Today I am finishing up my second retreat with my Thrive mastermind members. I just love the power of in-person groups, and am thankful to be able to do this type of work. These women are brave, courageous and have the biggest hearts! The plans they have in store for the rest of 2014 are going to change the world 🙂
I had the opportunity to sit down with a few people who are really rocking it in their businesses! Think multiple seven figures. What happened, though, is that not once did these particular people take a real interest in my business and vision for the future. They either did a big “product dump” on me – meaning they talked about the features of their service – or they just assumed they knew what was best for me and my business without really asking about my bigger vision. This was very disheartening – as especially those of you who have worked with me personally and who have been introduced to a compassionate way of doing sales will understand. It’s really not about doing something “to” someone; it’s about doing something “for” someone. In this situation, I definitely felt like they were doing something “to” me. It was disappointing to say the least.
These encounters have made me proud of the way I do business and also of the fact that I actually care about the people I interact with – whether they sign up to work with me or not. Our businesses are about what we can do for people not what we’re trying to get from them. Sure, we all have our own financial goals, but it’s really about providing an amazing service or product for someone to help them in some way, shape or form. It’s about making a difference in other people’s lives.
Here are a few tips to help you operate your business from your heart – your authentic, unique and beautiful self.
Tip #1: Be clear on your message and how you can truly help people. What are you really good at and how can you bring that into your business and help people with a need of theirs? Sprinkle this throughout your marketing and even in the way you speak
to people.
Tip #2: Listen. I know everyone always says this, but it’s true. How awful does feel when you’re at an event and all the other person does is talk about himself/herself? Don’t be this person. Ask the other person questions. There’s no need to even ask what they do right away. One of the speakers, Eiji Morishita, who is also a friend of mine, talked about this at the event. He said that people tend to feel defensive when they’re asked what they do. I agree! It’s putting people on the spot. Instead, ask the other person what they’re interested in or what they like to do. This is a much better way to build rapport and sets the tone for a positive conversation instead. This step is also hugely important during a sales conversation. Ask questions. Find out what they are really wanting, and then offer your service if it’s in alignment with what they want.
Tip #3: Be of service; always be thinking, “How can I help this person?” I’m always trying to think of how I can move this person forward. Sure, sometimes it might be through one of my programs, and other times it might be connecting them to someone else who can help. This could mean another coach or even a therapist, but really what I’m referring to here is connecting them to the right contact who can help them to achieve what they’re wanting to achieve. It might even be a good hairdresser! It’s about being a connector and adding value to every interaction you have.
Tip #4: Come from Love. When we truly operate from a place of love and think about how we can make a difference in someone’s life with our services and products, it changes everything. It’s about believing in what you have to offer first and offering your services second. Start each and every day by asking the universe to send you people whom you can truly help. Be filled with love and stay open to new ways of doing things. Not only will you watch your business soar, but your heart will also be filled with an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude. Namaste, friends.