Lessons learned from conversation
Wednesday 1/29/20...
I had a really awesome call yesterday with a potential client. I did my homework and had a few partners handpicked to help guide the conversion and strategy.
Turns out, I didn't need any of them - that's not what they need right now. But it did allow me to have a really in-depth and strategic conversation about their product and message, how they go to market, and how they manage their pipeline.
It was a bit discouraging from my side because there's not much opportunity at the moment. They're small and they've bootstrapped the business, so until they sign some big clients and have more capital to work with, there's no point for them to invest in anything fancy.
I had to keep pushing myself to think 'fuck it, how can I actually help these guys?' I put myself in their shoes and asked myself what I'd do. That's when the conversation got good.
The three of us were going back and forth on ideas and strategy and really just figuring out how to get more traction. We even landed on a short-term solution that's inexpensive but may help them get more clients.
And now, when they do, I know they'll be back to talk next steps. So today, I'll run back through our list of partner and network to see what the best fit for these guys are. That gives me a chance to talk to new partners and potentially find more opportunities.
At each step of the process - the more and more you do it - it's a chance to learn and grow. It's not always easy when you're just getting started, but you need to fight and figure it out.
I'm having better conversations and we're improving internal processes. I've got two more opportunities in the pipeline that I can dig into today. I'll take what I've learned here and apply it to the next.
I'm also experimenting with better ways to convert partners into clients. The way I've been doing things doesn't seem to be working. I came up with an alternative approach that Ill start testing on the next few partner calls.
There's always room for improvement in the process and lessons to be learned at every step along the way. Your business won't evolve unless you do!
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This is an entry from my personal daily journal and a snapshot of what it's like building my company, SIX3MEDIA. I started publishing these entries to hone my writing skills, reflect on my progress, and share my experiences first-hand.
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Thanks for reading, see ya tomorrow : )
- Dan