Soul Proprietor – Less strategy, more sincerity

I was walking with a rather ambitious yogi one day, chatting about business when he asked me this question: “So what’s your marketing strategy?”

Truth be told – at that time, I didn’t have one.

I just did my thing as I felt and was doing just fine.  Naive?  Maybe.  I may have left many dollars off the table but I wasn’t hurting.  My biz was ambling along without any major issues.  My work was primarily word of mouth and it was working for me (PS word of mouth will always be king.  Just sayin’.)

However, that conversation was a wakeup call.  I needed to do something…something more business-like.

So I did!

I developed a blogging strategy and started using social media.  Lo and behold, my business experienced a lovely uptick.  Which taught me this: you need to have some sort of strategy or you’re just winging it and while that can work, it’s a good way to keep your business (and yourself) on edge.

A strong strategy can keep your business afloat, sustainable, steady – and growing.

But there is a dark side to this.  Often, I’ll see people floating around on the web, and it’s obvious that they are all strategy, no substance.  For example, the person who comments on every blog in their industry as a way to draw people to their site (yes, it’s obvious when you are doing that).  Or the over-eager networker who is trying to ingratiate themselves with people because they want something in return instead of building an authentic relationship (yes, you’re obvious too).  Let’s not forget the business stalker who follows a competitor’s every move and tries to “show up” where that person hangs. Ew. And my favorite: the dubious “list building” schtick (yes, we’re all aware of that that telesummity thing is all about).  Yeah, all that.

It’s strategy, strategy, strategy, nothing more.

That vibe?  Thirsty. Insincere. Clients and peers will see right through it – and it’s a turn off.  You do not want to be that person.

A better route: have a strategy but don’t lose your business soul in the process. Be real.

Comment on a blog if you actually have something to add or genuinely liked the post.  Instead of “networking” and groveling, try to form genuine relationships with peers and people you admire. Even better: focus on what you can do for other people rather than thinking about “what’s in it for me.”

Ditch “list building” gimmicks and focus more on sharing useful stuff without getting hung up on numbers or list size.

Forget about what your peers are doing and stop following their every move – just do your thang.

All the business strategy in the world won’t do jack for your business if you’re only about the numbers and not about being a helpful, sincere person who gives a damn about the only thing that really matters: relationships. That means the relationships you have with your clients, your peers, and your business.

Just give a damn about them. That’s the best strategy. Sincerely.

Blessings,

Theresa

PS side note: the yogi above who was concerned with strategy?  His business folded a scant two years later.  He was all “business strategy” and zero people.  Think about that for a minute.

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2016

Soul Proprietor Monday Memos

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