Sunday post #10

One of my work goals for this year is to meet more people. A certain person kept catching my attention on LinkedIn and I thought to myself it’s either the Universe giving me a sign or great marketing, either way, if I meet them I will learn something. I checked their bio and website for the umpteenth time and followed a link to book a call that evening.

The call started great, they specialise in helping business owners sell without being pushy. They asked great questions to understand my situation, current challenges, and what I hoped to achieve by working together. I was excited, this could help me move my business forward. This was for me.

We discussed the cost. It was a substantial amount but I was thinking of it as an investment. I was 9 out of 10 sold. And then something happened that undid everything.

The push.

I was asked to decide to commit within less than 24 hours.

Taken aback I asked for more time. I was offered until 5 pm the next day, still not even 24 hours. Dazed and confused I agreed. I was still excited about the potential of having someone on my team who could support me.

I reflected with my husband, his reaction was strong. How much? To decide by tomorrow? Insert some swear words. That’s more than our car costs! (We drive an old banger so that’s not difficult). He whips out his phone and does some calculations, That would take you X hours to earn!

Ok. Pause. Breathe. Go reflect.

I retreat with my journal and make notes. What was going on here? And it hits me, that the key message I had taken from this person's online presence was: Build a business you love without being salesy or pushy. I had just been pushed. The actions didn’t match the promise.

I felt like an idiot for being seduced by clever marketing and an excellent sales pitch. And for being pushed and not pushing back.

It won’t surprise you to learn I declined the offer of working together. Although it didn’t feel good, the experience was a great lesson and reminder of what is important to me in selling in business:

1. Be the brand - back up what you say online with your actions in real life. Say what you will do and do what you say.

2. Business is relationships - how you make people feel is everything.

3. Think long-term - when you meet someone for the first time understand this is just the start of the relationship, don’t rush, don’t push, good things will come.

Go outside challenge

Going outside every day is getting much easier, I’m enjoying observing as I walk to work every and it’s making me slow down on my walks at weekends. Having a focus for the evidence photos is helping. This week’s theme was Red, and next week is Smiles.

Go outside challenge

Sunday post #11

Sunday post #09