MADE Magazine Spring 2019 May 2019 | Page 43

MADEINC MADEXXX The first strategy is to have clarity about your purpose. Knowing your purpose will be the driver of your business, through easy and hard times. Entrepreneurial life is not for the faint of heart! It is very important to keep your purpose clear and focused (the lives you will change, the product that makes a difference, the innovation that improves the environment) because that is what will carry you and will keep you charged up. What can you do now? Ask yourself: What are you here for? The real reason you do the work you do. What impact do you want to make? How do you want the world to change because of the work you have done? What do you stand for? What do you stand against? How are you unique? The second is to accurately read your potential clients. Often, business owners become laser focused about getting to the client, winning the client…that they forget to survey for clues about what is happening during the networking exchange or potential client meeting. It is important to take the time to assess what is "really" happening around you...the underlying messages and intentions. Then, recalculate your voice, tone, energy and the focus of the message to more appropriately match that person. You want them to feel connected to you and walk away knowing that you are a person they want to deal with. What you can do now? Ask yourself: Who is in the room? What are their intentions and motivations? Consider what outcome each is interested in achieving. Is what they are saying matching up with their nonverbal behav- ior? If not, listen for what is not connecting. What are the top three things you need to know? What are the top three things they need to know from you? Is your energy matching others in the room? If not, determine if you need to slow down or speed up. Consider if you need to speak more or less. Practice 'W.A.I.T.’ (Why Am I Talking) and speak only when you can add high-value. #mademaven 43