Knowledge provides power and competitive advantages, especially in business. Having knowledge about products, customers, operations, and sales processes allows companies to develop stronger products, convince customers, run efficiently, and outperform competitors. It also benefits individuals by helping them pass tests, get hired, and avoid issues caused by a lack of knowledge like frequent job changes. To systematically gain knowledge, one should be aware of problems or deficiencies, thoroughly research potential solutions, analyze data, draw conclusions, and implement strategies. Presenting knowledge requires humility, experience with the topic, and disciplined study rather than just verbose blustering which others can see through.

1. Knowledge Yields Selling Power
Even though the phrase “knowledge is power” has become a shop-worn
cliché, it is still so valid that its use to illustrate a point cannot be replaced with
a more appropriate term.
Even common illustrations such as passing tests to be accepted into
school or convincing an employer to hire you provide proof that
knowledge lends an advantage to the individual who processes it.
In the corporate world the advantages are monumental when it
comes to product development and competing for business. The
power gained when applying the right education and experience to
product development yields a competitive advantage resulting in
sales earned over your competition. Likewise, the ability of the sales
staff to use product features and present them in a convincing
manner promote confidence in the product and company which result
in more business earned. Operations efficiencies also are closely
associated with the knowledge of logistics and improved ways of
handling production, shipments and customer service.
The demand for knowledge requires a systematic approach. One
plan for a systematic approach might look like this:
1. Awareness of a problem or deficiency.
2 . Develop a complete description of the need.
3 . A thorough investigation and research process.
4 . Data analysis
5. Draw research conclusions
6. Strategy and action plans implemented
In a different vein of thought, we can probably all recall individuals
who brought difficult situations on themselves by poor judgment and
improper speech.
I can recall one individual from my past that assumed himself to be a
stronghold of wisdom and verbal elegance. But, in reality he was
considered a braggart by his peer group. He presented an
impressive front to the management team and his customers, but his

2. reliability was always suspect. Eventually his lack of substance
caught up with him and he bounced from job to job. Always
impressing at first and then disappointing all those associated with
him.
Time after time, I have seen the mouth betray a lack of knowledge
that caused mistrust and cost that individual opportunities that they
never knew existed. Assuming that you can bluff yourself through
almost any situation is a fool’s position. Experienced, thoroughly
trained people can normally spot a bluffer a mile away.
The antidote to being considered a verbose fool is
threefold. First, one must practice the discipline and effort to study
the topic matter you are speaking about. Secondly, gain as much
personal experience dealing with the subject material as reasonably
possible. Third, practice the art of humility and service to your
audience when deciding when to speak, what to say, and how much
to say.
Application:
Are you and your team “storing up knowledge” that will allow you to
serve your organization with more closed business?