What can you do to help others achieve success? What can you do to help people solve their problems? Why should you bother?
It is evident many times over that the only way to obtain the things you require is by helping and giving to others. It’s easy to think only about what we want to accomplish. We forget about the most effective way to achieve it!
It’s true that no one really cares about what you want such as your sales quota or your mortgage, nor do they care about your children in braces. They shouldn’t. Your requirements aren’t their concern. Therefore, if you’re searching for referral partners or new customers, you’re better off placing your requirements in a container and putting it on the shelf.
Be sure to approach all relationships from the standpoint that you have something to do to help them. Learn about them and discover the things they require as well as what they’re working on, and what their goals are. Find out how you can be able to assist them. By doing this you’ll build an alliance with them that is long-lasting. It’s that connection that results in satisfying your needs. In fact, as you continue to see it in this way the more connections and opportunities you’ll discover.
Let’s consider 3 scenarios.
Scenario #1
When you attend networking events, you do so to fulfill the goal of getting to know people and learning more about their interests. You meet people that you are drawn to and feel a connection with, so you keep building those connections. You suddenly have a binder full of tools you can refer to whenever someone has requirements. You’ve found people you trust and are confident when you are able to refer people who need help.
Scenario #2
You deliver speeches and run workshops on topics you are knowledgeable about. You offer deep, practical information to ensure that the audience leaves having more information than when they arrived. You don’t attempt to sell them , but you do gather their contact information to send out your newsletter. Through your newsletter , you are giving useful information in the course of time. In a flash an individual contacts you with interest in hiring you.
Scenario #3
You know the market that you want to target. You contact these prospects in the hope that you might or might not offer a product or service that is valuable to them. You arrange a meeting in which you have a number of questions. You carefully listen to what they say and decide if you actually have a solution to their problem. If not, explain to them. If you do and they do, you use them as a source. You establish a strong relationship with them in any way. You can even get referrals from them as they trust you and believe that you’ve been honest with them.
Also, you can find out about any other needs they might have and recommend them to those you trust and know who can assist them.
If you go through these scenarios, do notice anything that focuses your attention on your needs? Did I mention telling people about your service or product? Did you mention any places where I advised you to try to convince people to purchase products or services? Nope! It’s more about not what you want but rather what they require and how you can help to solve their issue.
Spend some time helping others and you’ll reap the rewards you’ll earn.
Diane Helbig is a Professional Coach, and President of Seize This Day Coaching. She works one-on one and in groups with small business owners salespeople, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs to assist them in developing efficient plans for growth and development. Together they are open to the possibilities. Diane writes Lemonade Stand Selling – a simple, easy-to-follow guide to selling for small-sized businesses. Diane is also host of the Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.
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