Be a Trusted Resource

Let’s close out the Brand Propheteers series with an action tip for you today.

A while back, I wrote a post asking Who Drives Better, Men or Women? There are many studies that show women are traditionally better drivers of word-of-mouth.

This Mother’s Day weekend, think about your Mom. She was always recommending a doctor, a new snack food, a restaurant where babies are welcome, or a shop where the salespeople never tire of answering her questions in plain English without making her feel pressured to buy.

Times are changing, and men are catching on to the amazing power of word-of-mouth. It’s time to smash the tradition! Ladies and gentlemen, shy and bold, business owners and consumers: Get out and recommend one product or service today. Open your ears, listen for opportunities, and you can make someone else’s day better. Focus more on others than on yourself and your shyness will recede. You’ll hear chances to make recommendations all around you, with friends, customers, and strangers.

Make an introduction, like Keith Ferrazzi. Suggest a better match for your customer, like Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street. Rave about a company you purchase from, or a blog you read (Harry and his commenters got a great discussion going about customer service going at Men With Pens this week), and become one of their Propheteers.

Give generously, and that generosity will come back to you. As you give, your friends, family, colleagues, and customers will remember your help, and the ranks of your own Propheteers will grow.

Bonus: Make listening and giving a habit. After you get out and rave about somebody today, do it again tomorrow. Soon you’ll be known not just as a great businessperson, but also as a facilitator, and a trusted resource.

Grow and be well,

Kelly Erickson

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