Episode 258: How Assumptions Are Blocking Your Growth

The Brand Strategy Podcast - A podcast by The Brand Strategy Podcast - Wednesdays

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Are you terrible about mmaking assumptions in your business about potential or existing clients? We’ve all been there, but have you considered how those assumptions are blocking your growth? In today’s episode, I’m sharing three assumptions you may be making in your business that are holding you back, along with a mindset shift to help you overcome the anxiety that comes with those assumptions! If today’s episode resonates with you and you want to show support for the show, here’s an easy way to do so: Buy Me A Coffee! How Assumptions Are Blocking Your Growth The one-on-one relationships you have with your clients are so important to the growth of your business and the impact you have on those your serve. One of the most powerful approaches to deepening the impact that you can have with the relationships in your business is to remove assumptions. The assumptions you have in regards to your clients and potential clients can block your growth and limit you from serving well. Assumptions Around Client Budgets When it’s time to connect with a new lead, we often tell ourselves a “story” about how much money our clients are willing to spend. We’ll easily walk through what we do, listen to their questions and answer with confidence, yet when it comes time for pricing, it’s easy to think that a potential client can’t afford you. Spoiler alert: You don’t know how much they can afford. By telling ourselves these stories, we’re preventing ourselves from showing up as your best self for your clients. Of course there will be times when you’re out of someone’s budget—but assuming it’s every single time will limit you from serving them well. Assumptions on Experience, Business Types, & Readiness Similarly to budgets, sometimes as business owners who have to be salespeople, we make assumptions on potential clients based on their business—whether it’s a new business, a small audience, or a lack of experience. We tell ourselves a similar story in that they’re not ready to work with us—despite their own needs, desires, and journey. It’s so easy to dismiss someone based on these assumptions, but you never know when a client has set aside the budget, researched your services, or simply admired your work. Personal Relationship Now, we’ve talked about potential clients, but what about existing relationships with clients? Have you ever felt like a client ghosted you for a minute? It’s so easy to put a personal assumptions on lack of communication in a working relationship. Did you do something to make them go silent? You may assume that a client is upset with you for whatever reason, yet they could simply be struggling with an external factor that has nothing to do with you. Assumptions like these are damaging to relationships: both personal and business. You’re giving yourself anxiety for no reason. Accountability & Responsibility It took me a long time to realize that I’m only responsible and accountable for my own actions and how I show up. You’re not responsible for the actions of others, how they feel about you, etc. Of course you care, but you do not have to carry the burden of these assumptions. Shift your perspective—acknowledge what is within your control. This includes your actions and your impact on others.