Today is all about love and I want to share a story of something that borders on infatuation. Recently I learned of a business owner who was almost cleverly seduced by someone selling hope. These hope peddlers prey on small businesses, especially newer small businesses.
You see, most people that have started a business are in a fog. They are in the honeymoon phase that happens with just about any new relationship. Their business is dreamy, does no wrong and just thinking about it gets the butterflies in their tummy fluttering.
Then this beautiful new business is a little slow to build up. A client or two waddles in, but the cash flow is not exactly flowing. It is not really even a trickle. But the love is strong and this relationship was built on desire and passion, the foundation of any good relationship, right?
Along comes a bit of perceived help in the form of a salesperson selling hopes and dreams like a fancy perfume at a department store. The love for their business is strong and maybe a spritz or spray will turn up the heat and get some customers attracted like they know they should be. The salesperson gives the business owner a list of all the hope they can muster and schmoozes them into believing their business is on the verge of failure. Lucky for them, this Don Juan showed up to rescue their one true love. For only $997 per month this gentleman will market their business in ways they do not fully understand, though they are told they will appreciate.
With a bat of his eyes as he pours on the charm he whispers in their ear, “This is a small price to pay to save your love. Isn’t your business worth it?”
With a moment of clarity they ask him the one question that he fails to have an answer for. “Will you guarantee my love will blossom with your help?”
Mr. Romance turns from confident maverick to puddle of excuses in seconds. He says something along the lines of, “No one will guarantee something like that. There are so many variables. You have nothing to fear accept inaction.”
Do they bite at the apple presented by the well dressed rescuer? Or do they buckle down like they should have before and worked to grow their business without laying down money their business is not bringing in?
You want to tell them, “Do not bite the apple. Kick the schmoozer away. Pull up your fancy pants and get down to business!” Only they can find their passion again and move their lips and hips to get their business growing.
The Don Juan that tried to convince them that he was the only way is wrong. He is sly and he is cunning. He was trying to sell them hope and people love to buy hope, especially when they believe they have none. Hope is like air, you must have it to survive. Alas, air, like hope, shouldn’t cost you anything.
This story comes as a warning to those business owners that are considering purchasing marketing or advertising for their business, struggling or not. Be sure you are buying guaranteed measurable metrics of success instead of simply hope. Hope is free and you have an abundance.
Now get to work. Relationships of any kind take work to survive and thrive.
James Kademan is a Business Coach for Draw In Customers Business Coaching in Madison, Wisconsin. When he isn’t stopping bad marketing decisions for his awesome clients, he is busy guiding entrepreneurs to success in business and beyond. He blogs successfully to the world at www.drawincustomers.com. If you are considering hiring a business coach, take a moment to call James at (608)210-2221. Smile, you finally found the love of your business coach.
