Welcome to the Deeply Rooted Business Podcast! In this exciting episode, hosts Rachel and Jess dive into the topic of ethical marketing and the importance of treating customers as human beings. In today's digital age, it's easy to get caught up in numbers and forget that there are real people behind the computer screens. We discuss the ethical principles of marketing, common practices in the online space, and how to humanize your marketing efforts. Join us as we explore the world of ethical marketing and its impact on your business.
Key Take Aways:
Honesty and Transparency in Marketing:
In the online business space, it's common to come across manipulative marketing practices. As new business owners or non-marketing professionals enter this space, they may unknowingly fall into these practices. However, it's crucial to establish a foundation of ethical marketing. Honesty and transparency play a vital role in building trust with your customers. Avoid practices such as fake urgency, fake scarcity, and misleading messaging. Instead, focus on providing accurate information and being upfront about your offerings.
Respecting Fair Pricing and Value:
One aspect of ethical marketing is fair pricing. It's essential to charge a price that aligns with the value you provide. Manipulative pricing tactics, such as charm pricing, should be avoided. Instead, focus on delivering value and ensuring your pricing is competitive and reasonable. Consider implementing a customer journey that allows customers to progress from low-ticket offers to higher-priced offerings. This approach not only provides value at every stage but also allows customers to make informed decisions based on their needs and budgets.
Privacy and Respect for Customer's Emails:
Respecting your customer's privacy is another crucial aspect of ethical marketing. Offer options for customers to opt-out of specific campaigns or promotional messages that may trigger trauma or discomfort. By providing this choice, you demonstrate respect for their personal boundaries and build trust. This practice shows that you are aware of their needs and concerns, fostering a positive relationship with your audience.
The Long-Term Benefits of Ethical Marketing:
Implementing ethical marketing practices may require a shift in mindset and approach. It's important to remember that ethical marketing is a long-term strategy that builds trust and connection with your audience. By focusing on honesty, transparency, fair pricing, and respect for privacy, you create a sustainable business that attracts aligned customers who genuinely value your offerings.
Resources for Ethical Marketing:
If you're interested in diving deeper into ethical marketing, there are several valuable resources available. The Ethical Move, a nonprofit organization, helps online business owners sell better while maintaining ethical standards. Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business podcast explores unethical practices in the online business world, shedding light on the importance of ethical marketing.
As you embark on the journey of ethical marketing, remember that change takes time. Don't feel overwhelmed by the need to make all the changes at once. Start by incorporating honesty, transparency, fair pricing, and respect for privacy into your marketing efforts. Gradually shift your business's structure and practices to align with ethical standards. By doing so, you'll create a business that not only reflects your values but also attracts loyal customers who appreciate your integrity. Embrace the power of ethical marketing and build trust and connection with your audience.
Stay tuned for the next episode of The Rooted Business Podcast! Don't forget to subscribe to catch all the valuable insights and advice from Rachel and Jess.
Note: The show notes are a condensed summary of Episode 9 of The Rooted Business Podcast. The actual podcast episode would contain more in-depth discussions, anecdotes, and examples from Rachel and Jess.
Welcome to the Rooted Business Podcast.
2
:I'm Rachel, your intentional
marketing architect.
3
:Jess: And I'm Jess, your
systems and ops guru.
4
:Rachel: In this podcast, we'll
talk through our experiences as
5
:seasoned business owners open up
about our triumphs and challenges.
6
:We'll share candid conversations and
invaluable insights to help you establish
7
:a business that stands the test of time.
8
:Jess: Together, we've navigated
the ups and downs of running a
9
:successful online business, and
we know firsthand the importance
10
:of finding harmony in your hustle.
11
:Rachel: In each episode, we'll dive deep
into the inner workings of your business
12
:operations and marketing strategies
while we peel back the layers to reveal
13
:actionable advice and practical tips
that you can implement right away.
14
:Jess: But we won't stop there.
15
:We believe that true success goes
beyond profits and the growth charts.
16
:That's why we'll explore the
critical role of wellness and
17
:mindset in your entrepreneurial
18
:Rachel: journey, because burnout
is a real threat and we're
19
:here to help you avoid that.
