The Only Thing You’re Killing With Kindness Is Your Business

by Coree on August 19th, 2009

boldness 300x199 The Only Thing Youre Killing With Kindness Is Your Business I love talking to people who call it like they see it. The ones that shock you with their brutally honest responses to questions you already knew the answer to but didn’t want to admit it. Boldness is sexy, and everyone knows sex sells.

Why are women attracted to the bad boys? Why do guys like the chick that is outspoken & sassy? It’s not that these type of people are really “bad” per say, but they have a certain confidence that comes through in their demeanor. They don’t really care what you think about them because there are 20 more behind you that love their attitude and are kicking down doors to be part of their clan.

How are you doing with your conversion rates? Is your blog getting the traffic you want and need? If you’re not happy with either of those answers then you need to shake things up a bit. Communication is not about saying exactly what everyone wants to hear. The most successful sales and marketing professionals know that the era of authenticity has arrived, and that means no more BS, no more sticky sweet, fake smile, lame compliments that everyone knows are ridiculous, hyped up sales pitch. These are all definite don’ts when selling if you’re to use today’s communication skills.

I ran across a great guest post by Pace Smith on Copyblogger titled “Why You’re Too Qualified and Respectful to Produce Great Content” that struck a chord with me. Pace makes some excellent points that goes not only for writing great content but, if you are so bold, will change the way you look at marketing yourself and your business. Example:

The only way to write powerfully is to be bold, and to write boldly you must stop qualifying yourself and being overly respectful.

No, this is not giving you permission to be a total jerk and piss everyone off. This is about confidence, boldness, personality and fun! It’s fun to say what you really think and people appreciate it. Not only will they respect you for being honest but you will build that trust so that when it does come down to asking for the sale they know that you aren’t going to mislead them.

This may not be perfect algebra (ask my kids, I don’t do math) but this is a good formula to remember for your Marketing:

(Confidence + Boldness = Sex Appeal) + (Authenticity + Rapport = Trust) = SALES CONVERSION

So, what’s your thoughts? Share a great story of yours where you were bold and it paid off! We want to hear from you…

To Your Success,

da84a857d7d5c1bc924a101874ae21fb The Only Thing Youre Killing With Kindness Is Your Business

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Tagged as: Blogging · Communication · Content · Marketing · Marketing Mindset · Public Relations · Success

Sarah Stone

Hi Coree,

I love this post as it's what I've always done! I so dislike the cold calling sales man type of image as I don't have the gift of the gab and so can't keep up with this type of person.

If you think about it if you're being honest with someone you don't have to remember what lies you might have said in the past to them, or someone else for that matter - makes life so much less complicated and business wise much more stream lined ;)

Cheers
Sarah

Coree

Hey Sara,

I like to call them "little white business lies". ;) It's something that seems so innocent at the time, until that person tells another person and you end up with so many customers expecting the same thing and you're forced to change your policy or eat your words. Honest is always the best policy...and can be much more entertaining because people are shocked when give it to them straight!

Sarah Stone

I've had to tell a boss in the past that I wouldn't do what they had just asked me to do as I won't lie. At the time I felt really daft as it seemed petty and yet as time went by I realised that I'd gained his trust and he gave me more responsibility as a result! Need I say more :)

Freya

Hi Coree

Loved the formula... I now have it on the wall. It covers all that is needed to close a sale.

Thank you for sharing.

Cheers
Freya

Coree

Thanks Freya...here's to many many sales closed!! Thanks for stopping by! :)

Jim Gaudet@Costa Rica Web Desi

Well, killed the old theme huh. I like this one better, to be honest.

I think if you are ever being someone you are not, I mean putting on a face for someone to get their business or something like that, then you are not going to be successful. Maybe temporarily successful, but you will not last.

Trust comes from honesty and doing what you say you are going to do.

Coree

Hey Jim...yep. Killed the old theme because there were too many customizations I needed and I didn't like the general crowded feel. I like this one better too...and I am pretty proud of myself for creating my own custom header immage!! :)

Definitely right about the honesty in business. I've worked with someone that was outspoken and bold, but he did it in a condescending way, putting himself on a pedestal. The thing is, that pedestal was built on half truths and exaggerations. Now people that have been around for a while are seeing the discrepancies. It's always better to be real with people. You'll be able to go back for years to resell, up-sell, or ask for referrals.

Jim Gaudet@Costa Rica Web Desi

Great job on the header image. I love the share buttons too. Very nice.

Pace@Personal Development for

Coree,

Glad you liked my post!

It's like social proof. If a customer sees that 100 other people bought and loved a product, they're more likely to buy that product because they think they'll love it too. Likewise, if you act boldly and confidently, you're exuding social proof. You're sending the message "I know what I'm talking about." People respond to that message.

Coree

Hey Pace...you did a great job! The boldness to speak your mind knowing you are being totally transparent about your beliefs is a confidence that comes with practice. As you become known for being a person that calls it like you see it, the social proof comes with the territory and people begin to trust your word. The thing is to remember life is meant to enjoy. If we are always worried about losing that one sale or that one reader by being yourself, then where is the fun in that? Smile, laugh, joke and be real...it shows you are sure of yourself and the response is more smiles, laughter, honesty and in turn...conversions. :)

SilkLink

I see what you are getting at here, but while this style of marketing certainly suits many people, I think these people are in some sort of niche. Many people might be put off, perhaps even offended, by similar marketing ploys. I guess it is about getting the balance right. Just the right amount of in-your-face cheek, humour and professional messages that are tailored to the business and the customer characterstics it is trying to attract.

Great read

Some Bloke

Coree

Well my dear Bloke.. You're right about the balance, of course. I know people that think they are being funny and making use of the right to speak their mind but are misusing it to be rude in the name of authenticity. However, with no harmful intentions and a fun spirit it is much easier to get a new reader, a new sale, or even a new friend when you show some pizazz. This is not about a niche, no not at all. This is about confidence, boldness and making people smile as they hand you their credit card.

It's also about having an attitude of abundance. If we are always worried about losing that one reader or that one sale, we are focusing on lack and resisting abundance. It's a big world, and for each sale/reader lost there are 200 more behind them that will love you for your style. Stay in abundance and you stay in the joy of life...