Stop Sounding Like a Commercial and Start Sounding Like Yourself
Congrats! You’re on your entrepreneurial journey, have updated your website, and are posting on social media. You’re talking about your services. And yet… something feels forced.
The Problem: You’re Saying the Right Things… But It Still Feels Off
You reread your content and think:
“That doesn’t even sound like me.”
So, you start overthinking every word. You soften your message so you don’t sound pushy.
You water it down so you don’t sound aggressive. Then you try to sound “professional.” Which throws everything off. And suddenly, you sound like everyone else.
Here’s the truth most people won’t say out loud:
People don’t disconnect because you’re selling. They disconnect because they can feel when you’re not being real.
According to a report from Edelman, 81% of consumers say trust is a deciding factor in their buying decisions. (The Post-Pandemic Consumer: Adapting to Changing Customer Expectations. , n.d.)
Trust isn’t built through perfect messaging. It’s built through honest messaging.
And honest messaging sounds natural.
Why Salesy Messaging Backfires
Salesy messaging usually comes from fear, not confidence. Which causes you to…
Fear of not being taken seriously. Which leads to fear of not getting clients. And of course, fear of saying the wrong thing.
So you hide behind safe, generic phrases like:
• “I help people transform their lives.”
• “I provide high-quality services.”
• “I’m passionate about helping others succeed.” Trust me, I’ve said the same thing.
None of these statements is wrong. But none of them creates a connection.
Because they don’t sound human, they sound like marketing.
People don’t connect with marketing. They connect with people.
The Solution: Speak Like a Person, Not a Pitch
Sorry to tell you this, but the goal of your messaging is not to impress people. It’s to help them recognize themselves in what you’re saying. Your best messaging usually sounds like something you’d say in a real conversation.
For example:
Instead of:
“I help entrepreneurs elevate their brands.”
Say:
“I help business owners stop hiding and start showing up like the expert they already are.”
See the difference?
One sounds polished.
The other sounds real.
Real builds trust.
So, are you ready to reaffirm your trust-building skills? Check out the four steps that will help you.
Step 1: Stop Trying to Sound Professional
Professional doesn’t mean robotic.
Professional means clear.
You don’t need big words, buzzwords, or corporate language.
What you need is clarity. Clarity sounds confident. And confidence attracts clients.
Step 2: Say What Your Clients Are Already Thinking
Your audience is already having internal conversations.
Your job is to say those thoughts out loud. You have to be their interpreter, sort of speak.
Things like:
• “I know I’m good at what I do, but I don’t know how to explain it.”
• “I don’t want to sound pushy.”
• “I don’t know what to say about my business.”
When people feel seen, they trust you. And when they trust you, they listen. When they listen, they buy.
Step 3: Focus on Connection First, Sales Second
Sales is a byproduct of trust.
Trust is built through connection. Connection is built through honesty. See where this is going. When your messaging feels natural, people don’t feel like they’re being sold to.
They feel like they’re being understood. And that’s what makes them lean in.
And finally…
Step 4: Let Your Personality Do Its Job
Your personality is not a liability. It’s your credibility!
Use it to your advantage. There are thousands of people offering similar services.
The only thing no one else can replicate is you.
Your voice, your perspective, and your energy.
When your messaging reflects who you really are, the right people recognize you faster.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need better sales tactics. You need more honest messaging. Because the goal isn’t to convince people, it’s to connect with them. And connection doesn’t come from sounding perfect. It comes from sounding real.
🎯 If you’re done running in circles, it’s time to lead with clarity.
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