20
:Together we'll uncover the strategies
and practices that prioritize your
21
:wellbeing, ensuring you have the energy
and resilience to thrive in the long run.
22
:Jess: Join us as we delve into intentional
business growth, sharing personal
23
:stories, lessons learned, and expert
advice that will empower you to make
24
:informed decisions to grow your business.
25
:Rachel: So if you're ready to harmonize
your hustle and create a business that
26
:thrives while honoring your inner balance,
don't miss out on the Rooted business.
27
:Subscribe now and embark on this
transformative journey with us.
28
:Jess: All right.
29
:Hello and welcome to another
episode of The Rooted Business,
30
:the Deeply Rooted Business Podcast.
31
:If you haven't noticed yet, change.
32
:Even though we did our due
diligence and copyrighted and
33
:checked it, we just decided to
get ahead of it, and here we are.
34
:So now we are not just rooted,
we're deeply rooted business and we
35
:are so excited you're here today.
36
:This is gonna be a Rachel
episode or she's gonna lead it.
37
:We're gonna be talking about
marketing and how to really treat
38
:your customers as human beings.
39
:I think especially when you're working in.
40
:It and you're not seeing and interacting
with your customers face to face.
41
:It can be challenging to just look at
numbers and forget that there is a real
42
:live person behind that computer screen.
43
:Getting all of your emails and
in, intaking all of your, your
44
:knowledge and all of that.
45
:And it can be hard to
view the human aspect.
46
:And not having it lost in all of
the numbers and all of the results.
47
:So today we're gonna be talking about
how to humanize your marketing along
48
:with just some practices that are
commonplace in the online space and what,
49
:how we feel about them from an ethical
marketing perspective and what we've
50
:seen and work in our client's business.
51
:Track 1: Yeah, I think this is one
of the things that is so important.
52
:To me, to Jess, how we discuss, some
of the things that we talk about, like
53
:offline or off recording of the podcast
is how the online space is just inundated
54
:with like very bad practices and I.
55
:When people who are either new business
owners or non-marketing, non-sales people
56
:come into the online business space, it's
so easy to get sucked into some of these
57
:practices, and not from a place of being
malicious, but from a place of just not
58
:knowing what else you could be doing.
59
:I think it's really important that we're
gonna establish the foundation of what
60
:ethical marketing and like the components
of it are, and then we'll talk through
61
:like the customer journey and how you
can actually implement some of these
62
:practices in your own marketing so that
you don't feel that kind of like ick.
63
:And I think that's one of the things
that I hear the most is that, oh,
64
:I don't wanna come off salesy.
65
:I don't wanna come off.
66
:With that, it re like reply to people.
67
:And so I think some of these are gonna be
really helpful to help you remove the I.
68
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Yeah, and I
think too from a different perspective
69
:of being an online service provider
who implements for other clients, like
70
:how to navigate those conversations
when your client maybe wants to
71
:implement something that they've
seen work for other people online.
72
:But may not line up with you ethically,
like how to navigate those conversations,
73
:how to educate your client about those
practices and why they may be harmful
74
:or why they may not be in the best
interest of them or their clients.
75
:So and how to Course correct and what
to do if a client does still want to
76
:implement those things and like how
to draw your own boundaries and lines.
77
:I know for me a lot of what I do is
launch online courses and programs and
78
:it may just be because for my clients,
and it may just be because I'm like in
79
:that space so much, but I feel like.
80
:I had this whole revolution last
year, probably about this time where
81
:I had read actually lemme get the name
right because I always say it wrong.
82
:I had read marketing Rebellion,
the most human company wins.
83
:Somebody had just it on an Instagram
story and I read it and I had
84
:this whole like, what am I doing?
85
:Like the veil had like lifted because
I think a lot of the practices that
86
:happen are just so prevalent in the
online space that you don't even
87
:it's just oh, this is what we do.
88
:Like we use charm pricing or
we use countdown timers, but
89
:not really realizing the.
90
:Effects or like what's
behind those tactics.
