Well put. Be who you are openly and success seems to follow.

very powerful follow up to the Pendulum presentation and gives me hope for the future – thanks Michael

Michael,
I heard you speak at Engage Today 2009 and 2010, and was very impressed with what you had to say.
This presentation, though, is the one that really reached me.
Having dealt with a broad spectrum of small and beginning business clients, my late partner and I always tried to speak to where that person is coming from; speak or write in their language, to their level of understanding. We felt that understanding is the most important part of the process.
In my then and current job as trainer in computer accounting systems, being able to speak the language and to understand the world of the client is the most important thing I can do. Truckers see the world from a different perspective than farmers, retailers have different problems than restauranteurs; construction is another world from professionals. . They all have different data requirements, even within their industries. Knowing or learning how their world works and what is important to them is vital if I am to make a system work for them, one that they actually use, that actually improves their business in even some small way.

I have had many clients that have taken courses elsewhere and been completely lost as to how it might work for them.
Our way has worked well in one-on-one situations; how do I enlarge the audience and still manage the required rapport?

Hoping I will learn something about that in Calgary next month.

Live well,
Arlene

I can not say enough about the difference this knowledge has made in my life. Eternally Grateful!

EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW.

Hi Arlene,

Thanks for your question. Chatted with Michael and this is what we suggest.

First off though, it sounds like you are very familiar with the needs of all your clients. Very personalized. Kudos to you. Not everyone gets that.

Having this awareness is great, because it ties right into your question. Did you see the video on Pesonas? http://www.beneaththecover.com/2010/08/05/mistake...

In this video, Anthony talks about the value of knowing your audience inside and out … and breaks it down into different personality types. Different personalities have different needs. Write to their needs and you now have a stronger relationship (just like in person).

*** ALSO – there's something called the 5-3-1 method. This allows you to enlarge your audience. This is how it works.

For every one blog that you post (this is the "1"), you create three trackbacks to other blogs. A trackback is when you link to another blogger, with a similar subject, niche or something. This builds a relationship with them and shares the "love" … in terms of your audience maybe going over to check him or her out. That blogger will likely reciprocate over time. Now you opened up a whole new audience.

The last step is going out to similar blogs and posting 5 comments. Focus on joining the conversation, adding value and building a relationship. Just like you would if you were talking in person. Don't promote. Just add value. Be unique. Be valuable. Do this on 5 blogs. You can go to to google blog search to find blogs that relate to your business, topic, etc.

The result of using 5-3-1. One business owner used this strategy solely for one year. He had an increase in 60 000 unique visitors over that year. It takes some time to get going and can take some work, but mix great writing, writing to personas and the 5-3-1 method … and you have a fruitful combo.

Does that help?

Good luck!

Kyle

Thanks Jenn

[...] everyone wants to know! SHABAMBO! -Tellman Read Entire Comment Jenn:Love IT!! Read Entire Comment Kyle McNeil:Thanks Jenn Read Entire Comment Kyle McNeil:Hi Arlene, Thanks for your question. Chatted with [...]

[...] Remove the fluff and respectfully cut to the chase with your message and goals. Michael does exactly this when he spoke at the Speakers and Authors Networking Group. [...]