Each week on the Big Promo Cast, Rich and I start off the episode by talking a bit about how things are going in our lives. I talk about organizations that I’m involved in and the books that I’m writing. Rich talks about how things are going with his live videos and the new things he’s been learning. But how much is too much information?
Personally, I’m an open book. (For example, I became very real with my readers by sharing my struggles with PTSD.) But some professionals feel as though they should be closed off from their customers about their personal lives. Others are insistent that customers should know who you are on a personal level. Only you know what works best for you, though.
Keeping yourself closed off, whether somewhat or entirely, can be beneficial to your business. It gives you and your client the opportunity to focus on the work at hand and not become distracted by idle chit-chat. Many people get sidetracked when talking about the weather, how someone’s day is going, or catching up on the latest in each other’s lives.
On the flip side, many people say that customers don’t buy from a company – they buy from people. Some people believe that you need to be real with people. You need to let them know that you’re a real, live person so that they become comfortable with you. When they feel like they know you as a person, they are more likely to buy from you.
I think that there’s a middle ground that we can come to regarding this. There’s a way that we can show others that we’re genuine without going into the details of our trials and tribulations. If a customer asks about how things are going, try offering just one piece of information. This way, you’re engaging with them and showing a piece of yourself without getting sidetracked.