91
:So I've been definitely exploring
and learning from others who are
92
:farther along in this journey.
93
:So I'm gonna share some of
those resources as well.
94
:And I think since Rachel, works deeply
in marketing, has always had a very
95
:ethical stance, she's gonna drops
a lot of knowledge on this as well.
96
:Track 1: Yeah, I definitely agree
with the, once you start digging into
97
:this space of I didn't like that.
98
:Or, oh, there's a little
bit more transparency over
99
:here and I'm vibing with it.
100
:You go down this rabbit hole of
just how to be better as a business
101
:owner or as a consumer even.
102
:I think one of my biggest like
revelations was when I was reading
103
:the book Influence By Robert Cini.
104
:I always get his last name wrong, but it
talks about like the levers of influence
105
:from a marketing and sales effort.
106
:And as I was reading it, you just
see so many of these practices
107
:get essentially like misused.
108
:And I think what it does when
you're utilizing a lot of these.
109
:Practices for good or for bad,
but what essentially it does
110
:is removes the autonomy and it
removes the choice of the buyer.
111
:When you're using things like
fake urgency or fake scarcity, the
112
:countdown timers you're using very
like problematic like messaging.
113
:It really does put the person who is in.
114
:The decision making spot feel, this
level of manipulation that I think is
115
:really important to be hyper aware of.
116
:And my dream, my, maybe it's my
manifester goal in life is to.
117
:Essentially help people like understand
like these kind of like intertwining
118
:of capitalism, that like you don't
have to always consume, because the
119
:levers of influence are levering,
120
:Like you could easily.
121
:Take that step back, and I
think this episode is really
122
:gonna be like a beautiful blend
of some of our past episodes.
123
:The boundaries, the customer journey.
124
:A lot of those kind of like
levels of business where you
125
:have to put everything together.
126
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Yeah.
127
:And before we get into it, because we're
gonna get into it in just a second,
128
:but I do wanna just say one thing.
129
:When I first started diving into this
aspect and viewing my business and
130
:my practices, Like in my client's
practices, give yourself grace.
131
:Like I always say that it's it's
gonna be really uncomfortable at first
132
:because you're probably going to be
doing, or have implemented some of the
133
:things that we're gonna talk about.
134
:And that's just because it's
so commonplace in the market.
135
:But like coming with it from
an open mind that like, when
136
:you know better, you do better.
137
:And realizing that.
138
:It's not gonna be an overnight
shift, and you're gonna have to like
139
:balance like your own business needs
and lean into a more ethical way.
140
:And it's gonna be like a personal
choice, of trying to figure out
141
:like what feels good for you and
what doesn't feel good for you.
142
:So giving yourself a grace.
143
:This is definitely not coming
from like a judge, a judgmental.
144
:So with that, we're gonna get into one of
the first principles of ethical marketing,
145
:which is honesty and transparency.
146
:Track 1: Yeah.
147
:I think the counterpart of honesty and
transparency is that bro marketing.
148
:So it's the people who are telling you
to use a certain tone to say you have
149
:one spot left when reality, you have 10
spots left, is to use that countdown to
150
:really create that sense of that heartbeat
of oh, I need to take action now.
151
:That FOMO type of behavior.
152
:And when you're implementing the honesty
and transparency values in your business
153
:from like an ethical marketing side,
it's really being like . Not lying about
154
:whether your program's coming back.
155
:. I think that's one of the biggest
things is like I'm never running
156
:this again and people are like,
ah, I need to take action.
157
:And then they end up running it six months
later 'cause it's their signature program.
158
:So I think that's one of those things
is really making sure that you're
159
:being as . Clear as possible with your
leads, with your ideal client, with
160
:your audience, so that they understand
exactly what they're getting and how they
161
:can be participating in your business.
162
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: And I don't
know if it's just me or I feel like
163
:consumers are getting clued into the
fact now that this is so prevalent
164
:that like whenever I start to see.
165
:A countdown timer or the charm pricing
or feeling like a lot of pressure to buy.
