When I mention “let’s do a social experiment,” my friends and family head for the hills. So this time I did one on myself. After ranting about all the pitching at an industry conference, I decided to do something about it: stop pitching myself. I figured, “Hey, I can’t gripe when I talk about my services.”
Instead of boycotting the conference, I boycotted the selling. Instead of charging for my time, I gave away five 30-minute sessions for free. (With no pitching afterward.) Two things happened: first, the gratitude from participants warmed my heart. Almost every one of them said, “This is brilliant. What can I do for you?” It never occurred to me that folks would want to return the favor so quickly. There’s a different reaction to when you give fully and walk away, versus giving fully with a pitch. My theory: it’s hard to fully appreciate what you’ve been given when you dread the pitch that’s coming next.
Second, I learned that when you give fully, the word spreads. Fast. I was approached by more people interested in my work than the last four conferences combined. Why? Don’t know. But I think it had something to do with what I gave on the first day.
Tags: branding, consultants, conversations, events, Marketing, Speaking, strategy, Vickie Sullivan