (society, culturally) wants the quick fix, the simple answer, yet is unwilling to believe that simplicity and not complexity is the solution. Seeking the ‘answer’ and not paying attention – ignoring what’s right in front of them. I find myself at fault as well, but hopefully recognizing the problem is the first step..?
Said in different ways, It’s been my own #1 rule for a long time. I also think it’s important that you point out that it’s not just about business, but life and relationships in general.
If we could crack the whip on ourselves a little more and less on those around us…
I work at a veterinary clinic and was once reprimanded for using the words “thrice” and “nondairy” on prescription labels instead of “three times” and “food that is not a dairy product.” In the interest of saving space for other directions/side effects, I’d thought “thrice” and “nondairy” would be simple enough to understand. But no, I was directed to complicate it in order to dumb it down. Call me harsh, but if “nondairy” confuses you, you probably shouldn’t be responsible for the welfare of another living being.
Thats’ write fokes. My sun Tyler above is the reel righter in the familie. Im so prowd.
Thank You Larry
Don’t despair, there’s still hope for the other boy.
Was on a plane today and a guy was whistling through his nose. Asked him to fix it… and he was mad at me. Guess I should have sat for two hours listening to him.
I’ve also heard conversate.
I started exercising Jan 2010. I’ve lost 60 lbs from 185 lbs down to 125 lbs and have easily maintained it.
All of my neighbors, especially the women in my age range, ask me how I did it.
I said, “Exercise(walking, at first and now running), eat 5 small meals a day(of regular food), drink plenty of water, sleep on a schedule”
They ALL said, “No REALLY, what did you do?”
Because the simple was too simple for them.
If had said that I did some counting points/calories diet/food plan, they would have an excuse for not making the effort because they don’t have time/money/whatever.
Then, when they see me in my skinny jeans, they say, “Must be nice” as if I just woke up one morning, 60 lbs thinner.
My reply? “It is nice.” I smile and walk on.
This is hilarious and, sadly, so true. But in a post called Straight Talk, is it perhaps a stretch for Larry to say he will never pay $4.00 for a cup of coffee?
In a reasonable world, under reasonable economic conditions, I absolutely believe Larry’s statement.
Under sustained hyperinflation, I’m not so sure Larry would never pay $4.00 for a cup of coffee.
I think he meant to say that he would never pay $4.00 in today’s dollars (i.e. adjusted in future for inflation) for a cup of coffee.
Given the above, am I complicating (de-simplifying) what Larry said, or should it just be accepted at face value?
Sue G said:
I filled out a job application that said “Check here if you can’t read.”
Yikes.
Actually I think that was intentional. There be land mines in job applications and the lazy and/or careless get tripped up.