166
:Run in the over in the other direction
because I feel like there's enough
167
:people in this space starting to
talk about those tactics and why
168
:they work and how they work that
169
:I don't know, I'm just
like, get away from me.
170
:And I think there's definitely
a place to use those things.
171
:Like it's not saying like I never
use compound heimer in any of my
172
:cus my clients' campaigns, but it's
if there truly is like a date that
173
:they need to enroll by then that's,
real scarcity and you're just
174
:educating like your client about it.
175
:Arbitrary deadline that you just
pick up like, oh, for the next
176
:seven days, save a hundred dollars.
177
:Just because I thought seven
days was a good number, to
178
:help you have urgency to buy.
179
:So it's like where do you find the
line to use authentic scarcity,
180
:Track 1: yeah.
181
:And I think that's so funny
'cause I, maybe it's just me as a.
182
:Marketer, I'll go.
183
:And when I sign up for people's stuff
and Tripwires, which I'm always very
184
:bothered by the Tripwire practice itself.
185
:I know it's very
successful and all of that.
186
:But essentially Tripwire
is you opt in, you get.
187
:A specific offer for a c certain amount
of time, which is triggered by a cookie
188
:that's launched as soon as you opt in.
189
:It's maybe something that they have
for a hundred dollars and they're
190
:gonna give it to you for $15.
191
:And you have this like
very short window to do it.
192
:And it's hilarious because I think
193
:When , you know the tricks of the
trade, all you have to do is just open
194
:an inco, incognito browser, and just
re-op in and you get that deal again.
195
:So certain things where it's almost a lot
of effort and a lot of people pay a lot of
196
:money to get these like practices set up.
197
:I get these evergreen funnels going,
but I just think it's one of those
198
:things that you as a consumer may react
a certain way and I think as you become
199
:more aware, it might be just something
to clock, just something to be like,
200
:Okay, this is probably just a cookie
that has loaded on my cash, on my
201
:browser, and it's not somebody sitting
there gonna delete the deal in 72 hours.
202
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Yeah.
203
:Yeah, for sure.
204
:Okay, so what else do we have?
205
:We have, so we talked about countdowns, we
talked about trip wires, we talked about
206
:fake scarcity, we talked about urgency.
207
:What about, so attracting
customers through transparency
208
:and honest information.
209
:That was our next point
we wanted to talk on.
210
:Track 1: I think this one is something
we've already talked about a lot, and
211
:one of the biggest things in this is
the using monetary social proof to show.
212
:Authority or to show like client success.
213
:I think this is one of those things
that really manipulate someone's choice
214
:because if you're driven by , Gosh,
I was just listening to a podcast on
215
:this, like the three factors of pain
when it comes to making, it's like
216
:relationships, wealth and health.
217
:That's what it is.
218
:And if you're there and you're
trying to improve your wealth and
219
:you see somebody throwing around you
can make 10 K in the next five days
220
:if you use these efforts and dah.
221
:That is, An attraction method, but has, it
is not rooted in anything of transparency
222
:or accurate information because you're
getting a sliver of information and
223
:not like we've talked about in the
past with the Black Friday campaigns or
224
:like the fake urgency of act now dah.
225
:So I think it's really important that's
like the biggest one there is how not to.
226
:Not to lead with that, even though,
and like this is where I think
227
:you've said it be in the past.
228
:So it's such a successful tactic
because so many people are
229
:conditioned to buy certain ways.
230
:But as you said, also, I.
231
:People are changing their buying behavior.
232
:People are becoming so much more
aware of certain things they
233
:need, like certain criteria in
order for them to make a decision.
234
:And I think it's just this
like trend that's happening,
235
:which I'm very grateful for.
236
:But yeah, I think that's probably
the number one way that people
237
:attract using inaccurate information.
238
:What do you have another thought on this?
239
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: So the
only thing, so it's like the numbers
240
:only tell one side of the story, so I.
241
:I'm down this like scammy
it's called Cruel World.
242
:Happy Mind is the channel that I've
been binging lately on YouTube.
243
:And she was talking about how a course
creator created a successful how a content
244
:creator created a successful course.
