20 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
20 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

If I were my client.

by Khemosabi
15 replies
This is probably the second, maybe third thread I have ever started. But, I wanted to share something with those that still struggle with fear.

There are many of you out there that have what it takes to help businesses reach their goals. Some, as we all know from this forum, really go out there and "do it", but what about those that KNOW they can do it, but don't?

I know when someone comes to me for help I stretch myself as far as I can to help them. My neighbor came to me, struggling with his landscaping business, he's a super star now. No, I'm not really bragging, I'm explaining how dedicated I am to what I do... but here is the problem:

I'm struggling.

I'm struggling to find new clients, I keep learning instead of doing (it keeps me busy, therefore I am productive!), and to make things worse, I know if I just picked up that phone... or emailed.... or sent one, JUST ONE, damned piece of paper in the mail to ANYONE, I could be on my way to success...

So, what's stopping me?

I am.

But, what if I was my client? What if I needed someone like me to help them improve their business, get the word out there that "they" are here!? Would I not sink my heart and soul into showing them that they made the right decision in trusting me, relying on me?

So why can't I do it for me, my client?

Take the me out of it! Think of yourself, your business as a client... what big magical things could you do ... for you?

This is where you start. You've read it a million times here and elsewhere, "treat this as a business". Get serious about yourselves! Treat yourself as a client! It's a great way to test what you're capable of and what you really can do for others. You'll find the wins and gaps that need to be fixed. And you know what the best part is??????

It's not likely you're going to write a bad review about yourself! You're not going to call and tell people NOT to recommend you... right?

Take what you know now, start there. Learn as you go, let your client (you) know that you're willing to improve and will give it your all and that you're excited to get started right away!

I gotta go... my client needs me!

~ Theresa
#client
  • Profile picture of the author rseigel
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10413637].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Khemosabi
      Originally Posted by rseigel View Post

      Or you could just grow a pair and pick up the damn phone.
      First... it's damned, not damn. And I'll raise you one, perhaps helpful post to those that are struggling to "pick up the damn phone"....

      Thank you rseigel, you've been an inspiration to us all!

      Now, you're right. Yes, growing a pair and picking up the damned phone is what is often preached around here. I was simply trying to put a different perspective out for those that struggle with that. Growing a pair isn't always as easy as posting the words.

      Freeing yourself from the fear was my point, and essentially... another way of growing a pair...

      Thank you for taking the time to respond to this thread! No, really, thank you! Had "awesome sauce" all over it!

      ~ Theresa
      Signature


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10413678].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Princess Balestra
        Fear is so visceral.

        It is the quake in your legs and the knot in your stomach and the lens on all before you.

        But it is also so personal.

        We are all diminished sometimes: scared when we need courage, outspoken when we ought to be quiet, haters when we might have been lovers.

        And in the shallow hole of our own self-worth, we sometimes forget the world beyond our own fingertips.

        Beyond our own limits, the world of others opens out.

        So, even when we are bumping along on zero, we have to believe we are some good to someone, we have to believe our own baseline is not a universal truth beyond whose bounds it is impossible to act.

        Otherwise we risk diminishing the world according to our own measure.

        Feeling is such a beautifully deceptive monster that way, I guess.
        Signature

        Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10413781].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Khemosabi
    ^^^^^ Nailed it!

    Thank you!

    Now I'm going to type some stuff here so the mean ol' WF bot doesn't add that nasty "you must be at least this tall to post, or have so many words.."

    Oh, how was your birthday?

    ~ Theresa
    Signature


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10413815].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Princess Balestra
      Originally Posted by Khemosabi View Post

      Oh, how was your birthday?
      ~ Theresa
      I survived, thx, in spite of my annual poisonin' ritual.
      Signature

      Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10414297].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Max Winner
        Hey - I know this fear all to well - Its paralyzing - But taking action does help, and it gets easier.

        I was in sales for years - telesales, door 2 door, field sales (Thats not selling fields lol )

        Every new product i ever promoted was a nightmare, the nerves would kick in, and frustration of rejection was even worse, but with perseverance, it got easier and i could find a new angle (aaaah, there's the key, the angle)

        I don't know what services or products you sell, but the problem most people come across with selling, is the selling bit.

        People get sales calls all the time, and hate them (your first problem, you know this, and it causes a mental block) and you know you will have to battle to get the sale (hardselling, tackling objections) - Both of these things make us feel insecure.

        If we have a different angle, its a lot easier to approach, and sell to clients.

        If i was selling for example, webdesign, or social media marketing, i need to stand out and be in a position of soft sell (im sure that was an 80's band )

        I could use an angle similar to this.

        I would first tell them i am a student and im working on a project which uses social media for business, and i need help for my project. Most will be happy to help, so if you get a couple of phone slams, its no worries.

        Then i would explain what my project is (my service im secretly selling )

        Then i would ask them if they would help me, and ill do the work for free, they get free work, and i get to use them as an example for my "project" (one for the portfolio )

        Then i would tell them everything i needed from them (pics, opening times, offers etc)

        Then i would say they need to get some graphics done for me to use, and they should contact a graphic designer, but your friend is also a student, and could probably wangle a cheap price.

        I would then sell them the "graphics" - then go ahead and get to work, and get them great results.

        After a few weeks, thank them for their help, and ask if they would want to carry on the service (im a struggling student and need a part time job to get me through my studies)

        Most will say yes, and if they have already paid you, and got results, they will be happy, plus you get a client for your portfolio.

        All this is really soft sell, well its not really selling at all. This kind of approach could help, its not such a "battle"

        If you can find an angle that your comfortable with, that takes away the "hard selling" part, you will feel more comfortable contacting potential clients.

        Its what i would do - Just my 2 pennies worth - hope it helps.

