Hands sweating, dreading the moment I stand up and introduce myself to a networking group. It is my turn and suddenly, my mind is so clouded that I only feel confusion.
Have you ever experienced that?
I have — way too many times to count.
Each time, I would rehearse my lines and repeat my “what you do” statement only to second guess myself the moment I had to open my mouth.
I avoided all networking events or any kind of situation where I would be forced to stand and speak up about my work. Each time, I deprived my business of the much-needed interaction and connection with potential clients and connectors – the very people that are needed for a business like mine to succeed.
So how did I change that mindset? It was 2016 when I stopped everything I was doing and asked myself ONE KEY QUESTION.
From answering that question came the birth of one of my most successful programs. And so it began…
Once I started gaining traction, I knew I had cracked the code.
So what would that look like for you? How do you come up with the answer to the question, “What do you do?” Here are three steps to clarify your business and BEGIN TO PLAY BIG:
- UNDERSTAND THE OUTCOME YOU PROVIDE & COMMUNICATE IT: We humans are walking around with little antennas on our head looking for solutions to our problems. These days, I read every post or article I can find about training a puppy since I am now the proud mum of a baby chocolate labrador. If the article is titled Train Your Puppy or How to Get Your Puppy to Stop Chewing, I will read it. My antennas are looking to solve that problem, not stay in a state of confusion.
- DECIDE WHO YOU WANT TO WORK WITH & STATE IT: I know, I know… your programs or services could benefit so many different people, but the more you talk to everyone, the more you talk to NO ONE. So commit to one market, one group of people. Avoid confusion and define them. Who are these people? What do they dream of? Where do they hang out? What do they spend their money on? What books do they read? What are their impulses? What keeps them up at night? What challenges do they face? What are they tolerating? What kind of conversations are they attracted to?
- DEFINE WHY YOU ARE DIFFERENT & SHARE IT: There is something unique about you and the work you do, EVEN If you are in an industry with thousands, if not millions, of people doing the same work. The way that YOU do it is unique. Understand how you are unique and share it. It can be something specific that you have experience with. For me, it is being a TEDx Organizer. Or it can be that you speak multiple languages or had to overcome a special challenge. Whatever it is, share it!
We cannot grow our business if nobody knows about it and if people can’t easily refer their network to you with a clear, solution-based statement.
So go ahead, try it out. Test the waters with a clear statement, and trust me, the sweaty hands and feeling of dread will go away over time.
If you are saying to yourself… easier said than done, then check out these free resources to help you on your journey to clarifying your business and playing big.
Did you enjoy this article? If so, explore similar content here: Rediscovering Purpose in Your Work and The Power of Mindfulness
