Kia ora e hoa ma
Why This is Just as Relevant Today as Ever Before
You’ve probably heard the classic yarn about a broken engine, an old bloke, and a hammer that goes something like this:
A giant engine in a factory packs up. The factory owners call in several so-called ‘experts,’ but none of them can get the thing going. Finally, they bring in an old bloke who’s been fixing engines for years. He has a gander at the engine for a minute, pulls out a hammer, and gives it a gentle tap. Suddenly, the engine roars back to life.
A week later, the owners receive a bill for £10,000. Shocked, they ask for an itemised invoice. The old fella sends back a simple breakdown:
- Tapping with a hammer: £2.00
- Knowing where to tap: £9,998.00
The moral of the story is pretty clear: effort is important, but knowing where to apply it is what really counts. This lesson is timeless, but there’s more to dig into, especially for consultants in today’s fast-paced world.
1. “Knowing Where to Tap” – The Power of Structured Thinking
In the story, the old bloke just takes a quick look and knows exactly where to tap. But in today’s world, with data flying at you from all angles, knowing ‘where to tap’ is more crucial than ever. It’s easy to get bogged down in information overload. The key to cutting through the noise and solving complex problems is a structured, analytical approach.
At Web8, we start every project by getting crystal clear on the client’s goals, stakeholders, and the key questions that need answering. Only then can we know ‘where to tap’ to deliver the best results.
2. Experience vs. Critical Thinking
Experience is gold, but it’s not a silver bullet. The old bloke in the yarn might’ve just gotten lucky—what if he’d tapped in the wrong place? Experience should guide us but not overshadow critical thinking. The business landscape is always changing, and what worked last year might not cut it today. At Web8, we mix experience with a fresh pair of eyes to ensure we’re not just dusting off old solutions but crafting new ones that hit the mark.
3. Simplifying Complexity
One of the biggest jobs is to make the complex simple. The old bloke in the story nailed it by breaking the problem down to one actionable step: “Hit here.” At Web8, we strive to do the same by boiling down tricky digital marketing challenges into clear, actionable recommendations that get results. We offer solutions that are simple and effective.
4. Building Trust Through Tangible Value
The factory owners had a chat with plenty of ‘experts’ but chose the old bloke because he could show them real, tangible value. In business, it’s not enough to talk the talk; you’ve got to walk the walk. At Web8, we focus on building trust with our clients by showing, not just telling, how we can solve their problems. This hands-on approach is what makes us stand out and keeps clients coming back when they need digital solutions.
5. The Challenge of Value-Based Pricing
The yarn highlights the challenge of value-based pricing. It’s a fair way to go—charging based on the value delivered—but it’s not always straightforward. Both sides need to be on the same page about the value expected from the project, and that’s not always easy. At Web8, we make sure to have open conversations upfront about the value we’re bringing, so our clients know exactly what to expect and there are no surprises when the bill lands.
The Takeaway?
This simple tale offers up a heap of lessons. At Web8, we reckon that with a bit of reflection and critical thinking, every engagement can be as impactful as the old bloke’s hammer tap. Knowing where to focus your efforts, balancing experience with fresh thinking, and simplifying complexity are the keys to driving real value for our clients.
