"Marketing, Juggling, and Being Bold"
© 2007 - 2009 Kendall SummerHawk
My husband, Richard, signed on another new coaching client last week. Now, the reason I'm sharing this with you is not because I'm proud of my husband (which I am of course).
I'm sharing it with you as an inspiring story of how easy it is to be bold, stand out from the crowd, and reap the rewards you want.
Let me explain...
Whenever he gets a new client I always ask him, "How did they hear about you?"
In this case, Richard had delivered a 20-minute presentation for a leads group. When he arrived for the meeting, he was disappointed to see there were only eleven people seated. And, two of them had already seen his presentation!
That left just nine fresh faces. Undaunted, he delivered his presentation. Only, instead of the audience yawning, bored at yet another "here is what I and my business are all about" speech , they sat up, laughing, engaged, and eager to hear what he had to say.
What did Richard do that many business owners presenting their business neglect to?
Stand out. Be inventive. Use props to demonstrate his point.
Richard's business is called UpSwing Coaching and his program is called "Focus = Equals Money, Time, and Freedom". He uses juggling balls (yes, he really does juggle to illustrate a point in the opening of his presentation) and swings a golf club, all to demonstrate the point of his talk.
Out of those nine people, two stayed after to talk with him. One hired him just a couple of weeks later. Richard has a conversation scheduled with the other one (given he has a 90% close rate, it's likely he too, will sign on as a client).
My point in sharing this story with you is that there is no substitute for creativity, personality, and a bit of boldness. Sure, Richard risks dropping a ball when juggling in front of a crowd. But if he does, he simply weaves it into his presentation. The juggling balls represent the tasks business owners struggle with juggling so that's easy to do.
Now it's your turn...
What is ONE prop you can use in your next presentation to illustrate your point?
What are TWO ways you can demonstrate the results your clients get from working with you (instead of talking about what you do)?
What are THREE provocative statements or questions you can say during your next potential client conversation or presentation?
About the author:
Kendall SummerHawk, the "Horse Whisperer for Business" delivers smart, savvy ways entrepreneurs can turn their hectic business into a smooth-running, fun, 6-figure money-making dream. To learn more about her book, Brilliance Unbridled, and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://www.kendallsummerhawk.com
NOTE: You are welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end). I would also appreciate a copy of your reprint sent to kendall@kendallsummerhawk.com