Overcoming sales reluctance, especially when we’re talking about our own personal marketing, can be a real challenge.
One of the best ways to “sell yourself, without selling yourself out” is to tell stories. Success stories of how you helped a client or coworker.
What is more effective? Telling people you have satisfied customers, or telling the story about that one customer who was so satisfied that he went out of his way to come into your business and bring flowers to the people who helped solve his problem?
Stories really work. They give credibility to any point you are trying to make.
For each of the bullet points you came up with in our last exercise, think of the story that underlines that outcome that you are wanting to share.
The best thing about stories is that they are not difficult to find. And it doesn’t feel awkward to tell interesting stories about how you worked with a coworker, prospect, or client. Stories roll off the tongue in a way that is much more effective than using expressions that sound like you are tooting your own horn.
You can weave stories into a friendly conversation, rather than forcing discussion about yourself or your business.
Give it a try, and let us know how it works
Note: This is our 5th post in a 10 part series dealing with personal marketing strategies. Many people struggle with the idea that they have to sell themselves, either corporately or in their own businesses, and these posts are intended to help them get over that hurdle. Watch for these posts in the next few months, or subscribe to our blog to receive them automatically in your inbox!
