Grow Your Business: How to Talk About It Without Feeling Awkward
You know you’ve gotta grow your business. However, when you’re chatting with someone how comfortable do you feel bringing up your business?
- I feel super comfortable! They’re asking about how I’m doing and my business is part of me. I just construe it as them asking how my business is. After all, how else are you supposed to grow your business?
- I feel weird just bringing it up so I look for an “in” to bring it up.
- Eek! Oh, gosh no. Talk about super awkward! I usually don’t talk about it directly, but, hey, they know what I do so if they want to know about my business, they’ll just ask….right?
Why we don’t talk about our businesses
Although most network marketers would LOVE to say they’re just like “a,” most network marketers are more like “b” or “c.” And, if we’re being totally honest here, the majority fall into choice “c.” We feel that our families and friends know what we do – they know we’re leading a network marketing business – so we don’t want to burden them with constant reminders. After all, they’ve likely had negative encounters with other network marketers who have inundated them with updates about their businesses and have tried to strong-arm them into buying products or joining their teams. We’ve likely heard them complain about that approach and we don’t want to be like that!
But, you gotta talk about your business!
As a business leader, it’s important to talk about your businesses. After all, how else are people supposed to know what you can offer to serve them and address their needs?
You see, we assume that people remember what we do – that we’re building a successful network marketing business. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. People live busy lives and often can’t even remember what they ate for lunch last Friday. It’s a big expectation to remember what you do. That’s not a knock against you – it’s just that they’re busy. They need a reminder of the products you sell or the services you offer and the more often you remind them, the more likely they’ll be to remember.
Grow your business with less awkwardness
The thing is, this is where many people feel the most awkward. It’s rude to just interject about your business in conversation. You don’t want to interrupt someone’s story about their amazing Alaska cruise with “Oh, did I tell you about my business?”
However, there is a point in the conversation when the topic will turn to you and what you’ve been up to. This is your opportunity to talk about your business. Explain what you do and a bit about the products you sell. Explain why you got involved and that you love to serve. Although this isn’t the time to give a full Shark Tank-style pitch, you can give someone the basic idea about your business.
As is natural in conversation, the other person may ask questions about your business – take the time to answer, and while you’re at it, listen for clues that will shed light on how you can help them. Many people are curious about network marketing, and if they ask questions, they may become potential prospects. If it feels right to discuss an opportunity to join your team, feel free to ask; however, you may wish to put a pin in that conversation and discuss it another time. Often, a person needs time to stew on an idea before they’re ready to make the jump.
Still nervous?
If you’re thinking, “There’s no way I could do that. Sure, it’s less awkward, but I just don’t feel comfortable bringing it up. Plus, what if that opening in the conversation never comes?”
It’s true, there are times when the conversation doesn’t flow as predictably as above. Sometimes you have to roll with it and bring it up yourself in a way that doesn’t seem weird. In order to do so, you’ve got to rethink your perspective.
Remember, you’re building relationships!
Why did you get into the business? To serve others and to serve with heart. You love helping people and building relationships with them. At the heart of it all, you’re not talking about your business to sell them something; you’re talking about your business to learn more about how you can help them. Sure, it’s great to be able to sell a product or service or have them join your team; that’s how your business will grow. However, your business will grow on the foundation of your strong relationships.
When you’re feeling weird about bringing up your business in conversation, remember that your goal is to serve them. You want to find a need that you can fill, whether it’s suggesting a product that can help them or someone in their family with a problem they’re facing or to connect them with someone you know who can help. Your goal is to be of service to everyone in your network and those who you want to be in your network. Each conversation and opportunity to reach out is a chance for you to build trust.
Listen and look for cues
So much of our conversation is nonverbal. Messages are conveyed in the tone of voice, choice of words and even body language. Take note of all of these things throughout the conversation. They often offer clues into the other person’s level of interest in your business and the products and services you offer. If they seem enthusiastic or intrigued, be sure to get their information and add them to Teamzy so you can be sure to keep in touch.
“The way you tell your story to yourself matters.” – Amy Cuddy
Grow your business: 5 tips for talking about your business
- Give an update. Mention new products or services that you’re particularly excited about. Talk about what they do and how they’d benefit the other person.
- Share the benefits of your business. Were you able to pay off Christmas gifts long before Christmas even started because of the money you earn in your business? Or are you planning a fun family vacation that this summer, paid for by your business? Talk about it. Your business allows you to do some amazing things – things you may not have been able to do before. Talk about it. Although you may not be able to mention specific figures, you can talk about all the cool stuff you’ve been able to do because of your business.
- Discuss your purpose. We all have a purpose; however, so many of us don’t know what it is. If you’ve discovered yours, share it with others. Then explain how your business helps you live up to your purpose. Who knows – you may even inspire others to begin living by their purpose.
- Explain the benefits of network marketing. Many people have heard of network marketing but may not know much about it. Or, they’ve had awful experiences, either with salespeople or participating in network marketing in the past. If you’re a network marketer that focuses on relationships, you’re a higher level of network marketer. You’re not a pushy salesperson that gives the industry a bad name; you’re the future of the industry that nurtures and develops relationships.
- Plant the seed. When you talk about your business, you plant the seed. The seed includes the products and services you offer that can help them achieve their goals. It also includes the opportunity you’re offering that may help them improve their lives.
Once you’ve mentioned your business and what sets you apart from other network marketers, many people will be curious. They may leave the conversation thinking more about network marketing and may even consider starting a network marketing business themselves, especially if they’re not happy with their current employment situation.
The conversation has ended, now what?
Just because the conversation ended doesn’t mean the discussion about your business has. The other person will go home, often thinking about your business. They may tell their spouse, neighbor, or whoever they happen to see next about your business.
This is why it is so important to follow up. Following up keeps you top of mind and keeps them thinking about your business. The more they think about your business, the more likely they are to purchase from you or introduce you to a friend you can help or even take you up on the opportunity you’ve offered to join your team. What better way to grow your business?
Teamzy can help you grow your business!
Teamzy can help you follow up with everyone you converse with. Once you have their information, add them to Teamzy and assign them to a category. Teamzy will use its algorithm to ensure you message them at the right time. There’s no need to feel like you’re bugging them. Teamzy also has scripts to use when you’re not sure what to say. Get more tips to help you transition any conversation to one about your business with the 7-lesson training, The Art of Creating Conversations that Convert. You’ll get all the tips and tools you need to create better, more productive conversations. Click here to learn more.
