Stop a minute and think about the impact you have on your clients and the industry you serve. Are you presenting yourself as a leader in your field, full of great ideas and providing valuable resources to everyone who comes your way? Are you making a difference in the lives of the people you meet, either online or in person?
Sure, the goal of every business is to make money- we have bills to pay after all, but what if our goal was to make a difference in the lives of every person we meet, no matter if they are clients or not? What if we made such strong connections with those we "talk" to that they would miss us if we were gone?
Shouldn't that be our ultimate goal?
Here are some tips to create a business of value and appreciation.
1. Be generous with your knowledge. Sharing real solutions to the problems facing your niche market is more than just a great marketing tool, it shows you care enough about your clients' success that you are willing to help them for free. While some people may take advantage of your generosity, many will be impressed at your efforts and will remember your kindness when they are ready to hire someone.
2. Give more than expected. Someone may have hired you to design a website, but why do just the basics? Showing them how to create content that improves search engine rankings or giving them ideas on how to keep the site fresh provides your client valuable tools to succeed in their business without feeling nickel-and-dimed by someone more interested in making a profit than providing great service. What additional treats can you provide your clients that exceeds their expectations?
3. Be authentic. This should be a given. Doing anything to gain a client or saying anything to be seen as an expert does not benefit your business or your legacy. People want to work with honest, caring, genuine and authentic leaders, not someone willing to ignore their values for the sake of money.
4. Invest in the success of others. If you really care about the success of your clients, not just so they will keep you on the payroll, but because you believe in what they are doing and truly enjoy watching them grow and thrive, then become devoted to their business.
5. Share your mistakes. Let people learn from your failures so they do not have to go through it themselves. It does not make you look weak or stupid to admit you made a mistake, it makes you human. It is how you handle those mistakes that expose your true character.
6. Show your fun side. All work and no play make you easy to forget. Add personality and character to your business efforts to make it easier for clients to connect with you and enjoy the relationship.
Incorporate a few (or all) of these tips into your business and see how your clients react. I bet they will appreciate your efforts and tell others about your great work. Best of all, your business will mean more to them than just another invoice.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
How to tell an interesting story that connects with clients
Having a story for your business is a vital component of any marketing plan for entrepreneurs and small business owners. How else do you set yourself apart from the competition, create an authentic, positive image for your business and emphasize the benefits you, and only you, offer to your clients?
It is not enough to just develop a story, though. You must be able to express that story in a memorable and persuasive manner, in a way that will relays your key messages to your ideal clients and makes a strong, powerful connection. Oh, and it has to be interesting.
That may sound like an impossible task, but studying great storytellers can offer insight to get you started.
1. Write about what interests you. More importantly, write about the benefits you produce that will interest your potential client. Talk more about the "after" photo than the "before" photo. People care more results than the process. (How else do you explain hot dogs?).
2. Be passionate. Allow your emotions and excitement shine through all of your marketing strategies. This is your business, your brainchild, your blood, sweat and tears. Expressing your passions for what you are doing will resonate with your ideal clients and bring them closer to you. If you are a very emotional, passionate person and you do not allow that to come through as you network and promote yourself, then how will clients react when they work with you? Be authentic, be yourself and your story will never be boring.
3. Know who you are speaking to. If you target a specific industry, speak their language so people feel comfortable with you and welcome you as part of the community. If you are crystal clear on your ideal client, then you will have no trouble speaking directly to their heart in a way few other businesses can.
4. Make your points. It is imperative to have a core message of three to five points that you want your audience to hear and remember. Do not try to make more points than that. You will become overbearing and your listeners will not be able to focus on what you are saying. Make your points east to understand and retain. Stay positive and keep it simple.
5. Be clear and concise. Even if the benefits or solutions you are offering are complex, you must find a way to be succinct and crisp. Most importantly, you must be able to support your claims, especially if you are new or have had tremendous results. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and you do not want that impression to an arrogant liar.
6. Know when to wrap it up. What is your attention span? What is the attention span of your audience? When in doubt, keep it short and sweet. If you have followed the above tips, then the impact you can make in just a few short minutes will benefit your business tremendously.
You have a short period of time to connect with your ideal client. Developing an interesting story that present you and your business in a positive light is an easy way to be remembered and set yourself apart.
It is not enough to just develop a story, though. You must be able to express that story in a memorable and persuasive manner, in a way that will relays your key messages to your ideal clients and makes a strong, powerful connection. Oh, and it has to be interesting.
That may sound like an impossible task, but studying great storytellers can offer insight to get you started.
1. Write about what interests you. More importantly, write about the benefits you produce that will interest your potential client. Talk more about the "after" photo than the "before" photo. People care more results than the process. (How else do you explain hot dogs?).
2. Be passionate. Allow your emotions and excitement shine through all of your marketing strategies. This is your business, your brainchild, your blood, sweat and tears. Expressing your passions for what you are doing will resonate with your ideal clients and bring them closer to you. If you are a very emotional, passionate person and you do not allow that to come through as you network and promote yourself, then how will clients react when they work with you? Be authentic, be yourself and your story will never be boring.
3. Know who you are speaking to. If you target a specific industry, speak their language so people feel comfortable with you and welcome you as part of the community. If you are crystal clear on your ideal client, then you will have no trouble speaking directly to their heart in a way few other businesses can.
4. Make your points. It is imperative to have a core message of three to five points that you want your audience to hear and remember. Do not try to make more points than that. You will become overbearing and your listeners will not be able to focus on what you are saying. Make your points east to understand and retain. Stay positive and keep it simple.
5. Be clear and concise. Even if the benefits or solutions you are offering are complex, you must find a way to be succinct and crisp. Most importantly, you must be able to support your claims, especially if you are new or have had tremendous results. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and you do not want that impression to an arrogant liar.
6. Know when to wrap it up. What is your attention span? What is the attention span of your audience? When in doubt, keep it short and sweet. If you have followed the above tips, then the impact you can make in just a few short minutes will benefit your business tremendously.
You have a short period of time to connect with your ideal client. Developing an interesting story that present you and your business in a positive light is an easy way to be remembered and set yourself apart.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Free stuff from Authentic Communications
Just a quick note about all of the free stuff I have to offer on other sites.
Authentic Communications website
- Develop your business story
- Develop your business story presentation
- Using social media to build a buzz for your business presentation
Ezine Articles website
Women on Business blog
Facebook Business page
Twitter: @authenticbuzz
Authentic Buzz bi-weekly enewsletter
I hope you will check out these sites and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you.
Kristina
Authentic Communications website
- Develop your business story
- Develop your business story presentation
- Using social media to build a buzz for your business presentation
Ezine Articles website
Women on Business blog
Facebook Business page
Twitter: @authenticbuzz
Authentic Buzz bi-weekly enewsletter
I hope you will check out these sites and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you.
Kristina
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