Trade in “trying to look fancy” for “actually being helpful”
One of my biggest obstacles as a young entrepreneur (I started when I was 25) was trying to prove myself by looking fancy, smart, and professional.
I thought no one would take me seriously if I didn't look like I was 20 years more advanced than I was.
Turns out not only does no one cares about that that, but it totally alienates people and creates an awkward distance.
People just want their problems solved, and if you can show them that, they'll become devoted followers and customers!
Yes there’s something to be said for dressing nicely and feeling good in your own clothes. But if you can connect with people at the heart level and the brain level, and if you can show them the solution to their problem, they'll want to work with you.
True story - when I taught my first workshop on marketing, I made an elaborate 100-page workbook because I wanted to be taken seriously. Turns out people got way overwhelmed by the amount of material and just wanted a few good interactive lessons to learn from.
So trade in looking fancy for listening and being really helpful.
