Stop "helicopter parenting" your business
While, in theory, it would be awesome to serve everyone that has a need for how you serve others…
…the reality is that you’re not for everyone - and that’s okay :)
During a conversation with a speaker colleague/client recently, we touched on a couple different topics, including the health of our respective businesses.
As we spitballed a variety of ways to grow our reach, he shared an insight that he thought was a huge blind spot for me.
He remarked, “I think your honest and direct approach to working with speakers doesn’t work for a lot of them.”
My response?
“The honest and direct approach is by design. I’m not for everyone and I want them to know it the moment they discover who I am and how I do my thing.”
For years, I was a deer in headlights behind the camera, afraid to truly speak my mind because I didn’t want to offend or scare the person in front of the camera.
I would tiptoe through directing the subject, unsure and anxious.
And guess what? The photos weren’t that great.
I mean, they were fine technically, but the heart and soul of the client wasn’t truly present in their expressions and body language. Looking back on that time, I realize how much of a sin that was.
It took several years in business to realize my work was missing something and needed to be better.
That key ingredient missing was me, and not at half-speed - all the way in.
The moment that switch flipped, the business started to move. More referrals. More appreciation for the work. More business, overall.
This new approach then made its way into my writing, including this blog.
The moment that I stopped “helicopter parenting” my work and content, that’s when I started to draw more attention from experts, and also feel like I was truly producing the visuals and words that resonated with my soul.
Did I lose opportunities to work with some folks the moment the gloves came off and I kept it genuine and honest? Yeah absolutely I did.
And that’s the good news.
It eliminated a slew of dead-end conversations with those that would never hire me based on my no-nonsense, high-energy approach to photo sessions.
Simply put, I’m not for them.
And that’s an awesome discovery that delivers results in both ways.
I avoid those that would have a negative experience in front of my camera and they’re one step closer to identifying a photographer whose style resonates with their personalities and sensibilities.
The long and short of it is this: don’t be afraid to be who you are when imparting your expertise on those you serve.
Whether you’re delivering client work or creating valuable content to share online, be true to who you are when crafting your messages.
Sure, it will turn off some folks, but that’s okay - that simply means they’re not your clients.
We live in a world where there are endless amounts of people who need our specialized services. Where one person isn’t a fit, there are three others saying, “Yes, please!” to every syllable that comes out fo your mouth.
Focus your efforts on those who appreciate your value and personality, and wish the not-a-good-fit folks well on their journey to discovering someone that can help them with their problems in a way that makes sense to them.
After all, when you half-speed your effort at helping others in order to not offend or overwhelm them, you’re half-assing the job, so what’s the point?
Be who you are, fully and completely.
You’ve dedicated your life’s work to the service of others - act accordingly.
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