Q of the week: Would you do things differently in your business if no one's watching?

[JoeSorge]

I happened upon this modification of an old Irish proverb:


“Dance as if no one were watching, Sing as if no one were listening, & drink as if it were your last”


I couldn't help but think of how this relates to our businesses and it helped me shape our question of the week: Would you do things differently in your business if no one was watching?


Let's stick with the proverb for a second. I cannot dance, but when no one's around I'm an air-guitar fool. I certainly cannot sing, but definitely belt it out alone on a drive in my car. Why?
My default answer is that I don't want to embarrass myself in front of others, but who says that'd be embarrassing?

Is there anything that's like this for you in your business?
Anything that you have some fun with or take pleasure in shortcutting when no one is looking?
Could your business actually improve were you to take away that veil? Would it at least be "truer" to the real you?

What do you think?

[susang]

Joe, love this question and one I'm working on. I find when I am more myself 2 things happen -1. it attracts people, 2. it repels people. : )

Which makes sense - when we always strive for the middle road and "nice" it appeals to a wider group.
But when we are really ourselves, some people find that refreshing and attractive. Others who don't jibe with that energy walk the other way.
Those who don't understand my personality often call me "passionate," "energetic," "enthusiastic," and "perky." Often I assume those are veiled code words for "Not a serious business person."

But that would be an inaccurate judgement. In fact, what business wouldn't want someone passionate, energetic and enthusiastic?

The older I get, the more I want to surround myself with like-minded, like-energy folks. I am less concerned with pleasing everyone and more focused on building a business (and life) that works for me.

From a business perspective, it doesn't hurt my bottom line at all. In fact, it improves business. Those people who like who I am as a person, like my business too because it comes from a more authentic place. I may have fewer clients, but they are willing to pay more and invest in what I offer over and over again. As a self-employed person I've realized I'm not going to amass huge numbers of people who like what I do. My focus now is a boutique that appeals to the few who understand the value of what I offer.

[bernixiong]

Joe, I love this question. What trips me up at times is the exact opposite.

I find that every time I launch a new product or promo that I end up getting caught up being logical and technical (highlighting the features and benefits) when I create my marketing copy that I end up missing out on the emotional appeal it has for my target audience.

I LOVE all the advice I keep getting from my trusted advisers and super star friends in my network that keep reminding me to go back to the basics and just do what I do best, which is being "authentic."

So my greatest lesson this year will be to continue talking in my real voice WHEN people ARE watching. That is, talking the way I do regardless of whether I'm blogging, video blogging, or writing copy. I do business best when I'm relatable and emotionally appealing and it shouldn't change just because I'm in a different medium.

[JoeSorge]

Berni, Susan, I'm so glad that it resonated for you.
John and Chris did a great job with the idea yesterday during the show. Did
you happen to catch it?

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[bernixiong]

Yep, and took tons of notes. John is the bomb.

[JimRaffel]

Joe,

I actually reverse the question. Because I spend so much of my time working alone I sometimes ask myself the following, "What would you be doing right now if you worked in an office full of your peers?"

[simoncmason]

What changes would you make Jim? Do you think it would be for the better?

I find a lit of small businesses try to be corporate because they think it looks more professional, when personality should be one of a small businesses biggest strengths!

I've certainly made this mistake in the past and now try to put a lot more of myself out there.

Simon

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

[JoeSorge]

I'm still thinking about this question. Your individuality is your small business strength in my mind.

[JimRaffel]

Simon and Joe,

I think it's more about "are you screwing off too much Jim? Been down one too many rabbit holes today?" I really have no accountability except to myself.

sent from my HTC EVO using taptalk

[RyanS]

I always march to the beat of my own drum whether people are looking or not. If you can't be yourself at all times you were probably meant to be an actor!