I have spent the last 10 months pursuing entrepreneurship. I have studied many other successful entrepreneurs and developers who have either created a world-changing startup or those who have built a brand that cannot be ignored.
Back in January, I started a clothing brand (Iron Reich fitness) though I had a cool logo and good idea, I quickly realized that building and operating a clothing brand is WAY MORE work than i had expected. I realized that not only did I have to setup an initial storefront but i also had to physically print, package, and ship clothing to customers (trading time for money)
That is when I did some more research and found out how to leverage the internet.
Right now I am currently working on building a consulting and marketing agency that helps education and service companies such as home services, personal trainers, and even sustainability startups grow their message with the internet. I run this business on X (formerly twitter) and LinkedIn (many companies and professionals found on these platforms)
and after talking to several businesspeople and owners of companies on these platforms I have learned many things that I should do and many things I shouldn’t do.
The one thing they all emphasized was building the number one thing every successful business need - TRUST.
Trust is the ability to make a client/customer feel confident in working with you and that the investment they make will be worth it.
“But how do you build trust with others?” - I asked this to a CEO I recently talked to on X.
Speak to their Pain
-present a problem they know they have - (this makes them want to ask for help)
-explain what happens if they don’t change - (this will make them want to act)
-share your struggles you faced - (this makes you relate to them, they might want more personalized help)
Tease a Solution
-after presenting their problem, give small hints at what they can get out of working with you
-position yourself not as an expert, but as a problem-solver - (If you're a fitness coach, how did you help a client lose 30 lbs in x number of days?)
Personalize your message
-People are more likely to work with someone who understands the problems they face.
-A struggling business owner is more likely to work with someone who also struggled but overcame it.
-A person with poor health is more likely to take health advice from someone who was also unhealthy but worked their way to good health.
-An aspiring biologist is more likely to learn from someone who has actually dedicated their life to studying biology but once found it hard to understand.
The ability to speak to sme0mes pain points, present a solution, and deliver real results is what builds REAL trust.
These are just a few of the many things I’ve learned, next week I will get into building a following vs. building an AUDIENCE.
Luke Collura
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