Bill Riddell

The Importance of Examples

So often when trying to educate people to our own way of thinking people make the fundamental mistake of failing to provide an example. I’m certainly not immune.

So this time I’ll get things off on the right foot:

“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others – it is the only means.” – Albert Einstein

In case your not quite ready to take Einsteins word for it, here is a few more examples, of examples and their effect on us.

Classroom

The importance of examples has stuck with me since my final years of high school. In my second last year I had a brilliant business teacher. His teaching strategy was like nothing else I had experience before, placing great emphasis on the use of examples.

When discussing a new topic we would quickly cover the basic theory then we would be presented with endless examples, case studies and practical lessons to give greater understanding to those theories.

When learning about the importance of a business having positive relationships in its local community he had the CEO of a local based bank come in and discuss the impact of their revolutionary community funded banks that were spreading across the country.

A discussion about the need for a solid marketing plan led to groups creating their own marketing plans to sell a clothing brand we created.

Even when asked about a totally unrelated topic he would always have an example or two off the top of his head that could explain the theory.

To this day whenever a business practice comes up in conversation I am reminded of those case studies I learnt 7 years ago. Now that is effective teaching.

“Example has more followers than reason.” – Christian Nestell Bovee

Infomercials

Remember the phrase seeing is believing – people who make TV infomercials understand it is very true. Why buy diet program X? Sure it sounds good, all kinds of different ingredients in their super slim shakes and a bonus workout DVD hosted by a blonde swimsuit model, but that’s not very convincing.

However 10 different sets of before and after pictures and maybe 3 interviews with beautiful, previously obese people is very compelling.

Robert Green

I’m a great fan of the works by author Robert Greene. (The 48 Laws of Power / The Art of Seduction / The 33 Strategies of War). In all three of his books Robert presents a ridicules number of case studies and quotes from history to illustrate each of the concepts he presents. From Cleopatra to Galelio, Robert uses weaves his lessons amongst the examples provided by the ages.

“History is philosophy teaching by examples.” – Thucydides

Role Models

Examples don’t just come in books and classrooms, they are all around us. From the day we are born we observe others and learn from them. They teach us how to walk and talk, how we are expected to behave and more.

Our family and those around us set an example of how we should live and shape our life. Our heros also set examples for us, wether they be sports stars, actors, musicians, artists, business people, world leaders or someone extra-ordinary who sets a strong example – good or bad.

As we mirror those around us as we grow its important to remember that we should set a positive reflection back to those following us.

“He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other.” – Sir Francis Bacon

Why?

Ok, ok, enough with the examples. The big question is why are examples so important?

First of all they give credibility. They make what you are claiming seem possible and make you seem authentic. Marketing and advertising relives heavily on examples. From testimonials from satisfied customers to particularly in advertising and marketing)

Example also lend personality to your lesson. Bland facts and theories are easily forgotten but stories are more often retained.

They can also make your cause seem possible as the previous diet program example demonstrated. If you see someone else doing a task you often believe that you will be able to do it to.

Examples make it far easier to replicate others efforts than start from scratch. Where would we be without recipes, instruction manuals and such.

So go forth, set and use examples then prosper.

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I’d like to ask a small favour from you today. My friend Tim, from MoxieLifestyle.net is in the running to win an incredible travel internship, but he needs your help. All I ask is that you please watch his video entry on YouTube and rate it (5 stars would be very much appreaciated). If you do make a vote be sure to leave a comment below or contact me so I can thank you for your support.

Thank you very much for your time. I hope you enjoyed this article – have a great day and stay safe.