Book Yourself Solid
Article by Michael Port
THE
7 KEYS TO GETTING MORE CLIENTS THAN YOU CAN HANDLE EVEN IF YOU HATE
MARKETING
AND SELLING
Clients
often ask me how I built a six figure income working as an
independent
professional in less than 10 months. I narrowed it down to 7 simple
steps.
Seven simple internal and intuitive attitude shifts… and the exact
action items
that will kick your business up a notch.
These
effective and powerful steps won’t come as any mystery to you,
but if you
take them to heart, they will absolutely and emphatically build your
business
naturally and authentically.
My
advice to you (from someone who has struggled and been exactly where
you are
now) is to love, embrace and believe in yourself. Because I know how
easy and
realistic it is for you to become a successful solo professional.
Combine
these simple insights with the gifts you have within yourself
to create
an abundant, joyful and prosperous business and life.
SEVEN KEYS TO BOOKING YOURSELF SOLID
Key
1: Focus On Solutions no matter what you say, think or do. Take the
attention off of yourself, your business and your services. Every
second of
every day stay focused on clear, specific and detailed solutions,
benefits and
advantages that appeal to your prospects.
Clearly
define the root of your prospects’ problems and needs. Then
only focus
on those solutions. There does seem to be some universal confusion on
the
definition of a solution these days… or a slip of the mind, perhaps?
Solutions
are not technical, scientific, mechanical or procedural. They are
simple ideas…
profound, deep and impactful.
If
someone wants to lose weight, solutions are not…
Dietary
guidelines
Exercises
Nutritional
supplements
The
core need of losing weight is much deeper. They really want to…
Feel
more self confident
Feel
incredibly attractive
Attract
their perfect mate
Now
you’re talking their language. The more benefits you uncover, the
quicker
you will start to attract new clients. People buy good feelings, news
ways of
thinking and solutions to their problems.
Key
2: Seek Out Ideal Clients for maximum joy, prosperity and
abundance. Think
about the human you are when you are performing optimally at your
peak…when you
are with all the people who inspire and energize you.
Make
a long list of the characteristics these people have because they
are your
ideal clients. (p.s. clients and friends are interchangeable
expressions)
I
used to work with anyone who had a pulse and a checkbook. Living the
red velvet
rope policy of ideal clients increases my productivity… happiness… and
more
clients than I can handle are being referred to me. I know it’s hard to
believe, but it’s true!
Clients
are like family to me. Don’t get me wrong, I lived through a
period of
intense and painful negative energy worrying about those challenging
client
relationships. It exhausted me and took me away from accomplishing the
highest
good for my clients. It was impossible for me to be productive,
effective or
successful in this environment.
Now
with your list of inspiring people, I give you permission to
release any
dead wood in your calendar. If it feels scary, trust the next five
steps to
energetically fill those spaces.
Key
3: Embrace Your Authentic Self and toss out the societally accepted
version
of you. Yes! I’m serious. No one likes the IBM stiff blue suit that
follows
every rule. We’re attracted to that perky, authentic confident soul who
says it
like it is and filters nothing!
Think
about how radiant and attractive you are when you are with your
best
friends. You are spontaneous, free and genuine because of the trust
within
these close relationships.
Our
real liberated, confident empowered self is the true self that only
a
select few inner circle friends are exposed to. Let me tell you… if you
let
your quirky, silly side shine… you’ll experience far greater
self-assurance and
an immediate client attraction. Sound easy? It is! Works every time
like a
charm. Test it for yourself.
Key
4: Branding is not just for Superbowl advertisers. If you haven’t
identified your natural skill, talent, interest or expertise… or if
you’re not
clearly and consistently expressing and defining yourself… chances are
your
clients can’t either.
Most
people are afraid of niches or specifity because they think it may
limit
their success or potential. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Ambiguity
and uncertainty translates into insecurity. Personal branding
is
uniquely you. Own it… love it… express it!
(oh,
and by the way… once you’ve mastered your niche… then you get to
expand
and do anything else you want!!!)
Key
5: Articulating What You Do is the key that connects your vibrant,
branded
and authentic self to the world. Most people are afraid to express
themselves
in a clear and powerful way.
Speak
boldly, clearly and with purpose. This is the fastest way to
eliminate
suspicion, guesswork or speculation. Prospects want to know the exact
benefits
they will experience and action they should take. Articulate this
you’ll have
paved the way for a “yes”.
Remember
you won’t appeal to everyone. And, that’s the beautiful
thing!!! What
you will do is powerfully impact your ideal clients in a compelling way
every
time you clearly communicate the vibrant you.
Key
6: The Simple Selling Process is a cinch once you embrace Key 1
(solutions
baby!). If you remember this, you’ll never have to sell again.
When
you think in terms of solutions and problems solved, clients will
beg to
work with you. You are a consultant… a lifelong advisor. When you have
fundamental solutions to help others… it’s your moral imperative to
show and
tell as many people as possible. You are changing lives!
Inquire…
What
is your goal?
Show…
What
the benefits will be when they reach their goal
Ask…
Would
you like a partner to help you with that?
Gain
a commitment. Ask yourself, would this person’s life be fuller,
happier
and better-off with me in it? Now, let your light shine and give an
action
plan.
Key
7: Self Promotion Is Easy And Fun The internet and modern
technology is a
beautiful thing, but too many people get caught up in their “web site”.
Don’t
waste one more second on any marketing that is ineffective, inefficient
or that
you just can’t measure.
Master
the tried and true techniques that will book you instantly,
Network,
mastermind and get synergistic relationships working for you. There’s
nothing
less effective than a solo pro… and a single mind. Colloborate for the
benefit
of all!
If
this seems to vague, open the phone book, look up professionals with
similar
clients and prospective audiences, make one phone call today and
introduce
yourself and the benefits of your services. Now make one five minute
phone call
every day. If you’re not comfortable calling a stranger, talk to every
friend,
family member and colleague you know and ask for names of professionals
in the
fields you are seeking. Soon you’ll have a growing list of warm names
to call.
The
second easiest way to book yourself solid is to use client
referrals.
First, ask every client how happy they are with your services. If the
answer is
positive, then ask who else they know in a similar situation that could
benefit
from... (list those benefits!). If they aren’t satisfied, you just
bought
yourself a second chance. Consider yourself lucky.
Time
prevailing there are so many more ways to Book Yourself Solid, we
could go
on for weeks and weeks on end. My recommendation, start with the basics
here
and write me at Michael@michaelport.com with additional questions,
concerns,
clarifications, epiphanies or revelations you have.
Remember
you have the ultimate solutions to build an abundant business.
Express
the brilliance of you and let out the silly one too. Anything less is
criminal.
So
let's get down to it and book yourself solid!
About
The Author
To
learn more about
booking yourself solid and getting more clients
than you
can handle even if you hate marketing and selling – go to
www.MichaelPort.com.
michael@michaelport.com