It’s important to remember, that we are all human. So, when it comes to being able to relate to your friends, acquaintances, and yes; even your clients, why not lighten up and quit with the corporate chatter? The simple fact of the matter is, no one wants to hear your auto-pilot business rants and random sales pitches. Most people are looking to connect with you on a purely human level. Instead of turning people away with gimmicky marketing stunts and hammering in rehearsed one-liners, why not attract more clients to your brand by simply being yourself.
I know, this can seem like a tall order particularly when you are so use to running rugged and filling in the blanks. However when it comes to creating the type of brand identity that resonates with your audience, you mustn’t disregard the fact that your brand is a reflection of you. As such, it is up to you to make people understand exactly why you are doing what you’re doing. People look to you, to help them get inspired for success. It is your job to engage with your clients, ask questions, start conversation and give them content that speaks directly to their needs, wants and aspirations.
If you haven’t yet seriously considered humanizing your companies brand or finetuning your own entrepreneurial identity then I suggest you continue reading this post. I will give you the top eight business strategies that will help you survive in today’s business environment where social conscious brand, and humanization is pivotal to your success. Stop wasting time and start building the relationships you need to garner the respect you deserve.
1) Start From A Place Of Helping People: Ask yourself, “why did I start this business in the first place”? “What did I want to achieve”? Without knowing your own purpose and the impact that you’re working towards it will be virtually impossible to convince your market of the value that you bring to the table. Keep in mind, Purpose must be deliberately conceived and chosen, and then pursued. – @claychristensen – without it a great idea is a dream.
2) Colour Outside the Lines: Your client is everything. Surround yourself with people who speak your language and get to know their stories. What is their background? What do they do? What are they motivated by? Then, find a way to help them get where they’re going. Plug yourself into their conversations both virtually and in real time. Make a meaningful offer to help further their initiative. This collaborative process will serve as a way to encourage communication and create a loyal following.
3) Get Away From The Machines: Connect with people, build lasting relationships. This is great for business but can feel like an uphill battle if you can’t seem to pry yourself away from the computer. Emails blasts, may still have a place when it comes to advertising but they are going to do next to nothing for that human factor in your business. That is why it is essential to continue finding new ways of finding, fostering and nurturing relationships. Host conversations, empathize with the experiences of your clients and they will follow you wherever you go.
4) Show Off Your Personality: Be consistent with how your present yourself to others. Think of personality traits and characteristics that you want people to identify with the most. Do you have a funny bone? Are you courteous and giving? What types of interactions or situation bring out the best in you? By thinking about these questions thoroughly, you will open the door for your clients to walk through; ready and eager to learn more about your brand.
5) Be Present In Your Own Business: Minimize self-serving content. Show your audience you care about their success. Motivate, educate and inspire excellence. Always look to offer a helping hand or advice when needed. The more engaged you are with your audience the more responsive and willing they will be to interact with you. Speak in your everyday tone and don’t forget that people aren’t numbers.
6) Listening Is Not the Same As Hearing: Become part of the discussion and listen without interruption. Be an observer both online and in your day-to-day life. Sometimes, a little bit of silence, is golden because unlike noise, it can give you a better idea of what others need and want from you rather that visa-versa.
7) Remind Your Clients They Are Free to Be Themselves: Don’t pressure people into pretending they understand what you are talking about. Do remind them, that you too, are just a normal person who has a life outside the office. Don’t be afraid to tell a joke, admit to blunders, relax with a cup of tea. After all you get what you give.
8) A Little Emotion Never Hurt Anyone: Real relationships are based on shared emotions. They are largely dependent on our ability to empathize and put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. It is no surprise then, that most successful companies are built on the idea that appealing to people’s human side is the way to go when it comes to building brand identity. If what you do, reminds someone of the way things were or elicits a powerful response you’ve done the job right.
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