Fed up with spinning your wheels and chasing one system after another? If you’re looking for clarity, focus and hands-on results, use these 5 coaching tips to gain new business—fast.
There’s a lot of great tips out there for presenting, selling and winning new business. But sometimes…it just feels like you’re chasing your tail trying one thing after another. How can you land on something that works…and yields repeatable success?
My coaching clients often ask me for tips to gain new business. When we sit side-by-side, we brainstorm specific actions that build on individual strengths. While we can’t dive into such detail in this post, here are 5 essentials that consistently attract new business.
Tip 1. Be Authentic
Much like dating…be yourself from the first encounter. Speak openly and naturally so that clients understand your business and your style. If you start out in a genuine and real manner, it’s easy to keep going.
Authenticity is your strongest asset. Why? Because there’s only one you. When prospects and clients get to know you…they’ll rely on your open and honest style.
Tip 2. Use Your Strengths
Last week I coached a gentleman who was terrific with metaphors. He was off the chart in coming up with stories, examples and anecdotes. But he was trying to present dry data without any emotion. Guess what my advice was?
Use your strengths. There are plenty of people who would give an arm and a leg to whip up metaphors so quickly and easily. Go with that.
Now of course, if your strength lies somewhere else—use that. If you’re a wizard at the whiteboard, grab a marker and show your sketches. If you’re a master at words, spell out your message so everyone gets it.
Tip 3. Simplify Complex Stuff
Life can be complicated. Business solutions are often complex. But your presentation must be simple. Simplify complex concepts, processes and procedures.
Make the complex stuff—simple.
The fastest way to do this? Show a single sketch. Draw while the audience watches. Keep it profoundly simple to draw and simple to understand. Oh. One more thing. A simple drawing on one page sends a message to your clients and prospects. It sings out: “we make the complex stuff simple.”
Who doesn’t want more of that?
Tip 4. Show A Compelling Story
There’s no shortage of data. But there is a drought on powerful stories. Why are stories so important? They are easy to understand, easy to get…and easy to retell.
The best story of all? One you can tell and show with a visual sketch. My clients always love stories that combine Tip 3 and Tip 4. Here’s a few examples:
• 3 Steps To Success
Show three steps and fill in the blanks while you draw the story.
• Before and After
A classic. Show before and after photos or icons.
• The Big Aha!
Show the shocking fact, quote or statistic.
By keeping your story simple and easy to understand, your clients and prospects instantly get the point.
Tip 5. Connect The Dots
You wouldn’t believe how many people forget this tip. It’s easy to understand, really. You’re immersed in your presentation and business value. You know your data inside and out. It’s easy to forget that your clients are seeing your presentation for the first time.
Connect the dots. Show how your product, service or solution will add value for your client. Spell it out. Be direct. This isn’t a time to be bashful.
Ready to win results? For the best approach, use these 5 tips to gain new business—fast.
Milly Sonneman is a recognized expert in visual language. She is the founder of Hands On Graphics, Inc., a leading visual training firm, and author of the popular guide: Beyond Words and her most recent book, The Authentic Message, was co-authored with Thomas Sechehaye has been received worldwide. Milly helps business professionals give winning presentations, through online presentation skills trainings at Presentation Storyboarding. You can find out more about our courses or contact Milly through our website at: http://www.presentationstoryboarding.com/