Many in business believe "Knowledge is Power." Unfortunately, this is less than half the equation. Until knowledge is applied, then and only then does it become powerful.

This thought has resonated with me during this last week as I have interacted with colleagues, clients and bloggers.

I met with a colleague, James Barath of Benchmark Mortgage at Tao Chens, a great Chinese restaurant in Chesterton. He has been expanding his professional development by attending classes at the Napoleon Hill Center in Hammond. Taking what he has been learning to heart, he recently shared how he applied some of this new knowledge.

During his 5-minute formal presentation at his weekly business networking group, he walked to the front of the room and then dropped to his knees. His entire presentation was delivered with everyone looking down at him. He concluded with these words "if you want a different perspective," please consider speaking with me.

James realized that until he applied what he was learning he was not doing justice to the power of what he had learned and if it would work for him. By taking this approach, his usual presentation became unusual and created immediate reactions from curiosity to having those present begin to think differently about him and his services. So the question to you is "How can you create a different perspective that will generate a buzz about who you are or what you do?"

Then I met with a client at another local restaurant, Traditions, in Highland. We had an extended working business lunch. The cook on her own initiative brought us out the most decadent chocolate dessert I have ever tasted.

Many employees know about customer service, but how many truly apply it in such a way that it generates a powerful reaction? My client who lived in Highland had never been at this particular eatery, but now will make sure she comes back often. This experience leads to "How can you create a different perspective respective to your customers that will generate a powerful buzz about their customer experiences?"

Finally, in my blog (www.increase-sales-coach.com), I wrote a posting in response to a couple of other articles written by local business consultants. The focus was on sales skills and business manners because so many fail to follow-up on after a business networking event and the one way road of referrals. Northwest Indiana businessman Steve Dalton of Green Pointe Homes wrote of his experiences specific to local Tweet-ups and how people gather business cards, but fail to apply business etiquette.

Most people know they should acknowledge receiving business cards and should take the time to learn about the other person instead of just being so focused on pitching their products or services. So once again, knowledge is not power. The difference between exceptional business professionals are those who apply knowledge with positive attitudes and consistent habits.

Consider during the next week, how can you apply knowledge while demonstrating innovative, out of the box thinking; extraordinary customer experience and positive core values to create powerful results?