Becoming better at selling your work and yourself

Read below to find out how to tackle this challenge head-on.

Customers as ambassadors: Your secret weapon

Think about it. When was the last time you raved about a local gem to a friend? That's the power of word-of-mouth, and it's your golden ticket. Your satisfied customers are your best salespeople, and they work for free!

How to turn customers into ambassadors:

1. Deliver quality, consistently. No cutting corners.
2. Go the extra mile. A handwritten note with each order? A surprise upgrade? These little touches make a big impact.
3. Ask for feedback, listen, act on it.
4. Make it easy for them to spread the word. Provide shareable content, hashtags, referral codes, or an incentive.

Incremental improvement: The power of 1%

Your sales skills need to be developed. Focus on getting 1% better each day – compounded over a year, and you're looking at a 37-fold improvement.

Here's how to put this into practice:

1. Set a small, achievable goal each day. Maybe it's making one extra sales call or refining your elevator pitch.
2. Reflect on what worked and what didn't. Keep a journal if it helps.
3. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Progress is progress.
4. Be patient with yourself. Mastery takes time.

Practice makes... progress

Don't worry about being perfect. It's not about being flawless; it's about being better than you were yesterday. Practice your pitch in front of the mirror, with friends, or even to your pet (they're excellent listeners, I've heard).

Try this: Record yourself talking about your work. Play it back. Identify one thing you could improve. Rinse and repeat. Before you know it, you'll be pitching with confidence.

Seeking wisdom: The power of mentoring and coaching

A mentor or coach can provide invaluable insights, challenge your assumptions, and help you see your blind spots.

How to find a coach or mentor:

1. Look within your network. Is there someone whose career you admire?
2. Join local business groups or creative collectives. Hammersmith & Fulham is brimming with talent and success, learn from those further along their journey.
3. Consider professional coaching. It's an investment in yourself.

Remember, seeking help isn't a sign of weakness.

Planning for improvement: Measuring and celebrating success

Improving your sales skills is an ongoing process that requires careful planning, regular assessment, and celebration of your achievements. Remember, you're working to build a sustainable, thriving enterprise.

Selling yourself and your work is a skill which can be developed. Focus on consistent improvement, and don't be afraid to seek guidance.

Additional resources

Find more guidance, workshops and resources on H&F's business support webpages.

Sign up to H&F's Business Connects newsletter.

Or read:

1. The Culting of Brands: Turn Your Customers into True Believers, by Douglas Atkin
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear
3. The Joy of Just Doing Enough by Jennifer McCartney

If you're a business owner and would like to learn more, book a session with Mark through our Business Support free 1-2-1 business advice sessions.