People always seem to be asking "What makes you different than someone else in your industry?"
You can start listing off what you believe to be the weak points of others, or you can practice a more non-judgmental approach & focus some curiosity toward what makes YOU great!
What helps you stand out?
Networking
You go to networking events, conferences, online social groups, and before you know it you've met 10 designers, 5 real estate agents, 12 people that do MLMs, 3 coaches, and 7 social media experts. (Sounds like a Robert Munsch book, doesn't it!) How do you tell them apart? What helped you remember them? Who would you recommend?
The way we think of others we just met is very likely to be the same way they think of us. How are we managing our first impressions? Communication We have less than a minute during our first impression to communicate in a way that builds connection. Social interaction is about filling needs like companionship, or to help us accomplish something like a goal. How are you communicating? What says to their mental filters "pay attention!?" When we keep in mind that the people we talk to look for "what's in it for me", or "WIIFM" then we can use that initial attention to build connection with all our interactions including the messaging in our marketing. Connection Building connection starts with a giving a gift. No, it's not a fancy box with a ribbon, it's filling a need or offering something to help us get closer to accomplishing something. Our mental filters weed out unimportant data all the time. In a crowded room you can hear some random person say your name, but you can't seem to stay engaged when the person right across from you tells you all about another generic product or service. What does this person need? How can I help this person accomplish something? Who can I connect them to that will help them move forward? Your Story One of the best ways to build connection is through story. It takes all the data we're looking for and more, puts it in order with details that tie the pieces together, and invokes an emotional response.
One of the best ways to build connection is through story.
We learn from our experiences. The things we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel are how we relate to the world and absorb information. Since our subconscious mind can't tell between real thoughts or pretend thoughts, hearing stories helps us share these experiences. Sharing Experiences When you sit down at take a good look at your stories, you will see nuggets of insight into what you've overcome, why you made certain choices, what values have guided you, what tools you used, and so much more. Our personal stories relate to who we are, what we stand for, why we're in business, and why we even do the work we do. Our clients & customers will relate to some or even all of this.
You can transport their mind into [your story] that shows them as already successful at what you can do for them.
By identifying how your story connects to theirs, and articulating what it really feels like to be in their position, you can share the lessons you've learned along the way that speaks specifically to their situation. You can transport their mind into this shared experience that shows them as already successful at what you can do for them.
It's so much easier to be successful at something if you've experienced it being done.
What Makes You Different Nobody has the same set of skills, experiences, & personality traits as you. This makes the journey of how you achieved the same industry skills as another completely different even if you accomplished much of the same things. It's not so much about where you end up, but how you get there and if you want to go back there again. Did you get into your industry because of a struggle? Do you see connections because of your combined background that others may not notice? What vision do you have for the type of work you do?
Instead of networking to find clients & customers, do it with the intention of building connections. Go deeper. Ask them what they dream of, what they're working on, & what's important to them. Offer the gift of helping to fulfil a need or getting them closer to their goal. Find ways to show understanding by sharing small parts of your stories. Most professionals can get the job done, but I'd rather the journey be a pleasant one. Ask Yourself
How did I get here? How did my ideal clients/customers end up needing help? Why does success for my clients/customers matter?
What do they care about? Do we share part of a journey in which I've walked before? How can I give the gift of help?
I invite you to learn about your story and "emerge with clarity" at this year's Solopreneur Conference on November 17th 2020. You can get your tickets at SolopreneurConference.com
Share a small story with us about why you do what you do! Use the hashtag #BEDMASlife.
Learn, Love, and keep your Momentum,
Laura Lake <3
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