Ick-free ADHD-friendly marketing and sales
I've been pondering deeply about the discomfort many of us feel around selling and self-promotion in our businesses. This "ick" factor, as I've come to call it, seems to be a common thread among entrepreneurs, especially those of us who are neurodivergent. Our journey towards ethical and authentic sales is not just necessary; it's transformative.
The "ick" in sales often stems from a mix of rejection sensitivity, justice sensitivity, and ingrained beliefs about sales practices. For those of us with a neurodivergent mindset, these feelings can be intensified, leading to a reluctance or outright avoidance of sales activities. But it's crucial to remember that selling and promoting our services is how we connect with those who need us most.
Understanding the Ick
Understanding and overcoming the ick requires a shift in how we view sales and marketing. Instead of seeing these activities as something we have to do, we can view them as opportunities to share our unique solutions with those who are searching for them.
Marketing as Sowing Seeds: I often liken marketing to sowing seeds. It's about putting out the message of what we do, how we can help, and letting it reach the right people. This process can't be forced; much like planting a garden, we have to give those seeds time to sprout.
Sales as Harvesting: Conversely, sales is the process of harvesting the crop. It's about recognizing when someone is ready to engage further and helping them take that step. If we've nurtured our garden with care, the harvest should feel like a natural progression, not an uncomfortable push.
Finding Comfort in Sales
To navigate sales with more ease, consider these shifts in perspective:
Reframe Sales Conversations: If the idea of selling makes you uncomfortable, try viewing these interactions as opportunities to assist. Changing the language in your mind from 'selling' to 'helping' can transform your approach.
Detach from the Outcome: Focusing too much on closing a sale can detract from the authenticity of the conversation. By detaching from the outcome, we're free to connect more genuinely, which ironically often leads to better results.
Embrace Your Uniqueness: Your unique combination of skills, experiences, and perspectives is what sets you apart. Own this uniqueness and let it empower your sales approach.
The path to ethical and authentic sales might be challenging, especially for us neurodivergents, but it's also rich with opportunities for growth and genuine connection. By embracing our unique value and approaching sales and marketing with integrity and authenticity, we can overcome the ick and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.
In the end, ethical sales are not just about transactions; they're about building relationships and making a difference. And that's a journey worth embarking on.