The Truth Will Get You Rich
I’m going to make a departure from my normal article writing style this week and do a little ranting. That’s because I’ve noticed something going on in my industry and I need to speak up about it.
I’m noticing that many entrepreneurs feel pressured to do what I call “little white lie” marketing in their newsletters and advertising copy. And I’m seeing it more and more.
Here’s what I mean. I see some people making their bio story more gruesome, more dramatic, more struggle – so that people will think they have come farther than they have. Or leaving pertinent details out of their stories for fear that others might not approve.
Others are inflating their revenue numbers, their profit numbers, and/or their sales conversion rates, to make themselves look and feel better.
Still others are fibbing about how many actual hours they work, how much they travel or how many days they really take off. Either they are over estimating or under estimating.
And other folks are fibbing about how they filled their first programs and live events, making it sound way easier than it actually was.
Now I’m not saying folks are outright lying on purpose. They are just stretching the truth a bit. And there is a reason for it. There is a downright pervasive belief in the personal growth and small business industry that if you work too hard and your numbers aren’t awesome right away – then you are doing something wrong. So everyone goes around stretching the truth. I totally get it.
And here’s the deeper truth – so many of us are desperately afraid that if we reveal the truth exactly how it happened – no one will follow us. So we try to make our stories like everyone else. We strive to have numbers like everyone else. We aim to fit in, to be liked.
In one fall swoop –we begin a habit of hiding that can lead only to mediocrity. Because being like everyone else is just downright boring.
Freshness and innovation come from specific experiences – your specific experiences. And without those experiences, there is no way to stand out from the crowd.
Furthermore, your community seeks the truth (especially if you read this newsletter). They actually want to know how to succeed. They don’t want some sugar-coated version of how it works. Those that are ready to seek success in any field, whether it be health, relationships, business or empowerment, are ready to do the work. They just want you to show them how.
And finally, you are an example for your clients. So if you tell them that everything is always peaches and cream in your business, when they struggle they will beat themselves up thinking that something is desperately wrong. The fibs actually cause more struggle than the success. They make it harder for everyone involved.
So don’t be afraid to be real with your clients about your numbers, your story, your struggles, and your joys. Yes, you might not attract everyone, but you’ll attract those that you love working with. And they will want to work with you forever.
