As an independent contractor, micro entrepreneur, you make choices every day as to what matters most. Those choices impact the results associated with your efforts. The goal is to always maximize the “Return on Opportunity.” The phrase, Return on Investment (R.O.I.) is generously used when evaluating a business – small and large. Investment is usually understood to be about capital however, it could be about time as well. When we look at Return on Opportunity we include many other aspects of the investment beyond time or money.
The thoughts that we are about to share can be applied to anyone who is striving to build a business or serve others in any capacity be it as a 1099 worker of any type, gig worker, freelancer, consultant, agent, direct seller, micro entrepreneur, or entrepreneur even for those building an organization focused on serving others.
There are many different business and organizational models. Some are based upon a knock your socks off product or service that is quite unique, and these are actually very rare. Some businesses offer distinctions that you would not typically find someplace else such as personalization/customization to some degree. Analogy: When it comes to automobiles, the Ford/Chevy models are considered very different from the Rolls Royce or Bentley models. However, all of the models will transport passengers from one point to another. The question becomes; what is the magic sauce that leads to success regardless of whether the product is a Rolls or a Chevy? Is the objective to bring forth the most amazing product or service or is it more so about bringing forth the most amazing way to personalize the manner in which you serve the people?
We can add value to the relationships with clients, members, and customers when we understand our purpose and our audience. The automobile example used in the previous paragraph clearly implies that we must understand the audience. The Chevy/Ford audience probably cannot afford the Rolls or Bentley, so we do not waste time trying to sell a Rolls to a Chevy audience. However, organizations and companies are chasing ducks all the time. Chasing Ducks is our way of expressing that type of activity that cannot lead to a positive outcome. We can chase ducks all day in an attempt to capture a duck however the chances are very slim that we will catch a duck through ordinary or traditional activity. When we chase a duck, the duck will simply fly away.
Experience appears to reveal that we add value to a relationship when we are able to satisfy and exceed the expectations and needs of the other person or audience. The relationship grows in value as expectations and needs are consistently achieved and exceeded. When expectations and needs are no longer being achieved, the relationship(s) often terminates. This is true for a marriage, a friendship, a relationship with an organization or business and, of course, the decisions made when purchasing any product or service. Therefore, the question becomes; How do we add value to the effort?
We share 5 thoughts that can be integrated into growth strategies that serve the purpose of adding value to the relationship so essential to growing the business or organization or adding value to the relationship as any form of worker. As you read our thought-starters, you will also add your own.
- Be grateful and demonstrate your gratitude in the communication you have with the customer or member. The cost is zero. You are investing and betting on the power of language and the impact that words have on the other person. You are always grateful that others have chosen you to provide a product or service.
- Remind the audience consistently of your purpose to serve them in a manner that always meets and exceeds their expectations. When you act in this manner, you also create accountability for delivering on the promises you make. It’s a win-win strategy.
- Consistently share specific objectives for what you intend to accomplish through the relationship and the principles and values you adhere to. If you are providing a product or service that saves time and money, repeat the assertion frequently and hold yourself accountable. If you are enhancing some specific aspect of the other person’s life, state the assertion clearly and remind them often. People tend to forget.
Key Thoughts: People want to have fun! They also want to be served in a personal manner. Example: I choose my restaurants based upon the quality of the service as much as the quality of the food. Just yesterday, I walked into a favorite restaurant because of the quality of the food. The server was busy but saw me sit down and never said a word for over 5 minutes. When the server finally addressed me it was with a simple; “How can I help you.” Both the quality of the product and service have to be obvious and are of equal value. If you can add some fun to the lives of those in your audience, you add value.
Courtesy and personality add value to the relationship. Expressions of gratitude resonate with the client or customer. Extending appreciation for others who engage your products/services can also be accomplished via your personality and the language you use in communicating. Extending appreciation is also a reflection of how you show up in the mindset of the member, client, or customer. A transportation driver who shows up in a dirty car sends a message.
We are often so focused on a transaction that we ignore basic principles and attributes of assets such as: the conversation. Simple recognition, remembering names in a personal manner, storytelling, and the manner in which we say “thank you” are becoming lost skills. The thoughts that we have provided are simply thought starters. They do not require an investment of marketing dollars; they only require that you demonstrate what you value. By doing so, you add value to the lives of those in your audience and those you plan to bring into your audience.
Principles and Values often hang on the walls of executive offices or are found in the annual reports that publicly traded companies publish each year. Where are the principles and values during the other 364 days each year. Are they merely hanging on the walls of offices or are they within the mindset of every member of the organization or company – business of any size? What is the stated purpose and commitment of the organization or business even you as a micro entrepreneur, individual business owner? When the preceding are actually clearly communicated and within the mindset of every member of the organization or enterprise, large or small, the entity has a rudder that serves to help with the navigation required to weather the storms and the smooth seas which support the faster ride, always in a planned direction.
Below is an example of what a Thank You note/message might look like:
Our products and services will never disappoint you because our commitment is to your total satisfaction. We know that you have chosen us for a particular product or service that you need. We are grateful for your choice and always here to serve you as best as possible!
