Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 9 seconds.
TODAY’S IDEA: Go Behind the Scenes
— From REWORK: Change the way you work forever by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
Imagine that someone wanted to do a reality show about your business. What would you show them? What would you like them to share on screen? Or if someone brought in a bunch of school kids into your business for a tour, what would you say and what aspects would you highlight for them?
Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, authors of the wonderful book Rework, suggest giving people a backstage pass to show them how your business works.
“Think no one will care? Think again. Even seemingly boring jobs can be fascinating when presented right. What could be more boring than commercial fishing and trucking? Yet the Discovery Channel and History Channel have turned these professions into highly rated shows: Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers.
It doesn’t have to be a dangerous job either. People love finding out the little secrets of all kinds of businesses, even one that makes those tiny marshmallows in breakfast cereals. That’s why the Food Network’s Unwrapped—which explores the secrets behind lunch box treats, soda pop, movie candy, and more—is such a popular program.”
People are naturally curious about how things are made. I know I’ve always enjoyed getting the opportunity to talk to people about their work, and when possible, I’ve taken the opportunity to take a tour of their workplaces, factories, offices, and more!
The beauty of letting people take a peek behind the scenes of your business is that “it changes your relationship with them,” the authors say. “They’ll feel a bond with you and see you as human beings instead of a faceless company. They’ll see the sweat and effort that goes into what you sell. They’ll develop a deeper level of understanding and appreciation for what you do.”
So, if at all possible, let people come into your backstage and let them see what you do. You’d be surprised about how much fun they have and how you’ll see your business in a whole new light after that!
And on that topic, I’m holding an online party in the form of an Ask-Me-Anything session as a way to—virtually—open up EntreGurus to all the readers in celebration of its one-year anniversary. Woohoo!! Yes, it’s incredible how fast this first year has gone by, and I’m so grateful for you joining me on this journey and allowing me to share 365 ideas with you. 🙂
Please save the date for the virtual party: Saturday, January 19, 2019, from 1-3 pm (U.S. Eastern Time – here’s a handy time converter). I’ll be delighted to see those of you that I know and also to meet those of you that I don’t know yet, I’m always excited to make new friends! Stay for the whole time or come and go as you please within that time frame, here’s the link to join the party. Simply click on it and let the Internet work its magic to connect us.
And, if you can’t join us, but would like to send a Happy Anniversary message, here’s a corkboard where you can leave a sticky note. Would love to hear from you!
ACTION
TODAY: What creative way can you find to open up your business to your clients? From writing a blog post or creating a slide show or a video, to having an open house, your imagination is the limit. How can you engage your readers?
FUTURE: Set up times throughout the year when people can go behind the scenes for virtual or real tours. Your clients and other curious folks will be grateful for sharing with them your knowledge and expertise. In turn, you will forge a stronger bond with them that will result in loyalty and recommendations.
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