245
:I think she sold like $40,000,
like on her launch day or whatever,
246
:but she was a content creator, so
she has a super large audience.
247
:Okay, this course, some arbitrary.
248
:Arbitrary like topic.
249
:And the next course she created was
like, how to sell your course, because I
250
:launched this course that made $40,000.
251
:And it's like when you look at like
behind the scenes, like her course
252
:was like $2,000, so really $40,000.
253
:But that's 20 people.
254
:And based on her followers,
she had a million followers.
255
:Track 1: A very low
256
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: It was
a very low conversion rate, and she
257
:had only sold that one course for
herself and not for everyone else.
258
:So this is why I think if you wanna
use, like I, we love numbers, we love
259
:to brag about our numbers, but I think
that's why I love case studies is Like
260
:the why behind the numbers or looking
at the deeper number and not just like
261
:the sexy numbers, like revenue, but
what are those deeper analytics of like
262
:conversion that we've improved that sort
of way than just like those numbers.
263
:Because you can say you had a
$200,000 launch, but if you've got
264
:5 million, do 5 million followers
and you're selling a course for,
265
:10 grand, then that's really not.
266
:That great of a conversion and you
might not be in the position to
267
:teach other people how to do that
if you've only sold one course.
268
:Which is why I think just hiring an
expert that's in behind multiple,
269
:courses and have seen that can really
help you navigate that in a better way.
270
:But I think so many people, even when
you see people, like I always get , Funny
271
:how the, how to grow your Instagram
accounts, like those have the most follow.
272
:They're like, I grew my
followers this many days.
273
:And it's you're teaching people how to
grow on Instagram, which is like probably
274
:the most hottest topic on Instagram.
275
:No wonder people are following you right
now, . I just think looking at the why
276
:behind the numbers are just so important
277
:Track 1: Yeah.
278
:I think another one to add, and
this is probably a most frustrating
279
:thing, I would say for probably
both of us or people who are in the
280
:same mindset as us, is like the.
281
:I don't wanna call it like fake
authority, but like the people who come
282
:out and brand themselves as experts, and
maybe in this case it was this content
283
:creator is now a course selling expert.
284
:And the, because there's certain
levers of like vanity metrics.
285
:So like they have a million followers,
they're saying they made $40,000.
286
:That's a lot of money
to people who are not.
287
:Court content creators or
influencers or whatever.
288
:And I think one of those things
is as you're growing an ethical,
289
:responsible, kind of transparent
business, you can easily get
290
:frustrated by why are they believing
this person who is like obviously
291
:not the real deal, who's obviously
using levers of manipulation to get
292
:Their business working.
293
:And it could be easy for people who
are maybe in the same value set as
294
:us, where it's I could easily just
put expert at the end of this . And
295
:maybe then people will think.
296
:But I think the long
run here and like the.
297
:Longevity of running your business is
sticking to your values and showing
298
:your authority through your education,
through your knowledge, and the
299
:people who will see beyond the smoke
screens and the smoke and mirrors
300
:and all of that will flock to you.
301
:In a transparent, authentic
way, instead of the ones who are
302
:gonna still maybe not that far.
303
:And this is why I always like to say
like far enough in their journey to
304
:be aware of the manipulation tactics.
305
:Maybe they have to get burned once or
twice before they sit there and reflect.
306
:Oh yeah, that's not how I want to
be spending my money, or the people
307
:I want to spend their money on.
308
:I think it gives, it is very frustrating
for people who want to do better
309
:when you're constantly competing
with people who are essentially
310
:misusing the laws of marketing.
311
:And that's never gonna change,
312
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: yeah, I
think it's all about, standing in,
313
:those universal principles of abundance.
314
:And service.
315
:And that if you truly have, a service
heart and that's your goal is really
316
:to help up uplift others, then just
trusting that the universe is going
317
:to reward you with prosperity.
318
:Which is funny because this was my
card this morning, prosperity, so it.
319
:Your material needs are provided as
long as you follow your intuition and
320
:manifest your dreams into reality.
321
:So that was the card.
