Why Selling is Like Dating: The Importance of Authenticity and Standing Out
Just like dating, selling requires making a good first impression and standing out. Learn how authenticity and creativity can help you connect with potential customers and drive sales
For many businesses customer acquisition is the one thing that they struggle with, and that has a lot to do with mastering sales, and for many they think that selling is rocket science,which it is not. Selling is a lot like dating. Just like how you would approach a potential romantic partner, you need to make a good first impression, and continue to nurture the connection, in order to stand out in order to close the deal. But how do you do that?
When it comes to dating, you might remember what drew you in to the person you ended up in a relationship with. Maybe it was the way they started the conversation, or maybe it was that they used something cheesy that you thought that it was cute or funny. Whatever it was, it caught your attention and made them stand out.
The same is true for selling. You need to find a way to stand out and catch the attention of your potential customers. What is it that would get to think, now that is interesting? There lies the key to shooting up your sales. But how do you do that?
The key is authenticity. Just like how you would want to show up as your true self on a first date, you need to do the same in your marketing. You need to be uniquely you and connect with your potential customers at a base level.
Being authentic means being true to yourself and your brand. It means being transparent and honest in your messaging and not trying to be something you're not. It also means understanding your target audience and speaking to them in a way that resonates with them.
For example, if your target audience is a younger demographic, using slang or emojis in your messaging might be a good way to connect with them. On the other hand, if your target audience is more professional, using formal language might be more appropriate.
But being authentic also means being creative and standing out in a crowded marketplace. You need to find a way to differentiate yourself and make a lasting impression. This can be done through a unique value proposition, a creative marketing campaign, or even a catchy tagline.
For example, if you're selling a new product that is eco-friendly, highlighting the environmental benefits of your product in your marketing can be a great way to stand out from competitors who may not be making the same claims. Or, if you're a small business, you can use your personal story and the fact that you're a local business to your advantage.
Another important aspect of standing out is by understanding the customers' needs and addressing them in your marketing. This will help you to connect with your customers on a deeper level and increase the chances of closing the deal.
In addition to being authentic and creative, you also need to be consistent. This means showing up consistently in the market, whether it's through regular social media posts, email campaigns, or other marketing efforts. Consistency helps to build trust with your audience and keep your brand top of your mind.
In summary, just like how you want to make a good first impression and stand out in the dating world, you need to do the same in the world of selling. The key is authenticity, both in terms of being true to yourself and your brand and in terms of differentiating yourself in a crowded marketplace. Being creative, understanding the customers' needs and staying consistent will also help you to connect with your potential customers and drive sales. So, be true to yourself, be creative, understand the customer's needs and stay consistent, and watch as your sales soar.
About the contributor
Tanya Kabuya is the founder of Wizz Digital, a South Africa & Nigeria-based marketing strategy consultancy that assists Tech Startups & consulting businesses to grow their audiences, attract clients, and cultivate brand recognition through social media by deploying the Content Marketing Ecosystem Playbook, our proprietary Framework. Find out more