As I have been mentoring other coaches/trainers to build up their business and gain client loyalty, I have found that the greatest struggle lies not within the verbage of asking for the client's business, but rather in the presentation itself. I`m not talking about a sales pitch, or even manipulation tactics. I`m talking about the words unspoken. As people, we tend to be judgemental, and also look at a person's physical image as their brand.
Think about hiring a coach for example. Does the lifestyle of the coach line up with their services they offer? Does the physical image of the coach represent who/what they say they are? This seems like such a small detail, but it's a very important one. Afterall, we are what people perceive us to be. So how do we change other's perception to maximize our success?
Here are a few tips to help align your professional image with your personal image. Let's be honest, if you love what you do and do what you love, it's nearly impossible to seperate business from pleasure. Be who you say you are.
Presentation Considerations:
- Look the part. Take pride in your appearance! This seems so obvious, but is very often overlooked. In business: Make sure your outer image represents your purpose for showing up and providing that service. In personal: Represent who you say you are. Your style and how you leave your house will tell others who you are without you speaking a word. This is not about being fake or uncomfortable, it is about being ready to seize opportunity at any given moment! You never know who you may come in contact with. As Tyrese Gibson puts it "Be the master your environment."
- Choose your words wisely. It is important to appropriately direct your vocabulary in a respectful manner based on who you're speaking with. It is doubtful that you will speak the same way to a 25 year old as you will to a 60 year old. Know your position and know your role with who you're speaking to.
- Exude a confident and respectable presence. Value yourself and others enough to be approachable. There is no bigger turn off then someone who seem unapproachable. Always maintain your level of confidence in yourself and the services you offer.
- Be a good listener. Do not just speak, but also listen to the wants and needs of the person in front of you. In business, you are not just selling your service, but you are selling yourself. Can you provide the client with needs and wants? If so, you need to know what it is that they want. There is a time to be quiet. This is also important for building good relationships among friends, co-workers, spouses, and potential clients. Often times, being a good listener and paying attention to detail speaks louder then words can.
- Keep your space inviting! Think about a cab driver who has a messy, smelly car that makes you uncomfortable during a ride you are paying money for! Would you call that cab driver again? No! Now, apply this to your business.
- Always be prepared and punctual. How do you invite people into your space; whether personal or professional? Most likely you clean up, and put everything in to order before inviting people in. This means setting up your plan ahead of time. If you take pride your space and in punctuality, you will teach others to also value your time and space.
- Stay Consistent. Like everything else in life, consistency is important. Your presentation must be on point ALL the time, not just sometimes. Going out of the house in your pajamas and slippers? Think again! You just never know who you might run in to. This is not about being fake, it's about being ready to seize the next opportunity!
Go grind! Go shine!
Don't forget to comb your hair!
