Do you want to know one of the best ways I've grown my business? My answer might surprise you!
One of the very best ways I grow Brilliant Business Moms each and every week is by simply being a friendly, encouraging face in the online world.
Within the hundreds (and maybe thousands at this point!) of comments, messages, and emails I receive, time and time again women tell me that they love how friendly and upbeat I am.
And that feedback? It makes my day! Hearing from my people, and receiving kind words is incredibly encouraging and uplifting. It's humbling. It's an absolute honor. And it means the world to me.
Friendly and upbeat–that's exactly how I WANT to be relating to my audience. And I have a feeling that's how most of you want to relate to your audience too.
There are just too many Negative Nancies out there, right? We want to be the positive, safe place where people can land, whether we sell baby goods, blog about natural living, or teach people how to take better photos.
Here are a few tips to help you be that friendly, encouraging face:
But real quick: I need to make a confession before I begin. The other day I called someone who wrote me an email a jerk! (I know… I know…this was me NOT being a friendly, encouraging face.) This person was, in fact, a jerk. But still! I just want you to know that I don't have this all figured out. I'm still working on it too! So accept my advice as coming from someone who is far from perfect!
1.) Let people know you're happy to see them.
When I'm on Facebook Live, I love to say “hey” to people who comment and come across my screen. I want them to know I'm so glad to see them!
You can do the same thing when you see a comment or email from a customer. Let them know it's nice to meet them and that you're thrilled they're a customer.
Let an old customer know it's nice to see them around your corner of the world again. Ask them how they're doing.
2.) Do your best to respond to emails and messages in a timely manner.
I know this one can be so difficult as a busy mom. There was definitely a period of time where I was ridiculously slow at responding to my Facebook messages, but I've gotten much better lately, because it's hard to show others I care if they get ignored!
I pride myself on responding to everyone's questions via email within a few days and giving them the personalized advice they're looking for. This, brilliant ladies, is where true relationships are formed and one-time customers become long-time fans.
And if your business has grown big enough that you are getting more messages and emails than you can reply to, maybe it's time to hire a VA to answer some of them for you!
3.) Be encouraging and let others know you believe in them and think they're fabulous.
Sometimes it's difficult in a culture that values independence and confidence to put myself out there and tell others how I feel about them. But I believe this is so important – not just in my personal life but with my business too.
Let people know you think they're awesome. Let them know that even if others don't believe in them, you do.
Again, regardless of your topic or the product you sell, you can always find a way to give someone a compliment and let them know you care.
4.) Pray for them.
You might not agree with this little bit of advice depending on what you believe, but this one is important to me. When someone writes to me about a tough circumstance, I stop and pray for them and let them know I've done so.
I want my faith to be part of every aspect of my life, so that means I welcome it into my business too. (And of course now I'm thinking back to that person I dubbed a jerk. Where was my faith then? Sigh…I'm a work in progress.)
5.) Find a way to get in front of your ideal customers often.
This is another really difficult assignment to pull off, but I have a few tips that work really well for me.
I'm not great at posting regularly on Instagram, and until I hired my fabulous VA, Victoria, my Facebook page was often neglected too.
But now, no matter how busy I am, I've got pins spreading all over Pinterest and Facebook, plus Instagram ads showing up in thousands of people's feeds each week.
I've implemented marketing strategies in my business that allow me to leverage my time and reach.
And, the best part is, these “ads” don't have to look annoying or sales-y.
I get to call the shots.
So if I want to write in my friendly, encouraging voice, I can do just that.
If I want to share a lovely photo, no problem.
If I want to let people know that I believe in them, and they can absolutely do this online business thing, I do!
You see, getting in front of your ideal customers on a daily basis can be really fun, and it can feel like you're sitting across from a friend over a cup of coffee.
One thing I love to do in my Instagram and Facebook ads is include my email address at the bottom and encourage people to reach out to me with any questions or help they may need. It's just one more way to be friendly and approachable and encourage interaction. And letting people know I am accessible gives them confidence in me and my brand.
These are just the few of the ways I try to be a friendly, encouraging face online.
What about you? I'd love to hear your tips for being a breath of fresh air instead of a Negative Nancy 🙂
– Beth Anne