“It was a horrible experience! I may not be cut out for this – should I quit?”
Especially in the early years of getting business up and running, we instead feel more like simply running. But upon careful examination much may be learned. It is those who are willing to admit their errors and examine them inside out to prevent future mishaps that will succeed.
In the early years caution is required when attending networking events. Excitement in meeting successful others sometimes over-takes sound judgment. Promises are heard such as, “If you purchase my program, I will teach you everything I know so that you too will become well known.”
This is an empty promise. Having just met, the party offering to help doesn’t know you or how you perform. They are simply doing everything they can to sell you a service, and most likely it’s an expensive service. After the fact, it becomes evident much money was wasted and seems as if you are set back further than when you began.
What may be learned from this?
1. Those who work with their clients’ goals in mind ultimately do much better
Pressure tactics may work for a little while but then bad word of mouth spreads. One’s reputation is on the line at all times and must be carefully guarded. You build a sound reputation by learning your prospect’s circumstances, goals and desires and then working together on their behalf.
2. Rationale is a requirement for conducting business
When an “opportunity” is offered, consider all the extenuating circumstances. Cost, time, and value should be at the top. What will your benefit be and will the value justify the time and cost?
3. Don’t repeat the same
Should you be serious about building your personal brand and business, strive to develop the relationship first with everyone you meet. Ask friendly questions, such as:
– What is your business about?
– How may I help you?
Posing these questions are mini-tests working on your behalf. If the questions and friendliness are not reciprocated, you know this person is not a good prospect or potential partner down the road. However, if in return, you hear similar questions asked of you, the signal is given that this is a relationship worth exploring.
By promoting friendly dialogue and holding out a helping hand upfront, even as a person new to business, the dynamics change. You project confidence and put yourself out as a role model positively building your personal brand. In turn, this attracts people to you and your business.
Establish your leadership further by willingly teaching others. Through social media and all other platforms offer insight into your industry that outsiders need to know. For example, pest control services could tweet how to eliminate pests; realtors provide posts on buying and selling; or healers give insight on preventative measures. Mentor students and teach classes to build community.
The added advantage to giving away some of your knowledge is the positive feedback that will further build your confidence and stance in your profession. Make yourself available to your public and the better offers will arrive. This is another key to the Smooth Sale!
Author:
Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, LLC, (800) 704-1499, was honored by Open View Labs with inclusion in their international list of “Top 25 Sales Influencers for 2012.” Elinor authored the International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”, Sourcebooks and the best selling career book, “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews”, Career Press.
