--- title: "What is Show Simple Solutions? | Cold Messaging in Sales" description: "Step 4 of the DM Sequence. Learn how show simple solutions applies to neuroscience-based selling." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://www.brainhacksbyshannon.com/glossary/show-simple-solutions", "name": "Show Simple Solutions", "description": "Step 4 of the DM Sequence. Explain how you help in clear, straightforward terms. Reducing cognitive load prevents the brain's default 'no' response.", "inDefinedTermSet": { "@type": "DefinedTermSet", "@id": "https://www.brainhacksbyshannon.com/glossary#termset", "name": "Neuroscience Sales Glossary" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "What is Show Simple Solutions? | Neuroscience Sales Definition", "description": "Step 4 of the DM Sequence. Explain how you help in clear, straightforward terms. Reducing cognitive load prevents the brain's default 'no' response.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Shannon Smith", "jobTitle": "Applied Neuroscience Expert" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "BrainHacks by Shannon" }, "datePublished": "2025-01-15", "dateModified": "2026-08-20", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.brainhacksbyshannon.com/glossary/show-simple-solutions", "image": "https://www.brainhacksbyshannon.com/shannon-professional.png" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is show simple solutions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Step 4 of the DM Sequence. Explain how you help in clear, straightforward terms. Reducing cognitive load prevents the brain's default 'no' response." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does show simple solutions affect sales?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Craft 3-5 versions of your Step 4 message tailored to different client types. Use the formula: \"I help [Role] solve [Problem] using [Method]. Most see [Result].\" Always connect back to what they shared in Steps 2-3. Keep it to 2-3 sentences maximum." } } ] } ] --- [Brain Hacks ](/) [Home](/)[NeuroSell](/neurosales) Speaking [Toxic Boss Armor](https://toxicbossarmor.com) Resources [Contact](/contact)[Book a Call](/contact) [Home](/)/ [Glossary](/glossary)/ Show Simple Solutions Cold Messaging Glossary Term # What is Show Simple Solutions ? Quick Answer Step 4 of the DM Sequence. Explain how you help in clear, straightforward terms. Reducing cognitive load prevents the brain's default 'no' response. ## Understanding Show Simple Solutions Step 4 is where you introduce your value—but simplicity is neurologically critical. The brain can hold approximately 4 items in working memory at once. If your solution explanation exceeds this capacity, cognitive overload triggers the default 'no' response as a protective mechanism. Shannon Smith teaches a specific formula for Step 4 messages: - Role-Problem-Method-Result: 'I help \[Role\] solve \[Problem\] using \[Method\]. Most see \[Result\].' - Social proof variant: 'I worked with a \[Client Type\] who had a similar issue. After \[Approach\], they improved \[Outcome\]. You think this could work for you too?' The ending question—'You think this could work for you too?'—is deliberate. It invites the prospect to mentally try on the solution, activating the brain's simulation networks. This is far more effective than stating benefits and hoping they connect the dots. Critical rules for Step 4: - One solution, not a menu of options (reduces decision fatigue) - Concrete results, not vague promises (the prefrontal cortex needs specifics) - Frame as relevant to THEIR situation (based on what you learned in Steps 1-3) - Keep it under 3 sentences (brevity signals confidence and reduces load) ### Key Takeaways - 1 Working memory holds ~4 items—exceed this and the brain defaults to "no" - 2 Use the Role-Problem-Method-Result formula for clarity - 3 End with a question that invites mental simulation of the solution - 4 One solution, concrete results, under 3 sentences ## How to Apply Show Simple Solutions in Sales Craft 3-5 versions of your Step 4 message tailored to different client types. Use the formula: "I help \[Role\] solve \[Problem\] using \[Method\]. Most see \[Result\]." Always connect back to what they shared in Steps 2-3. Keep it to 2-3 sentences maximum. ### Related Concepts [DM Sequence That Books Sales Calls](/glossary/dm-sequence-that-books-sales-calls)[Cognitive Load](/glossary/cognitive-load)[Decision Fatigue](/glossary/decision-fatigue) ### Learn More About NeuroSell [→ NeuroSell neuroscience sales training](/neurosales)[→ Neuroscience sales blog](/blog)[→ Frequently asked questions](/faqs)[→ NeuroSales case studies](/case-studies)[→ Why buyers ghost](/why-buyers-ghost)[→ Amygdala hijack in sales](/amygdala-hijack-sales) [ Previous Clarify Challenges ](/glossary/clarify-challenges)[ Next Amp Up Authority ](/glossary/amp-up-authority) ## Put Show Simple Solutions to Work Understanding the science is step one. Learn how to systematically apply these concepts across your entire sales process. [Explore NeuroSales Training](/neurosales)[Browse All Terms](/glossary) Brain Hacks BrainHacks by Shannon provides applied neuroscience training for sales teams, leaders, and organizations. 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