Words have an amazing influence on us and the people around us. The right words can open doors for us. The wrong words can see those same doors slammed in our face. Some words make us feel inspired and energized, others make us want to give up and sulk in a corner.
Some years ago, I told a friend that I was nervous about a job interview I had lined up for that afternoon. He offered me some advice. He said rather than say I was nervous about it, I should tell myself I was excited about it. I asked what difference it would make. He then told me to try it. I immediately discovered that changing just one word, transformed me from feeling apprehensive about the interview, to looking forward to it.
How careful are you, regarding the words you use?
- In your marketing: Do you offer ‘strategic implementation’ or ‘help people blow the lid of their potential and achieve breakthrough results’?
- In your conversations with prospective clients: Do you speak in a monotone voice, which suggests you have not slept well, or do you use your voice as an instrument, to engage the other person and share how passionate you are about helping them?
- In your conversations with yourself: Do you use words that empower you and cause you to move forward (excited), or words that work against you (nervous)?
Most small business owners inject little, if any, passion or energy into their written or spoken words. They phone it in. They talk about ‘strategic implementation’ and ‘client focused solutions‘, as if they were reading from some lame 1990’s glossy brochure. Their story is dull.
In short: Take some time to review the words you use and the way you use them. Look for opportunities to replace negative words, with positive words. Inject passion and energy into your conversations, when appropriate. The results can be amazing!