As customers there are few things that upset us more than the feeling that someone is simply using us to make money from us: that they don’t see us as a person but just as a way to make a quick buck.

Perhaps this is why there is such a universal dislike of banks and why we run away from hard-nosed salespeople – because of the belief that they only exist to make money from us.

Yet it is so easy to fall into this trap ourselves, especially when money is tight and we really need the deal to pay salaries or put food on the table.  When we allow this fear to overtake us there is a change in our energy from being of service to the customer and doing what is right for them and a feeling of “chasing the money” to look after ourselves.

Customers feel repelled by this kind of energy; this sense of being used and the result is that they may buy from us once, but they will not wish to do so again. Loyalties will be lost, and clients will simply go elsewhere.

Staying focused on being of service is critical. We need to look for the win-win where our customers feel seen and respected, not scammed, bullied or guilted into buying from us.

The personal checkpoints for this are to revisit our purpose to remind ourselves what is fundamentally important to us. Next, work on self-belief and a sense of deserving to rekindle the belief that we will succeed.

Lastly, let’s think about our clients:  think positive thoughts about them, get to know them as individuals and seek out long-term relationships with the person not their wallet.

So, this week let’s focus on being of service and calm our fears about money. It is the depth and authenticity of our relationships with our clients that bring long-term success, not the one-off deal.

Have a great week!

With kind regards

Catherine