Building a compelling offer can be a challenge. I share with my clients strategies to organize knowledge, to speak, to sell, and the importance of storytelling. A common question I am asked is: “What about stories that are testimonials, Ann?”
Testimonials are great stories, absolutely. Sharing a client’s experience is a great thing! Beware though! If these are the only stories you tell, it could come off as bragging. Now, I think that many people need to brag a little bit more. However testimonial stories are often more appropriate in your sales funnel, on your website, and in your social media.
One testimonial story can be very powerful if used strategically when you speak. It’s the other stories, the personal stories that will create the vulnerability you want to help your buyers make a choice. Testimonial stories don’t do that.
The funny thing is I see “new speakers on the scene” try the testimonial path. They load their presentations with client stories. And initially they have great success. Eventually though the sales fall off. They struggle to close more people when they speak. And they’re not sure what happened.
See, after a while we’ve heard it before. We know that you have people you create success for. Heck, many times those stories all sounds the same…no matter who is on the stage! If I want to buy from you I need to know why you can help me. I want to hear a story about how you understand my needs. My struggles. My challenges.
When building a compelling offer think about personal stories you can tell that help them understand why you are the one they want to work with. That can be much more powerful than just a testimonial.
Getting a board of advisors actually saved my business in 2007-2008. Without them, I would not have developed a new marketing strategy and saved myself financially! In this video I share who and why I picked who I did:
Be care of thinking a group of “friends” with opinions are a BOA! (that’s another blog!)
Take time and find these people, who should they be for you?
Struggling to find the BOA? Still want a group to give input and cheer you on? Join our monthly mastermind calls, for less than $10 I will sit on your BOA and the group will give you feedback and support! Sounds too good to be true? Why not try it? We will even send you some recordings of the previous calls to listen too! Sign up today!
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Systems are important. Being in business since 1997, this is HUGE! Are you just spinning your wheels? This is what I do, even when I talk with people on my Partnership Mastermind I tell them, get a system to be able to put it together for success.
Michael Gerber, of The E-Myth (you have read this right? It’s like the KEY if you are a new entrepreneur) says “create a system and repeat it 500 to be successful. hmmm…are you in business or just playing around?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
THIS was a HUGE business changer for me – how do you think about the money in and the money out?
Are you shifting how you think?
Let me work with you, in a group mastermind format to change your business success- get focused and get results! My monthly calls start at $10 a month- I don’t need you to pay me $1000s to see a difference, I just need to know you are committed to having what you desire!
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
I find for MANY entrepreneurs this is one of the biggest challenges. Often because entrepreneurs have a strength to like new ideas, see new opportunities, and are often eclectic! This strength can also be a curse when it comes to growing your business Here are my thoughts:
It is time to take action!
Where do you struggle with getting it done? Or acting as if in your business?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
