I know better than to pitch friends.
But I did on Facebook just to see the response…
meh… lackluster (about 20% conversion of those who saw it.)
My friends just aren’t my target market.
(Duh!)
Wasn’t a complete loss though, I did hear from my childhood friend Gregory:
SMLXL
I don’t know if Gregory made it to the show, but he did comment on how I can get away with using “Dope” in a promo, while still being professional and still converting.
I sold it alright.
I sell dope, and so much more every day.
You should too.
Gregory thinks “dope” isn’t professional. 🙁
You probably don’t either. 🙁
But… you’re… wrong.
Professionalism is about your personality and delivering what you promise.
So, who you are, as long as it true to you, and produces results is ALWAYS professional.
I invite you to be yourself while doing your best work.
Start with your values, then pay attention the words you use with family and friends in conversation, texts and other places.
Example:
My top values are Affection, Fun, Creativity, Romance, Community.
They inspire the words I use every day in email, in person, and yes, with clients too.
If you’ve followed me or worked with me long enough you know them:
– Fantastic – Brilliant – Awesome
– Dope ( or Super Duper Dope)
– Ya dig?
– Let’s Jam
– Telly
– My Man!
– My Woman!
– Nah kid
– The streets
– specks and sun-specks (glasses and sunglasses)
– Treat yo self!
– Fly
– Snippity-snap
– Whaaa!?
– Cat
– Nooo!
– The Book (what I call Facebook)
– Wrong
– Snoochie Boochies
– even my name– (always bold letters with italic exclamation).
What can I say, I’m a corny, silly, fun-loving cat.
Even in French I have my favorite words and expressions.
Oh and I swear too. Yup!
Who I am naturally extends into my work.
Not gonna change anytime soon.
—
How about you {{your name}}?
Is your work a natural extension of who you are?
I know you only work with people who like and respect you. People who don’t like you as you are, probably aren’t your target market.
Great start.
But what about in your marketing?
Now, you can stress yourself out. Be formal and stiff. Hold your breath to be “professional” at someone else’s standard.
Doesn’t seem to match you as a leader though…
Sounds stifling…
Makes for boring relationships…
Boring marketing…
Boring emails…
… just boring all around.
OR…
… You can be yourself, personable, relatable, and even offensive, but ALWAYS honest.
I say go with the best policy every time.
People like knowing what they get with you, no secrets or surprises.
You’ll be a trustworthy straight-shooter.
All ya gotta do…
… Own your personality!
You’ll be surprised at how quickly you attract better customers and clients this way.
So…
Are you introverted and quiet? Put it in an email.
Are you silly and playful? Put it in an email.
Are you curt and sarcastic? Put it in an email.
Test it this week in person and online.
The feedback will speak for itself.
If you don’t know your language yet, I’ll help you find the words that separate you from the boring, mooooo-ing herd.
Hop on my schedule for a consult. We’ll discover the stylish vocabulary that fits who you are, and the people you REALLY want to attract, in 60 minutes or less.
Be well,
Max!
P.S. A professional man with his own language– Tom Haverford of Parks & Recreation.
Oh and yes, you’re allowed to make up words and create your language.
It’s part of the territory in standing out as a leader.
Let’s jam already!