SIMPLE SALES SERIES
Still The Decision Model
Chris Garrett and I had a conversation yesterday morning. We discussed the difference between the way we see our blogs and the way our readers see them. That got us talking about testimonials.
Testimonials are more than meet the eye. They tell us what customers value . . . what we do for them.
Chris and I talked about using surveys to focus a businesses. We agreed that the key is to listen carefully. Read every word that is said. Look deep in the text for the hidden testimonials.
One goal of great survey is to gather what customers say and use it to promote our businesses.
But don’t stop there.
Look closely at what the testimonials say — testimonials often reveal what we don’t know about ourselves and how people see our work.
That’s what Chris and I were talking about . . .
The 1 Word, 1 Sentence, As Many Words as You Need Test
Other people see what we do in ways that often surprise us. Try this test about your own work then pass it on to a friend. Here’s how it works.
Do a favor. Write a testimonial for someone’s blog — in this case would you do mine, please? (Write your answers in the comment box.)
1. Describe my blog in one word. _______.
2. Describe my blog in one sentence. _______________________________. <
3. Describe my blog in as many words as you need. _____________________
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Now write a testimonial for your business or blog. Write your answers in the comment box too, if you are ready to.
1. Describe your blog or business in one word. _______.
2. Describe your blog or business in one sentence. _____________________.
3. Describe your blog or business in as many words as you need. _________
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What do you think other people will see in you? Make a prediction.
Now print out this page and do it a few more times. Each time as another friend to do it with you. Compare each new person’s testimonial to the one that you wrote. Write a new each time, you’ll find you’ll get closer to your message if you do.
Pay attention to what bits your friend calls out.
When you have finished the exercise, check to see how close your prediction was.
You might be surprised what you learn about yourself.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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Related
To follow the entire series: Liz Strauss’ Inside-Out Thinking to Building a Solid Business, see the Successful Series Page.