Earlier this weekI had a consultation with a client who wants help growing her personal brand and I earned a new client for my mentorship program.  My blogging journey is such a great experience.  The support is an unexplainable feeling, and I’m so glad that I’ve decided to blog more consistently.  I love the messages, comments and emails from my readers telling me I’ve helped them in their personal or professional life.  These aren’t my first two clients, but every time someone decides to work with me, I get this “wow, I’m really doing this” feeling inside.  I give myself credit and understand that people appreciate what I have to offer, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to people “buying what I sell”.

Every since starting my business in 2008, I’ve tried to avoid the whole sales process.  It’s literally impossible to run a financially successful business without selling, but at all costs I wanted to shy away from seeming so “car salesman” like.  I hate that.  I didn’t want to bombard people with my offers, tag people on Facebook to my latest blog post, or any of that annoying stuff.  I’ve finally figured out why people want to work with me, and it’s a pretty obvious concept that a lot of us forget to showcase.

People are buying what I’m selling because I offer value.

After launching my free eBook (no longer available), this was an email that I received from one of my subscribers.

That email made my day. Why? Because:
1. I’ve helped someone.
2. She’s going after her dream. No matter WHAT. So awesome.

Anyway, I responded to her email with follow-up advice and let her know how she could work with me. You create opportunities to sell without being “salesy” when people are asking YOU how YOU can help them instead of you telling people (who have not inquired about you) why they should give you money.

Here’s a snippet of the “pitch” portion of the email I sent to her:
“If you’re interested in my consulting services ($75.00/hour), I’d love to meet with you in person so we can discuss different ideas to take your brand to the next level!  

My consultation includes a pre-consultation questionnaire to understand your goals and aspirations, a 1 hour consultation in person or via Skype and 3 follow up calls or emails (with “homework”) to help you stay on track.

I sincerely don’t want you to find yourself in the same place as you are now by the time 2015 rolls around. Something as simple as narrowing down your target audience can really make all the difference between a stagnant business and a business that thrives.”

She actually told me she had wanted to work with me and was more interested in my long-term offer. Again, SO EXCITING.

[Tweet “The best way to sell is by being just a big of fan to your audience as they are of you.”]

A lot of my readers are passionate women that want to earn a living doing what they love. I 100% SUPPORT THAT!

I’m rooting for you, girl! You can do this! In fact. I can help you. Because that’s my job purpose. Whether it’s through a free resource, all my in-depth blog posts, or coaching, I aim to help women grow a meaningful online brand. My desire to do so is not based on a check.When my readers are ready to take things one step forward, that’s how I make my living.  But guess what? No one’s going to buy what I sell BEFORE they see that I offer value.

Did you write that down?  Offer value.

How can you offer value to your clients or customer? Get in line with their end goal. This is SO important. This is why knowing and understanding your audience is CRUCIAL to running  a successful business.  As I stated, my primary audience consists of women who want to run a business that they are passionate about that will make them money.  What do I offer? Advice on how to create a business that will make them money. End Goal = Value.

[Tweet ” If you cannot meet the end goal of your clients or customers, you have nothing of value to offer them.”]

If you cannot offer them value, you will not make the sale.

[Tweet “You will make money if you know and sincerely support your consumer’s end goal.”]

Are you a fitness coach?  Support their end goal of losing 10lbs by offering physical training.  Are you a finance coach?  Support their end goal of going out of debt by offering a debt repair package.  Are you a personal stylist?  Support their end goal of feeling confident in clothing by offering a personal shopping experience.

Are your products and services in line with your customer’s end goal? I’d love to hear from you!