This is my 52nd episode which means this podcast is a year old!! Happy Birthday, Creative Overflow!
Today I want to talk about the power of conversation. Conversations about anything - you could be getting to know each other, selling them a painting, sorting out complications in a commission, or finding out how their experience was. All of them are a tool for deeper connection, which is the name of the game!
When you have conversations, it helps to start with positive assumptions:
- Assume you will like each otherAssume they will like your artworkAssume they will eventually buy something and it will be a fun experience for both of you
When you lead with these assumptions EVERYTHING gets easier.
It also helps you relax so you listen more. Listening is the most important thing you can do as a sales person. Giving someone your attention and listening to them is a generous, rare act that people really appreciate. It deepens your connection like nothing else, as long as it's genuine.
One of the most inspirational business books I’ve ever read is called The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and David Mann. It lays out a way of doing business with giving as the focus. It’s a beautiful way to do business that is also very profitable. In The Go-Giver, they emphasize that when you sell to people you need to give them more than just the value of the product. You also need to give them your attention, care, respect, support and even friendship. The emphasis is on making someone a part of your network whether or not they buy from you. Your network is the army of people who support you, refer people to you, help you out of a tight spot, and advocate for you. In essence, you aim to make everyone into a friend.
So my advice is to read The Go-Giver and use the philosophy to help you make positive assumptions in your conversations. This is one of the most powerful tools an artist can use in business.
If you enjoyed this episode, definitely tune in every Friday because I will be releasing a new episode each week.
If you're interested in a conversation on how you can bring more abundance into your creative life, leave a review of this podcast, take a screenshot of it and email it to jenny@jennykiehn.com. I'll invite you to a free group coaching class about exactly that!
If you’re interested in deeper weekly support, email me at jenny@jennykiehn.com to ask about the Creative Abundance Circle.