What is the fastest way to have a prospect question your credibility ? By not using language that is fitting to business.
Case in point: recently I was meeting a new entrepreneur for the first time, and was discovering what it is they do. I was hearing words like; cheap, thing, stuff, guys, and phrases such as; ‘I didn’t bring any cards with me’ ( are you kidding?) ’you know’, “yah, I drive anywhere”, ”gotta make a buck”, ” I ‘dunow…maybe” “when I meet people I just give ‘em some information ( what?)
Gosh, I was stopped in my tracks. Why? because I had little confidence this individual knew how to handle me professionally if I was to become a customer.
Everyone you speak to needs to hear your own confidence built into the words they hear.
When is a good time to edit your language? Well, now may be a great time!
Please remove reference to all people as guys; more than half of us are not guys, we are women!
Instead, you can insert words like prospects, clients, customers, colleagues, partners, affiliate.
When referencing your print material for instance, it’s not ’stuff’ , but rather, business brochures, printed information package, reference material, business cards and the like.
When you want to refer to your product, again, lose the temptation to call it ’stuff’. Not too appealing, nor do you do any justice to your product or service. You do want people to purchase it, correct? Then honour yourself by referring in ways like my/our product, our promotional item, line, selection, merchandise, stock, our series, my/our service.
8 Key words and phrases that are sure to engage your prospects:
“I recommend _____”
“your best value is -___”
“may I suggest__”
“these statistics show ___”
at this low ( not cheap) price,
our introductory price
absolutely
our guarantee
for a limited time, our service is priced at
“your investment is ”
These are only a few suggestions to help you on your road to words that compel your prospect into action based on the perception you are the professional who knows your product or service well.
It’s about remaining mindful of the words you chose to share and the relationship you have with words. Step away from slag, it’s not pretty, nor relevant in business. Read books on selling and get comfortable with new phrases in your language . You may not think of yourself as a ’salesperson’ but guess what ? you are! Stepping into the role of entrepreneur is not the same as having a job. You must be the flagship for You!
Cathy recommends ”The 25 Sales Habits of Highly Successful Sales People“, by Stephan Schiffnam.
Employees prefer to follow someone else’s plan or ideas, because of self imposed limitations. They lack the desire to be self- motivating. Generally they like to focus on personal security in the form of a wage, and stick to a comfort zone rather than pushing themselves to have new experiences.
The entrepreneurial mindset offers a take charge approach to have a greater sense of control over his or her life and career. They want to do things their way, and do not make good employees. Submitting to a 9 to 5 routine is not a ‘good time’ in their book.
Business owners love to figure things out for themselves, and often by themselves. They will assume the risk to make a profit.
Work or Wealth
Here’s where a fine line exists in the difference between the term self- employed and calling yourself an entrepreneur. Those that refer only to themselves as self employed buy into the concept of ‘working’ for yourself. On the other hand, those who would refer to themselves as an entrepreneur, fully embrace the concept of ‘wealth’ creation.
It is systems that make the difference between just having a ‘job’ and having a business.
Author and successful entrepreneur Michael Gerber once wrote, “The entrepreneur is our visionary, the creator in each of us. We’re born with that quality and it defines our lives as we respond to what we see, hear, feel, and experience. It is developed, nurtured, and given space to flourish or is squelched, thwarted, without air or stimulation, and dies.”
Key elements found in a true entrepreneur;
1)They know their weaknesses and will hire experts on their team
2)Partner successfully with others
3)Learn from their mistakes
This month, April, I am going to be talking a lot about what it takes to be in business for yourself- be the entrepreneur.
To begin this series, I want you to meet Carrie Thachuk. I first met Carrie, at a trade show in May of 2005. She stopped by my booth and we had a wonderful conversation about her brand new business. Juggling family time, swamped in idea avalanche and the “how to’s” of creating a business were really big questions for her at the time . From that meeting, I sensed Carrie’s drive and enthusiasm for being her own boss, and we embarked on coaching together. All along she has incorporated The Law of Attraction. I asked her to write a short piece on what her journey to date has been like.
Starting a business is both fun and scary at the same time. My biggest success has been having faith in myself and living a balanced life between my family and my business.
The Passionate Home was born in the spring of 2003 and began as a business based out of my home. The first event I took part in was an outdoor summer market in Sunny South Surrey and shortly after we moved into our first retail outlet in 2006. Two years later we moved into a larger and more visible store front location in Historic McBurney Lane, Downtown Langley,BC.
I now have two staff members, that used to be customers and together we stay focused on the customer and their experience when dealing with The Passionate Home. Remaining focused allows you to set goals, move forward and celebrate achievements.
Staying focused and positive is not always easy, however. I would say the past few months have been most challenging. I constantly refer to my time with Coach Cathy, my affirmations and the power of visualization. These tools keep me on track and remind me of the constant energy of the Law of Attraction. When focused, I am truly amazed of the power all around us. The Law of Attraction sometimes works quickly and other times it slowly takes shape but by being aware of the strength available to us is a powerful tool for success.
Building a business means working hard, being creative, staying true to your vision and always thinking of ways to do better and to be better. Your business is like life, it is what you create it to be!
My biggest mistake was not starting this journey sooner!
The Passionate Home is a retail boutique in Langley, BC, where we Reclaim and Restyle furnishings for Home and Garden. Specializing in an eclectic mix of styles; Vintage, Shabby Chic, French Country and all things wonderful!
Carrie Thachuk
www.ThePassionateHome.com
