Running a Business is Like Online Dating
Running a Business is Like Online Dating
I've been wanting to do this post for a while, because I think the comparison is very true. Like online dating, when anyone starts they don't know what they could be getting themselves into. They meet people that are friendly at first and might seem like they could be the perfect match, however upon meeting in person, they find out it's not the case. This happens way too often in business as well; you see a great potential customer or client, you even talk on the phone a little bit and meet them in person, but when it comes to closing the deal, you get ghosted. Or maybe you do close the deal, only to figure out they lied on their profile and wanted to hookup with you.
Networking in 2018
Like traditional dating, most people think that networking is dressing up and going to meet ups or business conferences, and handing out business cards. It's just not the case anymore, while we might still bump into someone from the Central Perk coffee shop and strike up a conversation that will turn into a three year relationship, most people around 18-35 will most likely find their next spouse online. In fact, in 2017, 19% of brides say they met their spouses online. While this might not be a big number, it's certainly a jump from 14% last year! Given the fact that 85% of jobs are filled due to networking, you may want to rethink how you are doing it. LinkedIn is great for reaching out to people initially, this is my favorite networking tactic and I use it all the time.
Taking the conversation offline
Like with online dating, it's vital to take the conversation offline, and the reason is purely psychological. I mean have you heard of a romantic relationship that was based purely on text? 93% of all communication is by the way we speak, and not what we actually say. Meeting in person is a sure way to figure out your client's or date's true intentions and asking the right questions will also help you figure out if this person is the right fit for you.
Avoid being ghosted
Ghosting is all too common in the crazy online dating world we are in, but it also happens in business as well. We get our dream client, then all of a sudden we get ghosted. They don't return our calls, emails, texts, and most of the time they stop paying. You keep calling, and they never return your messages. In this case many businesses will just stop services and drop their customer or client, but what do you do when you invested a lot of time into the client like you do a relationship? I am not a networking expert, but I do know when it's time to move on from any relationship. If they aren't willing to put the time and effort in you, then why should you do it for them? To avoid this, you have to make sure you are asking the right kind of questions and stop second guessing yourself. I've learned a lot about this over the past year myself. Don't settle! You are worth it!
Need More Advice? SPB Productions can Help!
Like online dating, you might ask a friend for advice on how to go about getting customers or clients for your business. I can be that friend that can guide you! SPB Productions also offers consulting and coaching fees for social media and digital marketing, that can make your business grow to where you know it can be! If you are in need of some guidance or help with your social media presence, please schedule a discovery call with SPB Productions today!