Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Business!
April 12, 2010 by Kimberly
Filed under Sales, Thought Leadership
If you believe as I do that our thoughts have an enormous impact on our experiences in life and the choices we make, come along on this journey of exploring the thoughts that keep us from promoting our business/offering.
I’ve been coaching health and wellness entrepreneurs since 2006 and I’ve noticed some common themes about what we say to ourselves that keep us stuck in old, ineffective patterns.
I’m going to share with you some of the most common negative messages we give ourselves that hold us back from taking the steps necessary to grow our business. You’ll also find some suggested affirmations to counter these negative thoughts and reframe them in a more positive light. This exercise is most effective if you take the time to create the affirmation that is most true for you.
The way this works is by replacing the existing negative thought with the affirmation that resonates most truly and authentically for you. Each time you become aware that you are running that old negative message in your mind, replace it with the appropriate positive message. Soon the new affirmative message will become your habit and lead to strengths-based action.
|
Common Negative Thought |
Behind That Thought |
Affirmation |
| I’m not a sales person and don’t want to be seen as one | Sales people are pushy, inauthentic, overbearing and no one wants to be in their presence. | I’m an expert in my field and talking to people about my offering is critical to my business success. If I’m authentic, respectful of others and genuine in my interactions people will be drawn to work with me. |
| I can’t sell | I’m a practitioner not a sales person. I don’t have those skills. | As an entrepreneur I must wear many hats. It’s critical to my business success to talk to others about my offering. I will learn and explore ways to promote my offering authentically. Answering questions and discussing my offering is a form of selling, and I can do that. |
| I don’t want to be pushy | Talking about my offering will offend others and they will avoid me or feel uncomfortable around me. | Talking about my offering while being respectful of others and having a back and forth dialogue about what I do is respectful and allows the other person a chance to learn more about what I offer. Talking about my offer lets people know what I do so they can decide for themselves if we’re a fit to work together. I believe in what I do and know how others will benefit from my services. |
| I don’t want to look “stupid”/not have the answers | I worry that if I don’t have the answers I won’t look competent. | Just like I would ask questions about something new to me; others will do the same. The most common questions I anticipate are: X, and I will prepare for that before I talk to about my offering. |
| If people question me/my offering it means they don’t want to work with me/want what I offer | If they question me they are questioning my competence. | It’s natural for people to ask questions. If I don’t know the answers I’ll tell them, but I am prepared (as above). The more questions they ask, the more interested they are! Questions are a good sign. |
| What if they don’t like what I’m offering? | What if I tell them about my offering and they say ‘no, I don’t want to work with you.’ I can’t handle rejection. | My offering is not right for everyone. I know this. I am clear about who my ideal clients are and they are the ones I will attract. But, I won’t find them unless I get out there and talk to people about my business. |
| I don’t know what to say | I’ve never done this before – it’s new to me. | I will talk with others who do know; read or find a mentor to show me the ropes and I will build my confidence. It’s not rocket science, but learning the right way to promote my business with integrity will bring me success. |
| People will find me if it’s meant to be and if I’m meant to work with them (I shouldn’t have to search them out)
|
I’m not comfortable promoting my business for any or all of the reasons above. | People will find me faster and more of them will find me when I share with others what I offer in a way that resonates with them. I will fill my practice with my ideal clients by doing what I know is critical for my success. |
Choose the negative message that resonates most strongly with you and start with that one. It will be the one that will make the greatest difference for you.
Enjoy! Have fun getting out there and sharing your gifts with the world!
