Would the iPhone have been as successful if Apple delivered it without that presentation from Steve Jobs?

Given how exceptional the device turned out to be, it just might have.

But, that presentation sure helped. A lot. In fact, years of doing those phenomenal presentations meant the iPhone was already set up for success.

There are many of us who separate doing the work and presenting the work.

And, I have heard many people talk about how they feel they are good at doing the work but not as good at presenting it. 

I’m definitely one of them. I have moaned about it in the past. And, even if I moan about it less, I often slip on giving enough thought to the presentation and narrative.

But, as in the case of the iPhone, presenting that piece of genius in a way that befits it was an important part of doing the work.

It is hard to separate the effect of the making and the sharing.

Sure, it would be impossible to present something that is not built. But, once it is built, the presentation is a key part.

The presentation is not always a presentation of course.

The presentation is about building and sharing a story that resonates with the folks who would like to buy it.

We also call this marketing.

Companies that succeed do a phenomenal job marrying great R&D [research and development] and marketing.

We need to do so in our work as well.

Do the work first. But, do not forget to take a step back afterwards and share a story that resonates.

Give your work the story it deserves.

I see the amazing work you are doing, that is great, but what is your story?