I often wonder how the practice began of pretending to be someone else in
order to market your business. You know what I'm talking about -- it's the
marketing face, the selling voice, that you often put on in order to attend a
networking event or make a sales call. Who taught you to do that?
I have a suspicion where we learn this behavior. Most of us spend a
lifetime observing showroom salespeople, product spokespersons in the media,
and hucksters on street corners. What we see demonstrated there is artificial
enthusiasm, manipulative use of language, feigned interest, and in some cases
outright deception.
Sounds awful, doesn't it? So why copy any part of this distasteful way of
selling?
Psychologist Abraham Maslow said, "If all you have is a hammer,
everything looks like a nail." Perhaps we believe this is the only way we
can sell because it's the only way we know. I'm not accusing anyone of
consciously deceiving prospective clients. What I'm suggesting is that what we
do unconsciously and automatically is to behave inauthentically around
them.
Intuitively, many of us feel as if something is wrong with this way of
operating. When we have to sell ourselves, we find it unpleasant,
disagreeable, even repulsive. But what if all those negative feelings were
simply because we hate the artificiality and manipulation we think must be a
part of selling?
Imagine what it would be like to go to a business networking event as
yourself. No facade, no pretension, just plain you. When someone asks your
reason for coming, you tell them the truth. You don't have to claim you wanted
to hear the speaker (if you didn't). You can come right out and say, "I'm
hoping to make some contacts that will lead to business for me."
You wouldn't have to invent reasons to start a conversation. You can walk
up to someone who looks interesting and say, "Hi, I haven't met you
yet." If you're shy around strangers, you can tell the first person you
meet, "I'm sort of a wallflower and feel awkward at events like this.
Could you introduce me to some folks?"
Now imagine placing a follow-up call to a prospect where you are completely
honest. You could say, "I have some days open on my calendar soon and I'm
wondering if this would be a good time for that project we've been
discussing." Or, "We haven't talked in a while and I'd like to find
out if you're still planning to start the new training program this
year."
I see so many professionals and consultants struggle with trying to find an
"excuse" to call a prospect. You don't need some manufactured
excuse. You know the reason you're calling. Most of the time THEY know the
reason you're calling. Just say what it is.
Let's extend this same principle to making a cold call. Instead of
stumbling around awkwardly trying to make a polished -- but unnatural -- sales
approach, imagine yourself saying, "I'm not much of a salesperson, but
I'm really good at what I do. Can we have a conversation about what you need
and see if I'm the right person for the job?"
If you've been working from a cold-calling script that makes you flush and
get a tight throat every time you read it, throw it out. Come up with one
really good opening line that feels authentic and gets directly to the point.
Then decide how you will answer -- honestly -- some of the typical questions
prospects ask you. My bet is that your calls will immediately get easier.
In fact, the more you become honest, direct, and authentic in all of your
marketing, the more appealing selling will be to you, the more effortless it
will become, and the more success you will ultimately achieve. Because most
business results from building relationships, and how can you develop a
relationship with someone when you never reveal who you really are?
C.J. Hayden, MCC
C.J. Hayden is the author of Get Clients NOW! Since 1992, C.J. has been
teaching business owners and salespeople to make more money with less effort.
She is a Master Certified Coach and leads workshops internationally. Read more
of her articles at
www.getclientsnow.com