When you’re dealing with your clients, is what you’re saying and what you’re doing the same? You may not notice the disconnect, but eventually your clients will.
A few months ago I hired a makeup artist for a photo shoot and when she showed up wearing more makeup than a clown, I didn’t expect much. Actually, I tried to think of an excuse for why I was about to turn and run. When she finished, my makeup looked amazing. (I couldn’t convince her to come to my house every morning for free!)
I had a similar experience with my CPA. His office looks like the aftermath of a hurricane, but he’s detailed and meticulous. He may have a disorganized office, but I’ll work with him until the day he retires. Talent is what keeps both of these folks in business. But what if others judge them on the outside the way I did originally, and then unlike me, refuse to hire them?
There are a few ways to make sure the book matches the cover:
Live by example. If you’re a fitness instructor, stay in good shape. If your business helps others improve their communication skills, be an effective communicator. That’s common sense, yet it’s so common it’s easy to forget.
If others hire you for advice and guidance, follow your own advice. As a parent, it’s easy to tell your kids to do as you say, not as you do. That may be OK for kids but it doesn’t work with clients.
Think about what you say before you say it. Then if you say you’re going to do something, do it.
Make sure that the impression you give, matches your message. Think back to your last doctor’s appointment. If you’re a smoker, and even if you’re not, think about how much faith you’d place in a doctor who told you to quit smoking while puffing on a cigarette. Not much.
Living by example is a key to success. After all, if you don’t follow your own advice, how do you expect others to trust what you say or do?
