Want to build a client-first brand? Take a look at today’s lesson.
It’s not about you. None of it.
This is something most of us can’t fathom.
What do you mean — it’s not about me?
It’s true — and it’s a real struggle to understand and live that out.
I know because I struggle with it too.
Here’s what I’m talking about…
I have a horrible tendency to complain.
It’s not something I’m proud of — and I really need to work on it.
But, it’s there and it comes out when I’m annoyed.
I let myself complain and spread my toxicity over everyone and everything.
It’s certainly not healthy for anyone around me.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve struggled with having less and less time for myself.
- I got a job — and my boss wants stuff from me.
- I got married — and I had to consider my wife’s needs.
- My wife and I had children — and it seems all the money and times go there.
- I’m tasked with other extracurricular activities — and my share of the “time” pie dwindles further.
I know, first-world problems, right?
And, yeah, you’re probably right. But, the “problem” is very real to me.
Or at least I allow it to be.
What I keep failing to realize is a fundamental element of my faith as an Orthodox Christian:
I must die to myself.
- Dave The Complainer.
- Dave The “Me First” Guy.
- Dave The Annoyed.
He must die. So, that I can put others first.
I’ve just never been able to do this for very long at all.
Die to Dave’s wants and desires.
Put others before me.
Make it about “them” and not about “me.”
However, if I want any kind of joy in this life — I need to decrease.
Why? Well, because if I decrease, that means others increase.
And when that happens, beautiful things happen.
The joy I’m looking for in life becomes reality — and builds.
Some of the happiest moments I remember are when I’m putting other people first.
- Providing a word of encouragement.
- Eliciting a smile in return for one given.
- Paying for something — especially if they didn’t know it was me.
- Giving my family something or spending time with them (when I’m focused on them).
When I had moments of putting myself second or last, my own quality of life improved.
Makes you wonder why I don’t do it more often. That’s probably a story for another day.
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Summer of Story – Lesson 6: Put Your Clients First
If you took nothing away from the above story, know this:
Make your brand a “client-first” brand.
Don’t let yourself be a person that only focuses on the money.
It will ruin you.
And people will know you’re only in it to make a quick buck.
Instead, be forthcoming with your knowledge.
- Share on social media.
- Start a newsletter where you showcase your expertise.
- Don’t be afraid to do a free lunch meeting or Zoom coffee chat.
All of that kind of legwork pays off. Maybe not immediately.
But, it creates goodwill that people share with each other.
My wife started a Healthy Kids Running Series franchise in our area.
People flocked to it as soon as she started advertising and putting it out there.
They were so grateful that someone gave our area something. Most importantly, gave something to their children.
It was beautiful. The community came together to support her.
And she had 90+ children compete.
It wasn’t about the money. It was about giving back—and making sure our daughter got to run because she loves it.
That’s the kind of mentality you want.
Do for others.
And watch how word-of-mouth spreads.