What if your pants were on backward?

If you went to a party and saw a friend wearing their pants backward, would you tell them?  What if it was you with the backward pants? Would you want someone to tell you? And if they did, how would you respond? Would you be angry for the criticism, or thankful for the critique? Would you tell yourself, “This is how I’ve always worn them,” and move on? Would you change your pants but put them on the same way? Or would you consider the observation and ask for help?

Businesses must explore every possible opportunity to introduce themselves. But more chances to share a message means more chances to send the wrong message. Publishing content with misspelled or misused words…stumbling through an elevator speech that’s unprepared or unfocused…giving a presentation with more “um’s,” “like’s,” and “you know’s” than anyone can count…these are all very much like wearing your pants the wrong way. You may not realize it, but everyone else does. And what it says about you and your business will always overshadow whatever you’re trying to say.

Soon, we’ll face the daunting task of reintroducing ourselves to a business community that’s different than it was a year ago.  Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to consider your message and get some thoughts from someone who can help you stand out like a superstar, rather than stick out like a sore thumb.  Because the last thing you want to be is the person everyone’s talking about for all the wrong reasons.  And if you don’t have someone like that, well then, allow me to introduce myself.  I’m R.J. Foster, and I’d be happy to help you shape and share your story.  After all, I’m a Wordsmith…shaping words into works of art.  

For more helpful insights about your business messaging, visit my blog or send me an email and we can talk

Reason #1 to Ditch the Pitch: convincing vs. connecting

We love buying things, but hate being sold things.  We go shopping looking for stuff to buy, but we tell the persistent salesperson to leave us alone.  We like searching the web for information, but we cringe when online ads and pop-ups search for us.  We enjoy the idea of getting something, but we hate the prospect of being told what we “must have.”

Too often, we answer the question, “What do you do?” with a pitch…a carefully planned, diligently memorized, rapidly recited commercial that we hope, if delivered properly, will generate a sale.  We itemize what we sell rather than illustrate what we offer.  We focus on building awareness instead of creating interest.   We try to impress rather than engage.

In a world where advertisers are continually trying to get us to do, try, or buy something, there’s no benefit to telling people you’re the Grand Poobah of United Widgets Incorporated, makers of the world’s top-rated gold-standard gadgets and gizmos, located at the intersection of So-What Street and Who-Gives-A-Crap Boulevard.  If you really want people to respond to your message, it’s time to trade the commercial that tries to convince for an introduction that strives to connect.  It’s time to ditch the pitch!