Marketing podcast with Dan Roam (Click to play or right click and “Save As” to download – Subscribe now via iTunes

Dan Roam, author of The Back of the Napkin, thinks that any problem can be solved with a picture. And that anybody can draw it. With Dan’s new book Unfolding the Napkin he has completed a set of tools that show anyone how to use picture not to simple tell a story, but to solve any business problem.

I think the idea of using simple hand drawn pictures to solve problems is a very revolutionary idea. This book is not about using art to tap your creativity it is a systematic approach, complete with exercises, to visual problem solving presented in a mock four day workshop. Everyone processes information visually, including those who are visually impaired, and that fundamental reality explains a bit more why this approach is so important.

Dan readily admits this approach has nothing to do with drawing. It is a systematic approach to understanding how our brain processes information visually. Once you understand that you have a leg up on how to break any problem down visually and communicate it more effectively visually. I’ve heard Dan say, and I do believe it’s true, the person who can communicate the problem best will win. Think about selling situations. A salesperson who can demonstrate the clearest and simplest understanding of what your problem is will probably get the order.

Dan offers some free tools from the Unfolding the Napkin that help illustrate the power of his approach.