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What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a field of study that encompasses the three most influential components involved in producing human experience: neurology, language and programming. The neurological system regulates how our bodies function, language determines how we interface and communicate with other people, and our programming determines the kinds of models of the world we create. Ultimately, the Neuro-Linguistic Programming model outlined by Richard Bandler and John Grinder describes the fundamental dynamics between mind and language and how their interplay affects our body and behavior.
What’s the First Step to Incorporating NLP into My Business?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming helps you examine the behavior of both yourself and those around you to find compatibility…and know when something just isn’t a right fit. The best place to start when incorporating NLP into your business evaluations is to look inwardly. Is their something standing in the way of your absolute confidence in your abilities? When working with new clients, I find that there is typically at least one mindset roadblock to being able to achieve their desired results, whether it relates to sales, partnerships, or achieving long-term goals. I use NLP techniques to help clients dispel their disempowering beliefs so they’re able to work towards their goals without mental interferance. NLP helps break through self-doubt and limiting behaviors to build your best self!
How Do I Use NLP to Find the Right Clients?
NLP tools can help you establish your ideal client and understand your business’ needs right from the get-go. In order to develop the right criteria for targeting clients, you need to have your eye on the end game, starting with basic demographics. You need to creae a general model of who you want to serve, what services you want to provide, and your desired business model. You should also consider the hours you want to work and how you want to communicate with clients (i.e., in person, on Zoom, email, texting, or phone calls).
Once you have these basic demographics in place, NLP processes can help you take a closer look at the psychographics. When you understand what personalities you work best with, you’re in a stronger position to determine what clients will be an asset to your business, and which ones will drain you. Once you have these considerations in place, you can decide which clients not to pursue.
When Should I Begin Implementing NLP?
NLP perspective can help you avoid major pitfalls in your book of business, so it’s essential to quickly implement these techniques within your business model. However, firms that have been in business for a long time should still take the time to revisit their criteria. Evaluate any internal complaints that you’ve been having and what successes you’ve had. By looking at what works, you’ll be able to say “yes” to the right clients and “no” to ones that just aren’t the right fit. This will ultimately lead you to a happier experience in your business!
What Are Red Flags To Avoid with Clients?
By having clear boundaries and criteria for your clients, you can decline to work with clients that present red flags early in the process. Examples of these red flags are disrespectiful communication with you and your staff, not honoring your office hours, being slow to respond to what you ask of them, and questioning the value of your services and fees.
The stronger your boundaries, the fewer problems you’ll have in your lifelong client relationships. You need to honor your own boundaries with regard to the hours you are available to clients, how they should treat your staff, and what you expect from their communications. Compare the client interview process to a first date: While you want to show your best self, you also want to interview your prospects and make sure that they meet your criteria for a positive business relationship. Honor your intuition and your gut instincts: if they look like a good prospect but your instinct is to run in the other direction, those instincts are always worth listening to.
Conclusion
If you want to attract more of the right clients and avoid the pain of “red flag” clients, please reach out to me at Susan@susandanzig.com. My deep understanding of Neuro-Linguistic Programming combined with my business development expertise can help you position your business for success by attracting more of the right clients and focusing your energy where it will make the most impact!
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