What “Strategy Session” Really Means . . . Have you been bothered, like I have, by all the games that are played both online and offline to trap you as it were into someone’s system or program? I say “trap you” because when you want to be there of your own free will you will seek them out, you will step up to that plate, raise your hand and say to them “you are for me.” Unfortunately this isn’t what happens, instead you get caught up in the double talk of “strategy sessions” which is code for pitch session. Now, it isn’t a pitch that you will see coming, so be aware.
Take Rapid Action When It’s Right . . . When the person you are having this “session” with is the right fit for you and your business or life needs, by all means, cut to the chase, invest in the solutions, systems and move it forward. Let’s face it, free has no value and we won’t often act on free advise. We do act when we have skin in the game and often the more skin, the faster we take action. But too often you are likely to feel pressured, you may get no strategy at all as instead you dish your dilemmas and they push on the pain you have and voila, you cave. Welcome to traditional sales methods in service based businesses (like business mentoring, life coaching, energy healing, and more.)
Transparency Empowers You . . . Does it have to be that way? I don’t believe it does. I could be wrong, this could be one of the biggest gambles I’ve ever made but I’ve always been uncomfortable not sharing my rates openly. Conventional wisdom says that by showing my rates, you (even when you are my peeps) will go running for the hills and scream you can’t afford me. I don’t believe it. I believe instead it will empower you to make a well educated decision and step up when you are ready without my losing my time and yours in “strategy sessions” (aka “momentum sessions” “success sessions” and a myriad of other catchy codelike words). If you are curious, go check out my website.
Too Much Free and Not Enough Real Value . . . Realistically we both deserve to be well compensated for our expertise and giving it away in free sessions, really doesn’t make sense. Surely there is enough free content that we (I know I do) provide in teleseminars, webinars, podcasts, video and more these days that can provide a comfort level for an initial small investment that then leads your audience (and mine) to know and understand clearly the priceless value that a larger commitment (think coaching and mentoring in 3-6-9-12 month investments) will bring.
Ditch the Tire Kickers . . . Transparency makes life easier, stop hiding your value, and just state it – really, truly, fairly, and accurately. Will everyone buy you? Of course not, and you may have to weather some unpleasant comments and a few gasps. On the other hand, those that weren’t sure will know and will have a goal to shoot for when they are serious about working with you. You can ditch the tire kickers and collectors of free sessions (and trust me they are out there) and focus on making a real and tangible difference to those who step up, commit, invest, and take rapid action.
You hit the nail on the head with this article Melissa….Excellent!
Thanks! I appreciate you letting me know.
Best, Melissa
This article was helpful and I agree that you should be transparent. I don’t like the term strategy session at all! I have been trying to think of a way to make my initial call interesting to potential clients. So far nothing is working! 🙂 How do you find your target audience to get clients anyway? Is it really trial and error?
Christina,
When you have done the exercises and questions that I put my students through, you will have a clear target market and know readily where to find them and what they look like!
Hugs, Melissa
As someone here has already said, you have hit the nail right on its head. Unfortunately for all of us, too many heads of industry and businesses simply do NOT get it.
By now this sort of thing could be labelled as ‘kindergarten’ stuff. Is there anyone out there who does not want to be treated as you described in your post?
Ok, I am taking my gloves off. To all the DUMB CEO’s of the world out there … read this post. We want service and some of us are even willing to pay extra for it!
What is it going to take for the public to get this message into your thick skulls?
Stop hiding behind your desk, step up to the plate, and give us the service we all want and deserve and guess what?
We will reward your company with a huge increase in sales and we will tell all our friends about it.
What part of this message do you DUMB CEO’s do not understand?
Yahoo John!
That was awesome, love to get this message out there farther, I’ll be sharing more through weeks to come.
I appreciate your support always,
Melissa
Does it have to be that way? I’m with you in believing that it doesn’t.
Transparency empowers both the coach and the prospective clients. Kudos to you, Melissa, in moving beyond the old “push the pain points” marketing (ick) to putting YOU out there, saying “this is the value I bring”, and following up with remarkable service.
A breath of fresh air!
Mollie
Thanks Mollie,
I’ve seen this way too much and didn’t get into business to “push on pain” but instead to solve it with creative business and life strategies, tools, mindset, and motivation.
Together we all go farther,
Melissa
hi melissa
my name is hebert gray and i want to tell you that i want you to teach me how to make money onthe internet and everything you are saying is true and for that reason i want you to mentor me i love my wife and i allways get on better with women than men so i am looking forward to hearing from you all the best
Herbert,
I am honored and would be delighted to teach you online marketing (making money online). I recommend that your first step is to head over to http://www.superchargesuccess.com and grab the bonuses. Then you’ll be sure to be in the loop of upcoming classes and more.
For personal mentoring you can look at the site here.
Warmly, Melissa