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How Are You Selling Yourself?

by jphilips
22 replies
Hi Warriors,

I would like your opinions about whether it is a good marketing technique to tell your personal life story, give life event updates or in general send out emails to your list as if they are your personal Facebook fans?

I see this trend especially with younger marketers who are growing up in the social media age and seem to think that there is no line between professionalism and your personal life. I believe the mindset is one that if your subscribers know you they will somehow trust you.

When you go to the store, do you want the sales person to tell you about their new baby, the trip they just took, the road they traveled to reach their current state of affairs in life? I don't.

I am not against building credibility - but I think you do that by showing your expertise, not your personal preferences.

I would like to know what you think. I personally am removing myself from all lists where I get a "here is my personal story" to try to get me to buy an IM product or service.

Tell me why I should buy from you because of what you know, not because of who you want me to believe you are.
#email #personal #selling #stories #swipes
  • Profile picture of the author deefondee
    My experience says...the bloke that is giving me all his personal data before he knows me is not one that I want to do business with. The in-depth personal data can come later.
    A lot depends on how it's done, but by and large, I just move on to another person/company.
    Sometimes I think all they are doing is making the sales letter a good bit longer in hope of keeping me on site.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mr. Ken Russell
      A common mistake people make is to sell themselves short! They actively put themselves down, talk about their failures, weaknesses and mistakes. They'll tell you what they can't do or attempt and why they are unable to do this or that. This self effacement can really leak over and pretty soon other people start to agree with you!!

      If you are too self-deprecatory, too publicly self-critical and describe your self in too limiting terms then it gives permission to others to join in and think about you, even talk about you in limiting ways.

      You don't have to go around saying: 'I did a wonderful job!' but you can say things like: 'I'm really pleased with the way that turned out!' This sends the clear message that you have qualities/skills etc.
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      • Profile picture of the author fluffythewondercat
        Pouring your heart out to your anonymous readers isn't just pointless, it can backfire on you.

        I can think of three IM bloggers whose sites I will never visit again because their past actions (which they admit shamelessly) make it clear they are complete eh-holes.

        Specifically...

        If you've got a hate-on for Christianity or Mormonism, you might want to keep it to yourself. Those folks buy IM stuff too.

        I don't want to hear about the kids you had out of wedlock and couldn't support.

        Living large off scamming government grants? That doesn't play well in this economy.

        So keep it professional, folks. That's safest.

        fLufF
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  • Profile picture of the author pandadoodle
    Its the person that made that business a success not the product, if your using your name or selling something personal to you then using your life story as to how you came about that product there is nothing wrong with that.

    I talk about my person life all the time through my brand, what I do, cook, how my dogs are and everything else and you would be surprised how many leads I pick up just because that other person has or had a springer spaniel.

    With the age of social networking brands are no longer a cold name everyone wants something to do with and know more about it. Its just a natural progression IMO

    However you need to draw the line with your political, religious and posting drunken weekend photos and comments if you ask me...
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Benjamin
    It's a balance.

    The most successful companies know when it's time
    to get a little *personal* and when it's time to make
    a *sale*.

    If you talk TOO much about yourself how do you find
    the time to talk about your customer?

    If you talk too much about the product or service
    where's the humanity or personal touch that CAN
    make a difference?

    Look at the yogurt company Pinkberry, or Coca
    Cola...

    highly successful business models that BALANCE
    the approach.

    The problem are people who lean to far on either
    side.

    It also depends on WHAT I'm buying or being sold.

    If it's a commodity I don't need to know jack s**t
    about the person selling it...I just want IT and for
    the person selling it to be decent and honest.

    If it's a $1000+ opportunity, I'd be damned if I fork
    over that cash just because it's something I want.

    ...who is the person or business behind it?

    ...what's their reputation?

    ...can they be trusted?

    So, it largely depends on the business model
    you choose that requires more or less of the
    two styles of marketing.
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    • Profile picture of the author jblinzy3
      From what I have witnessed people get it crossed up! There is no such thing as your professional business or your personal business.

      Your business is your business! Your personal life and professional life should be one to model after. Because HOW YOU DO ANYTHING IS HOW YOU DO EVERYTHING.

