Meaning: the action of making known new or secret information.
Quote: From John S. Savage: "Storytelling is a form of self-disclosure".
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It’s the nature of business. Our absolute desire is to meet new people and learn more about them. It shows in the innovation we put into our meetings, how things come about, and what we hope to come away, with is becoming increasingly creative.
The bottom line is, in a one-to-one first-time “discovery” call, each party is looking for something; and that’s information. Without certain information, we are lost and we find it difficult to take the next step. Key information is what makes up the critical elements in a relationship.
As an example, I’ll meet a potential client who is bubbling over with energy. They can’t wait to “disclose” their plans, their goals and their ideas. I love that, however, too many times I meet those who seem to hold onto their dreams in a cloak of secrecy … and even more remarkably I’ll hear them ask, “Well you’re the expert …aren’t you supposed to know what I need?”
The answer is yes and no…Yes I can give you great recommendations for growing a client list and I can help you create an evidence-based plan to move forward …but that only happens when the client has disclosed their goals and expectations … in detail.
When you’re scouting for marketing services, it can be maddening repeating your requirements over and over. But how can you avoid it and still get the services you need?
We’re not talking a 20 page booklet with an intent to impress the Shark Tank Staff (although that wouldn’t be a bad thing) …but to have even a high level outline of where you want to take your business and what you hope to accomplish in a designated amount of time …well, that can be a huge advantage when communicating with any prospective service provider.
If you have trust issues then create an NDA or non-disclosure agreement and adhere to it … or create separate sections of your plan to only reveal your marketing requirements, but an NDA usually is enough. Remember, your dreams can’t grow if you hide them.
When you schedule a complimentary strategy call with me, I send you a brief questionnaire that’s designed to use the information from your business plan. Then when we meet our 30 minute session, you see how very powerful and productive it will be.
So let’s chat. You’ll disclose your marketing expectations, and I’ll disclose how they can be accomplished. Together we’ll make a plan to expand your most valuable business asset…your database. Until next time, bye bye!