Lip Service

Lip Service was what I called it in my first book. Ever notice how when you are starting a business that everyone you meet thinks it’s a good idea? Your friends encourage you. People you’ve never met before say nice things. You are thrilled with the reaction.

Actions Speak Louder

My advice to budding entrepreneurs was to ask those folks, “Would you like to buy one?” Suddenly, they found out whether there really was a market for their products.

For example:

"I need a little help." Ever notice how you respond to that phrase? Very few people say no. The technique led to a story included in Trade Secrets Of A Networking Ninja about a Certified Financial Planner who had sent out a draft copy of her new brochure to six or seven CPA’s she had worked with to get their opinion on what she had to say.

She never did get written opinions from them. They acted instead and just sent her business.

Put it in writing. “Jot down,” I said to an audience, “the reason you are in this business and why you want to be in it next year. Tell the absolute truth…the words in your heart of hearts. If you are not sure, that’s okay. Write that down.”

The room fell silent save for the faint noise of ball points gliding. Each of them finished, their heads
came up and their eyes locked on mine with an expectant look.

“How many,” I asked, “are sure you’ll be in the business next year?”

Only about 20% of those in the room raised their hands.

“How many of you would be willing to share that reason with us,” I asked. Only two people volunteered. Both noted that they had wanted to do this for as long as they wanted to build a business and they couldn’t imagine doing anything else because they absolutely loved what they were doing and they were clearly on a track.

 Those two people not only have been in business for more than a few years, but are now leaders in their chosen professions.

The action of writing something down does two things:

• It makes it easier to remember because it forces us to think about it in multiple ways. 
  
• It makes it attainable because we see ourselves taking one step toward it.

What you get is what’s not said. Multiple surveys in the last few years have indicated that the real differentiating factors for businesses today are service-based rather than product-based.

Think about the last time someone recommended a product or service to you…unsolicited. I’ll bet it was because of incredible service. Someone made the purchase an event to be celebrated or went that a little bit further or gave just that little extra to make a difference. They didn’t talk about it or hang puffed-up statements of intent on a wall, they simply took action.

Actions do speak louder than words.

Are you ready to act to build your business? Keep learning but don't hesitate to act.

A cautious step is better than no step at all.

Jerry Fletcher

Jerry Fletcher, speaks and writes on building businesses from the ground up. Learn more:

Jerry is a beBee ambassador, founder and Grand Poobah of www.BrandBrainTrust.com

His consulting practice, founded in 1990, is known for Trust-based Brand development, Positioning and business development on and off-line. He is also a sought-after International Speaker.

Consulting: www.JerryFletcher.com
Speaking: www.NetworkingNinja.com

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