      If the life you lead, when off the clock, is not one I want apart of then you can guarantee I dont want any part of you on the clock either.

      I mean like I said your business is your business. With that being said I do share some of the inner workings of my household. For one I work mostly from home so not mixing the two is pretty close to impossible!

      If you listen to an informative video from me, hey you might here a kid let out a loud scream in the background lol!! That doesn't cover up the fact that what I am telling you will take your business to the next level!

      Personally I need to know you, like you, and trust you before I will ever do any kind of business with you. I don't just give my ducket$ away to just anyone.

      We have to stop being afraid of our own shadows! THe problems and issues we go through are not for us to hoard it is for us to share with others so that they may be able to hang on another day and deal with this issue knowing that, someone else can relate!

      If certain issues bother you, then you just don't have a connection or relation to that person! You are full of pride to think because you can't relate to a person they shouldn't keep sharing their testimony!

      It was their test that created their testimony and you can best believe someone else can relate! Before I got my head together and got on the right path, I used to sell drugs for a living!

      You best believe I'm going to make my story known for the next guy trapped in the life thinking he has no way out. I want him to know that there is another way.

      If I'm all scared of my own shadow not wanting to "let out my ghosts" then I just robbed this man of a potential way out of the lifestyle he feels trapped in! Im not prepared to do that to anyone..

      If my story gets a bit to ruff for an individual that' ok. Thats why those little X buttons were created in the top right hand corner!

      DONT BE AFRAID!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHARE YOUR STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)))))))
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary Wilhite
    Telling your story is good depending on how, to who and why you are telling it.
    To a stranger no; to your confidants yes.
    To brag no; to tell it as a learning lesson for others yes.

    Have the long term strategy in mind on everything you say
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Ong CW
    Originally Posted by jphilips View Post


    When you go to the store, do you want the sales person to tell you about their new baby, the trip they just took, the road they traveled to reach their current state of affairs in life? I don't.
    Yes, I think I can relate to this scenario. It backfired on the salesman didn't it?

    It depends on what kind of scenario you are in. Selling yourself is one way where you try to relate to the customer and make them feel that they can too have the same results as you do (in a positive way) or simply trying to tell them you have been in their position before. It all depends on what kind of services or products you are offering them.

    Now, if the sales person is telling you a story on how the product that you are buying has benefitted him personally? That would relate, isnt it?

    Cheers and that was a nice topic.
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  • Profile picture of the author centerforkaziboralimited
    Personally I don't think it is right to let out your personal life when you are trying to sell out your product or service. You can imagine how it looks like if it is taken on an off-line marketing perspective - people telling out their lives as they try to attract clients. It is not a wise idea and it might even at one time backfire just as someone said. In my opinion I think that Internet marketers should just stick to marketing skills/qualities to sell out their products/services.
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  • Profile picture of the author hardraysnight
    establish a good reputation and by hell or high water keep it
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  • Profile picture of the author koncorps
    Sell yourself as a package with your main benefits.

    Example ... I'm the guy who increases your conversions. What more needs to be said? It's self explanatory ... do you need to hear my life story? No. Will it affect your interest in what I say? No.

    There's far more important elements to any sales pitch ... your life story is only good if it lends credibility to these.

    Otherwise as many above have posted it's a waste of words and breath.

    Of course these are just thoughts which without split testing are pretty weightless.

    So if you have a cool life story go ahead and put it up.

    Cheers,
    -Konstantin.
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  • Profile picture of the author supershoesclub
    I also get many email about someone's personal life story.But after a short introduction, there is a sale or business idea to let me to choose.sometimes, I think The personal life story just want to remove the strange feeling between both of us,then,if someone is interested in the service or product, the buyer will make a order or subscribe.Of course, I don't advocate this promotion method.But if we treat it with a normal heart.It is no matter,just delete it if u want
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  • Profile picture of the author Nathan2525
    Originally Posted by jphilips View Post

    Hi Warriors,

    I would like your opinions about whether it is a good marketing technique to tell your personal life story, give life event updates or in general send out emails to your list as if they are your personal Facebook fans?