        Stay happy
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10417081].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Khemosabi
    Hey Max!

    Thanks so much for your reply! You see... there are so many ways for us to really get started!

    I love new ideas of taking the fear out of "going for it!".

    In my situation, I never thought of Offline... seriously. I have my own websites, 6 books, can't count how many short stories... blah blah blah... but, people started hearing about my knowing how to do stuff on the big ol' internet and started coming to me.

    My OP came from this: Things happen in life, I thought I had a good handle on them, and then ... BAM! Everything changes. For the last few years I have struggled to keep what was important to me, and alas, I have given up the things I knew I could live without.

    It's a great "cleansing" experience.. but probably would have preferred to just drink some carrot juice or something!

    My point in the thread was .. why am I not (or others), treating myself like I would a client?

    If someone reallllllly wants to get over that hump, get going, get motivated... then take your skills and build your business!!! YOU ARE YOU'RE MOST LOYAL CLIENT!

    The mindset so many have " I gotta cold call, email, blah blah blah... just to be rejected".. is silly! The only reason we get rejected is this:

    YOU FAILED YOUR CLIENT!

    Now, are you worth what you are paying you? Obviously not.

    I've done free, to the extent of bartering.. and it's paid off well. I get my horses hooves done, my computer work (anything I don't know), and more... but those clients are still worth their weight. They are busier than ever, they can't do enough for me, but they don't pay my mortgage! I DO!

    Look, so many folks, including me, struggle with selling ourselves! We all fight the "experts" out there... but you know what? Those "experts" started somewhere too. And they made it.

    So can anyone reading this.

    Self reliance and endurance will give you achievement through real effort. Face your fears and overcome them. You'll begin to change through your own determined energy. <-- read that somewhere!

    ~ Theresa
    Signature


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10417268].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
      Originally Posted by Khemosabi View Post


      I've done free, to the extent of bartering.. and it's paid off well. I get my horses hooves done, my computer work (anything I don't know), and more... but those clients are still worth their weight. They are busier than ever, they can't do enough for me, but they don't pay my mortgage! I DO!



      ~ Theresa
      Are these folks referring business to you?
      Can you set up an e or paper news letter some or all of this group, or others, can benefit from?
      Something that serves their clients and that way each of you can tap each others client/prospect base?

      ---

      Convey that kick butt attitude to your prospects and clients.

      See if you can do more paid work for existing paying clients?
      Hey, Joe, did you know I also do....

      ---

      Sorry if you were teaching and not looking for input.

      Dan
      Signature

      "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10441354].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author edooze
    Big fan. Thanks for the considered arguments here, people.

    I have to say, I think the internet would be a better place if others also thought '6000 million people are going to read my post who may need my help, I should be more constructive'.

    As you were!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10441297].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Khemosabi
    Hi Dan!

    I have gotten a really nice referral from my computer repair client. It was a really big project! I know I need to ask my clients for referrals, I just haven't.

    This is such a rotten time of year around here. I swear this whole area closes down for the winter! (At least they do mentally). It's very frustrating! We aren't even having bad weather!

    I have to say that Jason has been a huge blessing for me! He really puts things in a better perspective for you, something you can manage! His one on one call with me was amazing!
    http://www.warriorforum.com/warriors...expertise.html

    I also joined his accountability group! Putting your goals in front of others really helps kill the procrastination!

    So, Dan, I will also work on getting myself some referrals this week!

    ~ Theresa
    Signature


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10441762].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
    This is a great post Khemosabi! Thank you for enunciating it so well.

    I have often had similar "insecure moments" - realizing that I was working too hard "in the business" and not "on the business".

    I tend to swing back and forth on this. When growth stagnates for too long, I go back into "marketing mode" for a while.

    But... and this is really the killer question... why on earth am I not always in marketing mode?

    I do pretty well. But I know I could always be doing better. Business IS marketing. The rest is just details.
    Signature
    Fifteen Lessons I have learned over 15 years and six businesses (or, My 1000th-Post Manifesto)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10441798].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Khemosabi
      Originally Posted by Jack Gordon View Post

      This is a great post Khemosabi! Thank you for enunciating it so well.
      Thanks Jack! I've never been thanked for enunciating!

      Originally Posted by Jack Gordon View Post

      I have often had similar "insecure moments" - realizing that I was working too hard "in the business" and not "on the business".

      I tend to swing back and forth on this. When growth stagnates for too long, I go back into "marketing mode" for a while.

      But... and this is really the killer question... why on earth am I not always in marketing mode?

      I do pretty well. But I know I could always be doing better. Business IS marketing. The rest is just details.
      Working "in the business" has been my biggest downfall this year! I think ...nope, I KNOW, I failed myself. I have a huge pile of unfinished things starting at me everyday and up until lately, I was letting them conquer me!

      As for "insecure moments", yep, but the ironic part of it is this:
      I'm really good at what I do! No, not on the level of most around here, not even close!... but I am proud of the success I have created for others! Hence my OP, why not do it, for me?

      I was asked the other day if I had had my client from hell yet... I really hadn't, but now I have! She's me! Thank God she can cook, cause I'd slap the crap outta her!

      ~ Theresa
      Signature


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10442342].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
        Originally Posted by Khemosabi View Post

        Thanks Jack! I've never been thanked for enunciating!



        ~ Theresa
        Hey Everybody,
        Meet Jack's new smooth pick up line.
        PUA books to follow. LOL

        Dan
        Signature

        "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10442395].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
    Hey baby... wanna come back to my place and enunciate?
    Signature
    Fifteen Lessons I have learned over 15 years and six businesses (or, My 1000th-Post Manifesto)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10442402].message }}

Trending Topics