In PlusPlus – Patterns for Better Communication I talk about the content booster “uneven numbers”. The idea behind is that round numbers, for me, can never get rid of that tiny little trace of doubt.
Last fiscal year, in our department we had revenues of $ 2,000,000.
Yeah, sure!
Now imagine the same statement with a slightly different number.
Last fiscal year, in our department we had revenues of $ 1,987,534.34.
Who’ll ever doubt that number?
That’s been my subjective view for years. But it wasn’t until I had to wait for my plane at Frankfurt Airport the other day where I stumbled over a proof of concept.
McLaren, famous for their Formula 1 engagement, promoted a raffle. You could win a super car! And that car was worth… € 208,000!
Not 200, not 210, but 208!!!
Next time you round up or down your numbers, think of McLaren. Why? Because McLaren is definitely right!