322
:Alright moving on.
323
:Track 1: fair pricing.
324
:Let's do fair pricing and value, and
then we'll go to the last one after.
325
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Alright.
326
:Fair pricing.
327
:I've gotten burned by this before, so I.
328
:Track 1: Yeah.
329
:Same.
330
:I've paid a lot of money with, for someone
who was supposedly an expert and gave me,
331
:it was like a sales expert and essentially
just gave me like . A list of 20 things
332
:that I need to do on an everyday basis.
333
:And it was all spamming people and it
was, I'm like, I paid how much for this.
334
:This is the worst decision I've ever made.
335
:And I take full responsibility in allowing
my decision or my like FOMO or need
336
:for money to influence that decision.
337
:But yeah, I think.
338
:Oh, this one's a, this
one's a meaty topic,
339
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Yeah.
340
:It was a program that was advertised
as a high touch program, and probably
341
:the first red flag should have been
when I hopped on a discovery call.
342
:I wasn't actually talking
to the program creator.
343
:I was talking to a sales
associate for the program.
344
:So I'm not even getting highly
touched in the sales process.
345
:How am.
346
:I should have, but like I legit asked
this sales associate like, this is
347
:where I'm at currently in my business.
348
:I wanna make sure that
this is right for me.
349
:These are my concerns that I have.
350
:This is like what I know about
myself and the support that I need.
351
:Does your program offer
this kind of support?
352
:Sales associate, said yes, but
of course they're getting paid
353
:off of commissions to sign me up.
354
:So I got into the program and
I quickly realized that it was
355
:not high touch surprise at all.
356
:And I had already made one or two
payments, which were pretty substantial,
357
:but I still had a good chunk to leave.
358
:So I emailed this person with my like
screenshots of their sales page and
359
:like, How I, what I was experiencing
in this program was not what they
360
:were offering or was not high touch.
361
:And the person wrote back and they
were like high touch is an ambiguous
362
:term, so what does it mean to you?
363
:And I'm like if you know it's ambu, why
are you using it on your sales page?
364
:Track 1: Yeah.
365
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: So
long story short, I did not get my
366
:initial investment back, but I did
not have to pay the rest of the
367
:program, which would have been a lot.
368
:And the sad thing is like the
contents of that program were actually
369
:really good and valuable, but I.
370
:It did not line up with the price
point of what they were trying
371
:to charge for like high touch.
372
:So like this person knew their stuff
and what it looked like had happened
373
:is like they had a successful, like
either one-on-one offer or small group
374
:program and that they were trying to
scale it to a larger audience so they
375
:could make seven figs and some of the
value of that got lost in the translation
376
:of trying to reach more people.
377
:Track 1: Yeah.
378
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: I think
a lot in the programs is like
379
:you'll have a successful one-on-one.
380
:You're able to get clients results.
381
:You use those testimonials when you
like push it into your group program,
382
:but you don't have the systems set up
to be able to support the same kind
383
:of transformation that you can give
one-on-one or small group when you're
384
:like trying to deliver to the masses.
385
:Track 1: Yeah, I think that's one of
those things that people will pay.
386
:For custom answers, which is why
one-on-ones and done for you is so
387
:successful, but when business owners are
trying to scale the enticing behavior
388
:of trying to turn a one-on-one to a
group, a lot of that does get . Lost.
389
:And there's so many people in the online
space that will pay the value of a new
390
:car for programs that are essentially
group programs, that it's minimal touch.
391
:Not minimal touch, but but like
certain areas are just not.
392
:Worth $20,000, $15,000.
393
:And there's so many people in this space.
394
:Like I remember one time when I was in the
same mistake of a sales program that I was
395
:in, the person was like, don't let them
get off of the phone call without a yes.
396
:And so you keep talking to
them and talking to them.
397
:And immediately, as soon as she
was saying that, I was like,
398
:yeah, don't vibe with this.
399
:This is not.
400
:At all how you should treat people
when it comes to sales conversations,
401
:and I think that this is where.
