As a business owner, you have all the jobs. One of the most important jobs is talking about your business. Talking about the problem your business solves for people and how it can help them. This makes a lot of people uncomfortable. Maybe you’re one of them. You might be wondering: what you should say, when is the right time to talk about you, should you mention what you offer?
Slick techniques and clever persuasion tactics?
Some people say you’re supposed to plan, plot, and practice slick techniques and clever persuasion tactics. They say you need to be a performer and present your work as an actress on a stage, with drama and flair. The good news is that none of that is true. In fact, by doing those things you’ll likely come across as insincere and untrustworthy.
The do's and the don'ts
I’ve made two lists for you; one list is things not to do when you talk with people about your business. And the other is a list of things to do so you can have conversations about your business that are more fun and stress-free:
Things not to do:
- Try to be interesting
- Try to be charming
- Try to be convincing or persuasive
- Memorise clever words
- Talk a lot
- Be pushy
- Always be closing the sale
Things to do
- Be interested and curious
- Be present
- Be helpful
- Be open and focus your intention on the truth
- Listen more than you talk (yay for introverts)
- Feel confident about the results you deliver
- Share your offer (only if there is interest or if you think the person you’re talking with may know people who might be interested)
Throw away that sales mask!
Ah, what a relief. Can you feel the collective sigh? You can be a normal human, be yourself, and have conversations full of meaning and connection. You don’t have to put on a sales mask and try to be something you are not to create a successful business. I hope you see how making this shift will allow you to relax and connect, which will make your business life more fun and rewarding.
How do you feel about "selling" your business? Share your experiences, thoughts, and questions in the comments section below.