Grow Your Business with Sheila E.'s Fun Formula

Even if you only have a few customers or clients, you're sitting on a goldmine. You just have to mine it. Don't have any clients? No worries, you have the ability to connect with potential fans simply by being intentional with how you interact on social media, blog posts, phone calls and meetings. Anywhere that you have the ability to express yourself, you have the ability to create a frenzy of people falling over themselves to get your products and services … and make them massive referral sources. I watched Sheila E. do this at a performance this week and I was in awe. Sheila E. is a Grammy winning vocalist but she is best known for her rockin' drum skills. I'd never seen her live before this because I wasn't a true fan. But all that changed after one hour in her presence. She intentionally created an environment at her sold out show that was all about the audience and showing off the talents of her band. She connected with everyone in the jazz club in a heartfelt and intimate way. Here are some of the things she did: • Invited every member of the audience on stage if they were celebrating a birthday
• Showcased the talents of each band member
• Gave away gifts
• Focused on fun
• Took photos with people
• Had the audience dancing on stage
• Spoke to, and chatted with the audience as if they were long time friends She made it seem effortless, even though the production was very well thought out. We left feeling uplifted, energized, smiling and in very much love with the Sheila E. experience. I suggest you do the same in your business. You don't have to be an extrovert or put on a show. You simply need to connect with the people in front of you like you truly care. And when you connect do it in a way that is authentic and true to your style of engagement. Don't try to dazzle your potential clients or strive to create a perfect experience for your current customers. Relax into the interaction and make a heartfelt connection. Sheila E. made everyone in the club feel like they were at home. There were no cheesy attempts to get us cheering or pyrotechnics on stage to add glitz. Yet we were always on our feet hollering with joy. She delivered what she does best (percussion and enthusiasm) and let the band members do the rest (vocals, brass and strings). How can you create the same impact in your business? • Get off your butt and connect with people in ways that feel easy for you (but you still must take the step to reach out).
• Don't try to be the badass in your industry. Focus instead on how to deliver rock star products and services that allow your company's skills to shine.
• Drop your ego or protection and let your team and audience connect with the real you. No need to impress.
• Create an experience for people arriving at your place of business or website that feels inviting. Make them feel like they landed at their long lost friend's home.
• If you're having fun and enjoying your day-to-day activities, people will feel it. It's highly attractive to your ideal customers. It's time to get off your bum and go connect. Rock on!