I’ve been blessed with really awesome clients in 2010 and 2011, a few of whom have been with me for a full year now! Happy Anniversary! Along the way, I’ve learned a thing or two, and not from that stack of books up there, but from my clients. In fact, I’ve picked up incredibly valuable business lessons that I thought I’d share with you.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
- Not everyone is that in to me. Really. They’re not. It used to bother me. Now it doesn’t; it’s liberating. When I started my business in 2007, I never once advertised, was not on any social media platform and had business coming through my door one right after another, at any price. Who wouldn’t think that meant I was the answer to everyone’s problems? Fast forward a few years: I’m spending an average of 15 – 20 hours/week on social media; I routinely court new business; and one out of three proposals gets a pass. I’ll tell you why.
- Just because I can, doesn’t mean I should. You know the saying “you can’t be all things to all people?” That’s the case here. Just because I can do something, doesn’t mean I should. I enjoy a good business card as much as the next girl, but should I be offering that as part of my branding package? Perhaps, but not in the way I’ve been handling it. Ditto for websites. Those are such special creatures; I really should let someone else do them.
- I have a very unique skill set. I am a strategist at heart. I crave a strategic plan; I love action items; and I always start with the end in mind. Why do you want your name in the paper? Why do you want to be on television? Why did you hire me? As a result, I really like metrics and uncovering what’s inside your Google Analytics. I will spend hours reviewing them; set up goals and values to make sure we’re really “getting the goody” out of this work horse and then use that to develop your strategy.
- I play to your strengths. I can guarantee you that I’ll figure out yours and lead with them in any press, media or public relations effort. I will build your brand around your strengths, so much so that you’ll forget you ever had any weaknesses. I’m not “spinning” here, I’m just telling the truth.
- I need to play to my own strengths more. What you’re going to see soon on the ADG website is a transformation of my Services page. I currently have WAY more items on there than I should and rather than highlight my strengths, it’s offered the kitchen sink and revenue streams that well, don’t bring in that much revenue. Instead, I’m going to focus on my core offerings, showcased with case studies to better tell the story and the process for achieving client outcomes. To say that I’m excited is putting it mildly.
- Trust makes the client world go ‘round. Possessing mutual trust in our abilities and our commitment to the overall goals has been the single most important factor influencing my client relationships. When my clients trust that what I’m going to do for them is going to yield results, I deliver. When they trust that I work not just hard for them, but strategically for them, I deliver. When I trust the client to be fully present, communicative about issues, responsive to requests for information, and more importantly, be the best at what they do, we both succeed. Trust is indeed, a beautiful thing.
So, what are those Core Services? Outcomes?
You’ll begin to see case studies and blog posts popping up on my site that focus on core outcomes or results. That way, prospective clients know where they stand and what to expect and whether or not that’s for them. What I’m finding is that by trimming the fat here and focusing on core client outcomes, I’ll be better able to address pricing both online and off.
I know I’m giving away my line-up before the big unveil, but that’s all part of the plan. Keep reading and stay tuned! There’s more to come.
- Public Relations approaches that build your brand, your community and your business.
- Integrated Marketing Communications that result in more people knowing who you are, coming to your business, and buying stuff!
- Facilitation that gets people talking, strategies developed and goals uncovered.
- Fundraising Events that actually make money and build awareness.
- Online Audits that tell you who’s really visiting and why.
- Social Media Audits that evaluate your social presence and give you marching orders to beef it up or shift it elsewhere.
- Campaign Consulting and Management that quite simply, rocks (that means you win).
Like the outcomes you see here? Want to see them applied to your business? Let me know. I’d love to help you.
Image found via flickr by chadmagiera. The one on the bottom is my favorite!
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