Strategic Repetition

There’s an old maxim for public speaking: “Tell them what you’re going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them”.

Why does this structure work so well? Because most people are terrible listeners.

The skills and techniques I taught to political candidates are the same skills I teach today to women business owners. But communicating effectively requires so much more than learning skills. This is where women can shine, using their intuition and powers of perception, but they frequently struggle to speak up and speak out.

I define effective communication as a crucial combination of active listening, giving out information, and getting through to your listener.

More often than we realize, we think we’re communicating when we’re really giving out information. Especially as experts, trained to analyze and distill technical information, it’s easy to confuse the two.

Stories help us communicate, but when there’s a disconnect between communicating effectively and simply giving out information, our stories can end up sounding like reports.

Today’s Question:

How have you positioned your business in the market?

But Here’s the Twist . . .

One thing we know is most people are not good listeners. They are frequently distracted and are not retaining what you’re saying. As part of your preparation, practice strategic repetition.

This means repeating your key points at strategic spots in the conversation. It will feel uncomfortable initially but will become more natural over time.

For example: You used a key point at the beginning of the conversation, and now the meeting is ending. Repeat the same key point as a summary. Your listener has now heard that key point twice, including as your parting comment, and is much more likely to remember it.

-- Excerpt from Patty’s book, Your Hidden Advantage: Unlock the Power to Attract Right-fit Clients and Boost Your Revenue

Now What?

The power behind the ‘tell them…’ structure is strategic repetition. Often, we believe we need to create something new and different every time we write or speak.

Studying human behavior tells us exactly the opposite – that we need a clear, concise message that we repeat – one that is relevant to our audience and memorable.

This applies as you’re building, and certainly as you exit your business. Your key points will evolve over time, just like your goals and dreams, but strategic repetition will ensure your message is digested.

Intentionally building value and positioning your company for your exit is a solid business strategy. While you are planning your transition, you will make more money, lift the burden of the business from your shoulders, and find balance between work and leisure.

Exit readiness is a strategic and ongoing process that involves setting the stage for a smooth transition, maximizing business value, and ensuring your legacy endures.

Women who have successfully exited their business have shared with me that the most successful way forward was having a trusted, knowledgeable business advisor who could be objective and caring.

That’s the role I fill, helping the owner with the practical, emotional, confidential, and logistical puzzles that plague the exit process.

Even if your planned exit is 5-10 years down the line, the time to prepare is now.

An Elegant Exit™ requires a new way of thinking, new skills, a simple and elegant design, and an advocate on your side. Contact me to learn more. 

Discover your Exit Readiness Index™ with this assessment: http://she-exits.com/