Let’s Get Real About Marketing Your Business
“What To Do When The Haters Come Knocking”
By: Karen Pattock
As Halloween quickly approaches I thought it was appropriate to talk about a topic that scares the dickens out of some people… marketing. Marketing is one of those words that mean different things to different people. Some health and fitnesspreneurs are very comfortable living in the world of marketing while others find it extremely uncomfortable. But what do you do when someone challenges you on your marketing approach?
OK… maybe I’m getting a little ahead of myself. Let’s take a step back for a moment into the ‘why’ before we get to the ‘how’.
I have connected with so many health and fitness business owners that have difficulty in marketing their products and services. Most of the time their discomfort comes from the concept of selling ‘themselves’. Often they are convinced they would feel more comfortable selling someone else’s service rather than selling their own.
The interesting part is… they do believe in their ability to help their clients. So where’s the disconnect coming from? I’ve found that it usually revolves around the money part of the transaction. They are completely comfortable giving their expertise away for free. But when it comes to asking for money they get a little queasy.
I once heard someone say that she never feels bad about asking for the sale because she does give away so much valuable information for free that she has earned the right to promote her products and services. I’ve also heard it said that if you aren’t making money you don’t have a business. (Two very comprehensive analogies I think.)
But what if you’re one of the people that aren’t uncomfortable with marketing? You’re out there every day spreading the word about your products and services in a non-sleazy way? What if you are actually giving away more free content than you are promoting paid products and services and all of a sudden someone challenges your marketing style?
This happened to me just this morning! I’ll be honest, it doesn’t happen often but by the same token it isn’t the first time either. Let me break it down for you.
I received an email from a guy that is a member of a group I’m in. His email wasn’t nasty at all. In fact, it was well thought out and came from the perspective of trying to help me do better in the future. While I won’t bore you with the entire email I do want to point out some of the characteristics a letter like this has, so you’ll be able to recognize it in the future.
He started his email with, “It’s likely you won’t like my comment, but please believe that I am trying to be helpful.” (Emails like this almost always start out this way.)
He proceeded to write; “I find your approach to the group to be non-credible”. (That was a huge clue to me that he knows nothing about the content of my posts in the group because if he did there is no way he could say that.)
He also said, “My goal in belonging is to hear others share ideas and perspectives, not offers. I don’t add much because I consider myself on the fringe of the group”. (Admittedly, he doesn’t add much so in other words he’s a spectator not a participant and his comments are based on total speculation.)
I recently heard an amazing quote from Brene’ Brown, author of Daring Greatly, that fits this scenario perfectly,
“If you are not in the arena also getting your butt kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.”
So, are you wondering what I’ll do next with this email? I’m going to respond! Yes, I’m going to take a few minutes out of my day to write him a response. (Mostly I’m going to do this as a teaching moment for you.) My response will go something along these lines….
“Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me to share your concerns. In reading your email it became clear to me early on that you have never taken the time to read any of the content I share with the group. Had you done so you would have been well aware that I share at least 10 times the amount of free valuable content pertaining to building an online business as a health and fitnesspreneur than I ever promote for profit. Next time I post I encourage you to check it out… it may be the missing link in marketing and profiting in your own health business”
Ultimately here’s the deal… if you’re putting yourself out there you are going to run into some bullies, thugs and critiques masquerading as do-gooders. I’m telling you right now… it’s inevitable. My hope is that by sharing my story with you that you won’t feel so alone when it does happen. The key is to NOT take it personally. Instead remind yourself that when you are making a difference you will be subject to criticism and making a difference is ALWAYS THE GOAL. So no more playing small. Expand your marketing efforts to grow your business.
Did you find value in this post? Do you like it when I share real life experiences with you? If so, come leave me a message on my Facebook page. –>>CLICK HERE<<— Come tell me how this information impacted you. I promise to respond to every post.
Supporting you and your business is what I love to do every single day.
With love & support,
Karen Pattock
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**Have You Grabbed Your Spot?”**
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Awesome article. Very inspiring and encouraging. As an online marketer I’ve “tasted” some of the things you’ve mentioned in your article – although, to say the truth, I think I did deserve some of the “critiques” as I’m a bit of a small guy, and still learning, in this business.
I think this article deserves to be read by more marketing people. I’m going to share it at 2 online business networking sites (APSense and Ibotoolbox) that I belong to
Hi Fred,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this article. I’m thrilled that you found it inspiring and encouraging. Thank you for sharing it with your other networking sites. I really appreciate it.
~Karen
Great article. We advise our contractors all the time, treat yourself as a brand. You need to promote you, your skills, knowledge and experience holistically. You worked hard to get here but you can’t afford to be shy, sell yourself.
Those that promote succeed.
Thanks again, will share with our contractors.
Thanks so much for letting me know that you enjoyed the article. Feedback is always a great way for me to know I’m on the right track. This article certainly struck a cord with many people. Thank you also for sharing it with your contractors! It sounds like you’re very supportive.
You are very welcome. I hope the share encourages further feedback. 🙂