    I see this trend especially with younger marketers who are growing up in the social media age and seem to think that there is no line between professionalism and your personal life. I believe the mindset is one that if your subscribers know you they will somehow trust you.

    When you go to the store, do you want the sales person to tell you about their new baby, the trip they just took, the road they traveled to reach their current state of affairs in life? I don't.

    I am not against building credibility - but I think you do that by showing your expertise, not your personal preferences.

    I would like to know what you think. I personally am removing myself from all lists where I get a "here is my personal story" to try to get me to buy an IM product or service.

    Tell me why I should buy from you because of what you know, not because of who you want me to believe you are.
    Your 'Story' is a fantastic way to sell, however like with
    most things some people are just not very good at it.

    If your reader can say 'So What' in any part of it you are
    doing it wrong.

    YOU: "Tell me why I should buy from you"

    This is what a good story will do. It will demonstrate massive
    value as to who you are and why they should buy from you.

    I think you have just seen bad examples.
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  • Profile picture of the author Yulia from DNP
    Telling your story is just another way to make better contact between the buyer and the seller, make you( the seller) sound more human. And less robotic ,as there are a lot of them out there (robotic sellers) trying to get your money or whatever . Tey look the same, they talk the same, so in a time we learned to recognize them too well to listen to them.. This is where your personal story comes in, and make YOU sound like one of them (the audience, the costumers, etc). And here you go: people are feeling more connected to you,like what happened to you, could happen to them. etc etc etc
    This is it, there is no other purpose in my eyes.
    But sometimes this is good.If you really know, that this something could make someones life better. then you should tell your story.
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  • Profile picture of the author AndreasJacobsen
    For me, it is important to stay professional.

    My marketing technique is simple: I give them what they want! This also generates trust, as you know what you are doing, but it is a PROFESSIONAL trust.
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    Originally Posted by jphilips View Post

    When you go to the store, do you want the sales person to tell you about their new baby, the trip they just took, the road they traveled to reach their current state of affairs in life? I don't.
    When you go to work, do you want your colleague in the next office to tell you about HIS new baby, the trip HE just took, the road HE traveled?

    Because, see, I'm not out shopping. I am at work.
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  • Profile picture of the author Richard Tunnah
    I think it's good your list know a little about you as it helps them see you as a 'real' person. I've seen list owners ask about best places to stay in a country and get a good response. However they probably don't need to know what you ate last night.

    Rich
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  • Profile picture of the author drmani
    Originally Posted by jphilips View Post

    I would like your opinions about whether it is a good marketing technique to tell your personal life story, give life event updates or in general send out emails to your list as if they are your personal Facebook fans?
    Telling a story is good.

    Telling a story the right way isn't easy or intuitive.

    Telling a story that resonates with your audience, engages and draws them in, makes them a (small) part of your world, involves them in your world-changing mission, AND does all of this in a way that also adds value to their lives... now that's a challenge.

    Master it - and you can accomplish many things.

    Like even saving 70 little lives!

    All success
    Dr.Mani
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  • Profile picture of the author solado
    I sell my self by being as transparent as possible and tell my clients all I think is relevant to there requirements.

    If they invest money with me, I want to provide them top notch service as a result, I would rather be honest than lie and give them poor quality , but at the same time im confident - I know my limits and anywhere between my ability and limits is fair game for marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Andre Chaperon has a great course on email marketing. To sum it up quickly, he creates almost a "soap opera" with a central character. As he sends out emails, he builds on the character's story. This creates great interest in his readers as they keep reading to find out what happens to the central character.
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  • Profile picture of the author firzmotion
    i think that's depend on what kind of service you offer. If you are a Website Designer or Logo designer people wouldn't care about your personal story. They only ask your "portfolio" and "price negotiation"
    If you are a motivator or a in reality show the story will be different.
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    • Profile picture of the author Brian Dandy
      Personally I only care about the price I'm paying and the bonuses I get. Nobody, really gives 2 figs if your cat died last week.
      Saying that I have recently come out of the closet and started using my real name, because it seems as if that is the way the times are a changing.
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