Why Isn’t Your Business More Successful? (A Real Answer)

This question came in from a reader:

Steph, here’s the part where you are in my head…

The same day [I asked a friend and client to recommend me] I read your email about asking friends to be clients (the ‘just how I roll’ email)

Asking my client to share her testimonial was easy and obvious. I did this for 2 reasons. First, I had been trying to get another presentation on the calendar with them, unsuccessfully. My client is on the board and can make that happen from a genuine place of gratitude and helpfulness. And 2. her personal testimonial will be honest and powerful.

In the little experience I have with other entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed these types of asks are not easy or obvious to others.

Is this one of things where it seems so simple to me that I assume everyone knows and does this? Should I be sharing this as a… dare I say ‘superpower’?

If it’s so easy and obvious, why is my business not ‘more successful’? Why would anyone listen to me?”

Here’s what I said:

It seems you see clearly how natural and genuinely helpful it is to invite people to hire you, even if they happen to be your friends.

Yes, there are many people who find this difficult. Mostly because of the stories (thoughts) about why it’s bad, wrong, pushy or gross to sell to a friend. You don’t have those stories. Or if they show up, they don’t look true to you.

I’m not sure if that’s a “superpower,” but it’s definitely helpful when it comes to sales! And it’s available to anyone who stops taking their thinking so seriously.

Sharing how clear and natural this looks to you might show others that it’s possible. That is an extremely valuable gift.

Now, as for why your business isn’t more successful, here’s my best guess. It’s probably one or more of these:

• You’re not taking enough client-creating actions to get the results you want. (Check in with yourself: given the number and type of actions you’ve taken, are your results about what you’d expect?)
• You might have other thoughts that keep you from taking consistent action. Such as:
  More work means sacrificing time with my family. If I get too busy I’ll work too hard. I don’t want to deal with difficult customers, etc.

• If you actually want something, clear and simple, you’ll do it. The only thing that keeps us from acting on what we want is unrecognized thought that looks like a reason to stop. Otherwise, it’s just a matter of time.

Rather than focusing on “why it’s not working,” which typically feels like crap and moves downward into a crap spiral, try this:

1. Focus your attention on the experience you do want.
2. Do what you know to do about it right now.
3. Repeat.

It’s blissfully simple and clear. Even a flakey sillyhead like me can stick with that and do well.

If you’d like some guidance getting clear on what you actually want and following through on what you know to do, my coaching special may be just what the dragon ordered.

*Summer Special*
Clarity & Flow 1:1 Coaching Bundle

You get two 60 minute private coaching sessions, plus you get ongoing message coaching support via email or Whatsapp between – for $500.

It’s perfect if you:

• Want to discover your next step
• Feel stuck or uncertain
• Don’t know where to start
• Need clarity on a decision or transition

You get a taste of what it’s like to work and play together 1:1, and if you decide to continue, the full amount applies towards the longer package of your choice.

Only spots 5 available.

Yours in love and play,

Steph

P.S. If you want help getting clear on what to focus on—and how to move forward with more ease—I’ve created a special Clarity & Flow Coaching Bundle for just $500. You’ll get two private sessions with me (plus messaging support in between). We’ll simplify, shift stuck patterns, and tune into what actually wants to happen next.

Only 5 spots available this summer. Contact me with I’m in and we’ll book your first session.