One of the most important things I’ve learned as a PM is that simplicity is key to conveying value. The most successful products, the most critical services, all have a very simple value proposition — one that can be described and understood quickly. The more universal the need, the more impact, and the higher the stakes to get it right and keep doing so.

This lesson hit home on a family camping trip north of Santa Rosa. After a day of resisting, I told my youngest I would see about finding her some internet. There were two options: the camp store’s wifi, or tethering through my phone. As we walked to ask about option one, I tried explaining tethering to our 6-year-old — and she couldn’t grasp it.

We succeeded at the camp store. Back at the campsite, I drew her a picture of the local wifi and cellular networks, and suddenly she understood everything.

Simplicity is key to conveying value. What complex thing could you teach a 6-year-old?