Authenticity is a huge element of client attraction. We often wear many masks and yet what makes us most client attractive is often what we feel we must hide from others.
In her bestseller book, "The Dark Side of the Light Chasers", Debbie Ford, talks about the hiding and denying of our dark side. (masks) Rejecting these aspects of our true nature rather than giving ourselves the freedom to live authentically causes suffering. Our so called "weaknesses" may prove to be important "hidden" strengths"
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS?
When marketing your business, being authentic plays a major role. In order to attract your ideal client it is crucial to go within first. You must know yourself well and be able to clearly articulate who you are, what you offer and also know what areas you still need to grow and gain confidence in.
Successful people (and I'm not just talking financial success here although that's a part of the equation) know their strengths and abilities and capitalize on them.
If you've been attracting complainers, clients who don't follow through with the treatment plan you've prescribed, clients who miss appointments, clients who say they can't pay your full fee and ones less than 100% committed to what you're offering the good news is that you can change this. The challenging piece, (and the good news too) is that you are 100% responsible for the results in your business & personal life.
You've probably have heard this 100% responsible piece before, I know I did, yet it didn't really sink in until I made a conscious decision to participate fully in my life
My practice had these types of clients at first. The hardest part for me what to come to the realization that I was attracting these clients to me based on how I was seeing myself, my business and especially what I believed I had to offer others. As a new life coach I was not looking at the big picture of all my life experiences and only looking at the limiting belief that I was “too novice” to help others. The law of attraction principles in action brought me what I focused on; people I did not help or un-committed people.
ACTION STEP: GO WITHIN
If someone were to ask you what your greatest strengths are could you answer without hesitation? (Many of us can easily tell people what we don’t do well).
If you find yourself hesitating take some time NOW to gain more clarity about yourself.
On the Left side make a list of everything you can think of that articulates your strengths & abilities-list everything you can think of both business and non business related ie: I am a good listener, I can write well, I grew a beautiful garden
In the middle make a list of all you offer your clients/customers (some of the things in the left column may also be in this section)
On the right side of the page make another list of things you perceive as your challenges/weaknesses.
Now go back to each column and star the top 3 that are your strongest strengths, Do the same with what you offer your clients and finally mark 3 of your strongest challenges/weaknesses. These are the areas you can choose to focus on first. Get comfortable taking about and using your strengths when you market.
Now look at your challenges/weaknesses. Recall that our so called "weaknesses" may prove to be important "hidden" strengths." Can you see that any of your so called "weaknesses" may be strengths? Ask yourself this, what opportunities has this "weakness" brought me?
- My so called challenge/weakness was my fear of public speaking which kept me from sharing my story and experiences that might help others in growing their business. Once I joined Toastmasters, I realized that I could actually talk without passing out and that I had something to say (at least occassionally). Public speaking became one more way that I could market my business. It is not necessary my greatest strength yet it is no longer the gigantic fear it once was.
These are some beginning steps in marketing more authentically and attracting your ideal clients. ENJOY THE JOURNEY!