05/25/2022
WHY THE STORIES IN YOUR CLIENT'S MIND MATTERS!!
When you work with a mentor who, quite literally, opens your eyes to an ENTIRE new world of opportunity, it's hard to really articulate to them, just what a profound impact they have had on your life. (it's impossible, I've recently learned!).
Recently I was chatting with my mentor, Sarah. I've been working with her for about 6 months, and she's had a tremendous impact on my business, the way I run my agency and the effectiveness of my ad campaigns. One of the most important things (of many!) she taught me, is just how important the beliefs of others are, even in business (where we're conditioned to think they don't or shouldn't matter, as they're "other people's" personal business). But knowing the beliefs of your ideal customers, your potential clients and your CURRENT clients cannot be understated.
Here's why: BELIEFS AND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS. When it comes to business, BELIEFS make up the 3 core reasons potential customers won't buy from you, (said this way by Jesse Elder who presented at an event my mentor attended):
1) They don't believe in the product or service.
2) They don't believe in YOU.
3) They don't believe in themselves.
It's hard to articulate just how important these 3 areas are. Therefore, we've got to meet our potential customers where they're at (addressing their concerns and thoughts about what's possible), be open about who we are (by regularly showing up and being open and honest and raw) and regularly sharing results of the work we do.
BELIEFS & CURRENT CUSTOMERS! If you've ever lost a great client without being able to figure out why, then you KNOW beliefs run central to effective relationships and open communication with current clients, as well.
In my agency now, I do my best to regularly ask: How do you feel? How does that sound?
Here's the hard part: There is no playbook about what's always right, but if you don't know what your client is thinking, then you can't help them. Plain and simple. The stories in their mind, matter. Some clients will always tell you- it's their nature and personality to be open. But some clients will not tell you. They will stay quiet when they are worried and keep things bottled inside. So, while you may feel like things are going great, they're having worries and hesitations and this can be the kiss of death for the project, as they're giving up in you, or themselves or their product! Nothing is more important than making this open communication a part of regular talks, which I now do with my clients on a regular basis. Even though it can be scary to ask your clients how things are going, I've learned it can make or break relationships and contribute to long-term, healthy ones. The clients I have now are--without a doubt--the ones with whom I'm able to keep these lines of communication open (and those who are willing to be honest with me when I ask).
If you're still reading, I really hope this is helpful for you! ☺️ It's been KEY in transforming my business. And thank you, Sarah, for your support and belief in me, always.