Q. “Hi! it was such a pleasure meeting you Sydni! The information you shared was beyond helpful! Thank you! A question I wanted to ask: In your opinion how or what would be a good and effective way to tell about what it is that I do? (In other words, how can I say it? I’d like your opinion please.) I have had formal coach and counseling training and experience. I remember you said people don’t care about that. I know I make a difference in peoples lives. I usually share my gift to help family and friends. They do not pay me but when they have followed my instructions the results have been great for them. Thank you in advance for your help!” ~ C.S.H. – Oakland, CA
A. Hi C.S.H!
Thanks for asking such a great question. Yours is a challenge many coaches and counselors face. I’m glad to know that the work you’ve been doing for friends and family has paid off. Finding out why they came to you in the first place is actually a GREAT way to clarify the value of what you offer (like we discussed in the workshop). I’d like you to complete the following steps:
- Make a list of ALL the people you have coached or counseled. (Don’t leave anyone out).
- Reach out to each of them and schedule a 5-minute telephone interview.
- Use a free conference line service (like http://www.freeconferencepro.com/) to host and RECORD the call.
- Ask each interviewee these questions:
- What specific problem/situation/challenge were you facing that prompted you to reach out to me?
- How would you describe the work we did together?
- What specific benefits or results did you enjoy as a result of our work together?
- Go back and listen to each recording and take detailed notes about the specific language each person used to answer each question. Write what they say verbatim – don’t change the words!
- Bonus tip: Have the recordings transcribed so you have the language in black and white. You can copy/paste this right into your marketing materials!
Completing this exercise will give you tremendous insight into how you are perceived as a problem solver and what specific, tangible benefits your clients have enjoyed as a result of working with you. You can take this and then easy fill in the blanks of this statement:
“I help ______________ do ________________.”
And that, my dear, is a “good and effective way to tell about what it is that you do“. 🙂
What day next week can you put this plan into action? Leave me a note in the comments below.
Warm regards,
Cindy Battisti says
I got this formula in a webinar called “Live Your Message” by Marisa Murgatroyd: the XYZ statement “I help x to do y so that z.”
Breaking it down this simply really helps you gain clarity of your and your business’s purpose.
Sydni Craig-Hart says
Thanks for the note Cindy! I’ve heard that formula too and agree that it also works well. Whatever is the simplest way for one to explain who they serve, what they do and why is what should be used! Thanks for adding to the conversation. 🙂
Carol Eigner says
Using a blog can often help you “talk” about what you do. This is often more on a personal line of information. Writing information articles and posting them on line is another great way to write about what you do.
Go to networking events and format an introduction that will attract people to ask more about what you offer in services. You can say that you do…… and then ask the other person to tell you about their business. You can then formulate solutions to things that they talk about. So often I hear “I want to do…… but I can’t find the time!” This is the perfect opportunity to offer services that could compliment their business or offer to give the name of a referral that you know that can help them. You probably won’t get work from them but they will refer you to others.
Use social media sites to tell others about your expertise. Learn to use these sites effectively. Your knowledge will shine through and people will come to you for your services when they are ready to.
It all takes time but people will find you. Also being on the first page of a search engine helps a lot as well. Being active on the internet will help you with that as well.
Sydni Craig-Hart says
Thanks for such a thoughtful post Carol! I agree with everything you’ve stated. It does take time and effort, but reaching out to REALLY connect with people and looking for ways to serve their needs is the best way to build a successful, sustainable business!
Sydni Craig-Hart says
Hi Carol,
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments! I love that you said having a blog can help you talk about what you do.
I find that many entrepreneurs struggle with this. They often slap a label on themselves that many misunderstand or get caught up spewing industry jargon trying to explain what they do.
The more you talk about your work (either in written form or verbally) the more comfortable you get with talking about the benefits and results you create for your customers – how you actually help them!
I look forward to getting to know you better Carol and to your future comments!
Warm regards,
Sydni