This is unusual. Let me tell you about a true incident that recently happened to me, and I am sure some of you must have been in the same situation before or will face it in the future. Please note that I have changed names and event details due diligently. My intentions are not to point out any individuals, neither hurt them nor shame them publicly. My point is to avoid mistakes in business growth and build clear communication. Follow the unwritten ground rules for networking (potential customers) and business growth.
Three months ago, at one of the prestigious business seminars, like-minded people gathered and shared their ideology. They represent their business and their emotional stories about how they try to solve real-world problems. It was thrilling and good to know about others’ stories. I was so motivated and inspired by them. It felt good and inspiring as a leader back then. And above all, they all have similar problems and try to market themselves with human emotions. Nothing wrong with it. Every business must have a strong reason or compelling story to tell. It is your chance to build trust with strangers, aligning them with yourself, your products or services. And I was pretty convinced that they all are exceptional. They claimed that they were doing so good in the business and that it seemed so genuine that they would do everything to serve their customers. It was my assumption, and I was so wrong on that.
I was genuinely interested in coaching related to health, positive lifestyle and mental health. I listened to the problem she had and offered her a bit of free advice. All we did was exchange details, connect on LinkedIn, and set a date to call. I did message her and set up a call, but she was occupied and had no priorities for a meeting. Fair enough, I let her decide to come back to me when ready. Still date, I have not heard anything back from her. I am not complaining about not coming back to me.
But here is the fact, what should I assume for her business? Is it good customer service? Can I recommend her to anyone else without stacking my reputation? Is she reliable and capable of delivering what she offers? I can not let assumptions overpower my belief; I do not want to make any biased judgment on anything without proper explanation. I think it is everyone’s problem.
Let’s talk about unwritten ground rules for potential customers. And what to do about it and how.
- Do not undermine the power of networking.
Your employees, co-attendees, and network are your POTENTIAL customers, your true advocate promoting your business. Never underestimate their references. It is your chance to prove that your business is worth it for them and their network. - You do not need to sell them anything, yet they can bring you more business with their kindness, and you are equally kind to them.
- You do not need to say yes to everything. But your silence is your worst enemy.
Be clear on what you are, and GHOSTING will not help you. Open to your channel if you have already established your connection and network with them. - Be generous and kind, not apologetic.
We all are busy with our battles and priorities. Clear with your intentions on that, and understanding comes with clear communication. There is no scope for assumptions. - Yes, it is okay to say NO with an explanation and NOT NOW often. But don’t delay in making a call or talk. It is simple.
- Remember, What goes around comes around.
If you are unclear about yourself or your business, try to pass it on to someone who can. Still, it will keep your reputation alive and follow up with them in the future concerning their suggestions. - Be good, be honest, and be bold.
I think that is all. It will cover everything needed to avoid barriers to business growth. I know it is hard sometimes to communicate clearly, but avoiding that will cause damage in the long term and prematurely end your relationship with your potential customer. This is an exponential problem compounding to suffocate your business growth. And to be honest with you, there is no root cause you can not correct or address with appropriate actions.
When it comes to networking, I asked myself, are they providing any value to my business? If yes, do everything I can for them selflessly; if not, do not harm them. But relationships nurture human interactions, touch and emotions. And it implies on both sides and with business too.
All it is boiled down to how are you reacting to the situation and if you have further questions, suggestions or anything that matters to you or me. You can contact me here.
Till next time.
RL.