Professional Language and Your Marketing

Professional Language and Your Marketing

Have you seen those emails – the ones that seem to come all too often from companies when letting their customers know about a data breach and how their data may’ve been affected? They seem so stilted, anonymous.

Here’s part of one I got a while back.

Unfortunately, we have today become aware of a security incident. As soon as we were notified, we immediately took steps to identify and remedy the cause, and have reported the situation to authorities.

And while there may be many good reasons why if you’re a major corporation you need to communicate like that, the good news there just aren’t many (and I’d argue there aren’t any) reasons to do that if you’re a coach, healer or other creative entrepreneur…

Building Your Business

Sometimes you can get really used to shutting out your longing. I did that for a long time. Shut out the fact that I wanted to write. I assumed writing didn't really have a part in what I wanted to do in my business. There was the 'work' and the stuff I really longed to do - the writing. I created that separation, I think, because I thought the writing needed to look a particular way. Like sitting down each day for six or more hours to write, working on a novel or some other significant project. That's what writers do, I would say to myself. The truth is some writers do that. Others don't. What all writers do do, though, is write.

As I've opened myself up to that still present desire to write, I notice I'm happier. I feel better and that is leading me forward, down a path I may not have been able to visualize before.

The same thing can happen for you. As you listen to your longing, stay open and step toward it. You'll be surprised and delighted with whatever shows up along the way.

The Real Purpose of Your Sales Pages

The Real Purpose of Your Sales Pages

According to popular marketing guidance, the purpose of a sales page is to make (or convert) visitors to your web page into paying customers.

I have a different take.

I don’t believe that a sales page can (or should) try to “make” someone buy something. I do believe, however, that a well-written, effective sales page can do something meaningful.

What it can do, if well crafted, is to help create trust and a sense of safety for your potential clients. It can give them the support they need to feel better about stepping closer to you.

Trust is always a factor in buying decisions…

Uncovering the Gifts of Marketing

Uncovering the Gifts of Marketing

So many people I talk to get tripped up with their marketing because it just feels icky somehow. Some people see marketing as being pushy. Other people think they have to focus on things like likes or engagement metrics as proof their marketing is working, and the whole thing feels shallow somehow or transactional.

I get it.

Most approaches to marketing don't feel good because they're based on tactics that assume you need to do certain things to manipulate others to buy from you.

I believe instead that marketing is all about building connections - bridges between you and your work and those in the world who may need your help…

When A Client Doesn't Take Your Lead

When A Client Doesn't Take Your Lead

My daughter and I started watching Chicago Med on Netflix. Sometimes, after treating the initial presenting symptoms, the doctors discover an underlying condition. They recommend a course of treatment, and every so often, the patient will resist. They'll argue. They'll insist they're fine. They claim they just need to be patched up and get the paperwork, and they'll be on their way.

In the show, the doctors fret, worry. Of course, the doctors are always aren't right 100% of the time. But they are most of the time. They have experience, expertise, the data. They’ve seen this stuff before.

It's like this in your business too. Perhaps you have a client who isn't listening to you…