I’m writing this to all of those entrepreneurs out there who are making their way in the marketplace and overcoming the obstacles of having to explain a totally new concept, product, service, or idea. Let me ask you, “Are you managing your expectations?” I’m definitely not asking to be a downer or rain on your parade. In fact, quite the opposite.
When I was first starting out, my own exuberance and confidence fueled the false idea that everyone would be interested in my goals, my business’ objectives, and would just “get it.” It didn’t take me long to figure out I was a bit off base. You could say that I’ve had my share of negative reactions, though I did my best not to view them negatively. I always made a point to ask searching questions to determine why I was getting a specific response. The feedback that I’ve received (positive and negative) has been invaluable and has helped me shape the way I talk about what I do and how I target my efforts.
It’s crucial to target your efforts. The other thing that the feedback I got taught me was who my prospective audience is. Over time, certain patterns emerged. I began to realize that my message and goals were more closely aligned with small to medium sized businesses than large corporations. Did that mean I never talk to large corporations about what I do? No, but I do make sure that I change my perspective when I talk with them and I expect them to examine my business through their corporate lens. How much are you thinking about your audience’s perspective? How are you tailoring your interactions and presentations to their point of view? Are you asking the right people for raw honest feedback? Whether the feedback is positive or negative, that information is precious to your business and essential to your future sales.
Jason Sanders @ValuePagesGroup
Business Networking Specialist
Help spread the word!
You Might Also Like These Related Ideas:
Online and Offline Networking: What's Your Style?
I've written on this subject some before, but I believe it deserves another touch because it represents a major shift in the mindset of consumers. When I first started getting involved with social media, one of the most prevalent questions was, "How much should I share about my personal life?" This question still lingers nearly two ...
5 Things To Consider When Choosing a Business Networking Group
The face of business networking is changing. There's so many more options today than there were even 5 years ago. Businesses are facing the choice of dedicating their time and resources to traditional networking ideas or newer technology based solutions. The answer to this question will vary from business to business based on the business itself and the characteristics of ...
Are You Managing Your Expectations And Targeting Your Efforts?
I'm writing this to all of those entrepreneurs out there who are making their way in the marketplace and overcoming the obstacles of having to explain a totally new concept, product, service, or idea. Let me ask you, "Are you managing your expectations?" I'm definitely not asking to be a downer or rain on your parade. In fact, quite the ...
Know Who Benefits From Your Business' Solutions
If you were to ask me who my ideal client is for The Value Pages Group, the lazy answer would be "Business Owners and People in Sales." That's what you call casting a very wide net. Can you imagine how many business owners there are in America and how many people out there who earn their living as a salesman? ...
How To Wilt Your Inner Wallflower: Become The Host With The Most
When it's time to network, do you become a wallflower? Networking events can be downright scary. A lot of very competent professionals are intimidated by the prospect of introducing themselves and making "cold connections" with a room full of strangers. Why is that? Sometimes it's because of a lack of preparation or experience. But most of the time it's the fear ...
How To Ask A Question To Get A Meaningful Response
A short shallow answer can feel like a snub. Have you ever been blown off by a one word answer? Chances are you asked the wrong question. Believe it or not there's a formula for asking questions and if you don't get it right you will receive an answer that probably won't be helpful. It turns out that the complexity of ...
Are You The Airport Or The Infrequent Traveler?
I ask this question as a metaphor for business networking. I find that people often take one of two approaches to networking. 1. They enthusiastically dive right in and start helping other people and setting up their network of referral partners. 2. They timidly stand back and evaluate what everyone else is doing to see if it's worth their time. Inevitably those with ...
The Nature Of Progress (Don't Forget The Fundamentals)
It is amazing to me that as a society we're always looking for the easy way out of our problems/challenges. I'm not sure if this behavior is actually human nature, or just the result of living during a time of rapid technological advancement. Actually this issue goes beyond just looking for an easier way. Many of us live under the ...
Comments on this entry are closed.