How to Fire Your Inner Sales Guy
Are you hearing voices?
By now you know that, as a Thought Leader, it’s critical to lose the “sales speak” when creating content. But, when writing about topics that relate to service offerings or products—we can easily slip into “sales speak” fast.
Before we know it, we’ve blurted out, “Buy our stuff,” or “Call me today.” It’s only natural! We’ve been programmed to sell, sell, sell to keep our businesses moving! Once we’re there, it can be painfully difficult to dig our way out.
So, how do you tell your sales voice, “You’re Fired!”
Go To Lunch
One of the most effective ways to “blog from the heart” is to imagine your ideal reader or audience sitting across from you. Picture a lunch with him/her. Spout your idea, solution, pet peeve or revelation.
If you bring along your sales guy, he’d certainly blurt out, “Sign this contract now!” or “Call today!”
How embarrassing.
Termination
When you’re hearing sales voices, it’s time to declare yourself to be everything BUT a salesman.
Sit down with your inner sales guy and explain why their position within your blog has been eliminated and will be replaced with authenticity.
Some talking points:
- I am the product. The best way to promote ME is to be myself.
- I’m a resource. Not a promoter.
- I’m a mentor. Not a marketer.
- I’m an influencer. Not an infomercial.
- My readers are window shopping. If I display my authetic expertise, they’ll enter my store and look around. I don’t need to accost them.
- I can either TELL people I’m a Thought Leader or SHOW them. Our content will be practicing the latter from here on out.
- My influence and expertise is the sales team now.
Your Turn
Do you struggle to turn off the marketing and sales voices when blogging about certain topics? How do you squash it?
Deana Goldasich
Deana Goldasich, CEO and founder of Well Planned Web, plans and implements Content Marketing to help clients nurture leads, market their expertise and create an impactful presence online.
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This is exactly what I needed today. Thanks Deana
Excellent, JC! Where were you stuck with your writing?!
Trying not to be pushy about getting people to do web video. I need to just explain why it works. Trying to blog right now when I saw your linked in update. Thanks.
Oh, you just made my day, JC! You are EXACTLY who I was speaking to today, then 🙂 — Just be yourself, tell success stories and confidently show that you know your stuff. Thanks so much for stopping by! (Shhh… I'll let you get back to writing now)
@CateTV Thanks Cate for the RT of “How to Fire Your Inner Sales Guy.” Flattered when being RT’ed by you re: voice/tone! https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/06/fi…
@goldasich Hi Deana! Let’s grab a cup of coffee soon? 🙂 you been to #SOBcon yet? always next yr 🙂 here’s a taste vid http://cate.tv/video/catching-the-excite…
@goldasich you are most welcome! Have a fantastic Friday yourself. 🙂
LOL! LOVE, love, LOVE the picture of the smarmy sales guy!
This is a post worth printing out and posting on the wall! Thanks, Deana!
Thanks Ron (@ronkarr) for the RT of How to Fire Your Inner Sales Guy | via @goldasich https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/06/fi… – Have a GREAT Friday!
I know! Isn't he the best?! He was almost too smarmy — I didn't want him anywhere near the WPW blog. But he sure does make the point!
I know! Isn't he the best?! He was almost too smarmy — I didn't want him anywhere near the WPW blog. But he sure does make the point!
RT @goldasich: How to fire your inner sales guy when writing that blog post – #nsa #eventprofs – https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/06/fi…
How to fire your inner sales guy when writing that blog post – #nsa #eventprofs – https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/06/fi…