Do you respect your own profession? Do you sincerely like and enjoy working with your clients?
At a recent business meeting the discussion leader referred to his prospects and clients as lazy and unmotivated. When I met separately with two fellow attendees, each one (independently) mentioned that they did not know what to think of someone who disparaged their own clients.
Two years ago, I got a serious shock during an information interview with a coach, when I was researching targeting coaches for my marketing business. The coach informed me that (other) coaches were cheap, unwilling to pay for my services and frankly not worth pursing as a market.
Why did these individuals speak disparagingly of their clients or colleagues? Regardless of the reasons, it stained my first impression. And given my reaction and others, I doubt that either person recognized how their comments blemished their professional image.
Do you speak ill of prospects, clients or colleagues? If so, take a step back. Audit and write down your speech and thoughts. Ask yourself:
- Are you substituting a lack of knowledge or experience with the stereotype of a profession?
- Are your assumptions biased due to your own experiences in that profession or industry?
- Are your prospects’ problems just not interesting to you?
Thinking negatively of colleagues or prospects sours your professional development and your ability to wholeheartedly help clients. As such, gaining awareness of your thoughts and why you feel this way, lays the groundwork for your sweet success.
This blog was written for the ezine Concise Marketing Advice, which is sent out every other Tuesday. Subscribe to CMA via the sign-up box in the upper left hand corner of this page.
If you have any questions, queries or wish to reprint this article please call or email me (513-561-2642, adale@tothepointwriting.net).
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