402
:Everybody, like I've heard horror
stories of people having to take out
403
:loans, people opening up new credit
cards in order to afford the online
404
:pricing for online business owners.
405
:And it's one of those things that
you can charge your worth or your
406
:value or whatever, but there's a very
strategic pricing strategy that comes
407
:with . Charging what people can afford.
408
:Charging what ethically is market
value and really being competitive
409
:in that sense, and not just draining
people's sales or savings accounts
410
:because you can, I think that's the
part that really just bothers me.
411
:Just 'cause you can,
doesn't mean you should.
412
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Yeah, it's
a very fine line of, it has to be an
413
:energetic match for the output of work
you're putting out because so many people
414
:are like passive income, do a course,
do a group program, that sort of thing.
415
:But it's there still has to be an
energetic match for that level of.
416
:Put like that you're putting out and
then that person's gonna receive as
417
:far as just for your money Karma to be
418
:Okay.
419
:And it may work short term, but I
think, I truly believe that long term
420
:everything is gonna come back around.
421
:And that if you wanna build a
sustainable business for the long term
422
:You have to get, make sure people,
you're energetically matching those
423
:people, because if not, maybe people
aren't talking about it outward,
424
:openly about your company, your
business, your offer, but behind closed
425
:doors, they're having conversations.
426
:And eventually all of those conversations
are going to catch up with you and
427
:you're gonna find that your offer is
not gonna, sell as well as it would.
428
:You gotta think about
the long-term benefits.
429
:When you're pricing.
430
:You may be able to get $10,000, like
when I hear people pay like $10,000
431
:for stuff that's not done for you.
432
:And I'm like, Like
knowledge is only like one.
433
:I would even say one small percent
of what is gonna make you successful?
434
:Because there's so much other,
strategy and like implementation.
435
:Know-how that that you can get by
investing that same money into an
436
:expert that's gonna work with you
one-on-one or in a smaller container.
437
:Track 1: Yeah.
438
:Yeah, exactly.
439
:And I think that there are so
many, there's so many done for you
440
:service providers who will feel that
sentiment of how can someone pay?
441
:Five, $10,000 to a coach who is only
giving you that knowledge, which for me as
442
:a service provider, I know that I can give
you all of the knowledge in the world, but
443
:if you do not implement, it's pretty val,
like worthless to your business, right?
444
:Like it's just a strategy sitting
on a piece of paper someplace and.
445
:It's the online struggle and one of
my friends actually just made a post
446
:about this of like, how could you
even question a price tag of a service
447
:provider who's doing it for you?
448
:, who is literally implementing in
your business compared to these
449
:coaches who have mastered their
marketing to be, the value of this is
450
:going to take you to the next level
is gonna give you so much money.
451
:And then when you don't actually have that
turn, it's, oh you weren't aligned for it.
452
:Or you have a mindset block or
something's holding you back.
453
:We need another session,
454
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Oh.
455
:Track 1: but.
456
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Like a
Facebook group for their group program.
457
:I did not purchase the program.
458
:A client bought it and wanted me
to implement, and I just hang out
459
:in there to see what they have.
460
:But it's supposed to be a Facebook
group where he has coaches in there
461
:giving you support to your question.
462
:And literally, anytime
everyone, anyone ask a question.
463
:They like turn it back on them and
like, why do you think that is?
464
:And I'm like, no, just give
them the freaking question.
465
:This isn't like a coach.
466
:Give them the answer.
467
:It's not like a, they're
trying to push back a mindset.
468
:It's like literally logistically
and strategically they need
469
:to know what is happening.
470
:Yes.
471
:Oh, the pain of being a little service
provider when these coaching, when
472
:you know a client is paying $10,000
for a month for a coach and you're
473
:like, Trying over here and they're
like questioning your price point and
474
:you're like doing all of the work.
475
:I remember doing a launch and.
476
:My client had a coach that was
coaching her through her mindset stuff.
477
:Okay, you need like you, if
you need that, go for it.
478
:And then like I, because I'm an
online business manager, I know all
479
:the expenses, so it's like literally
my expenses and like the credit card
480
:fees were like the same of I made
the same money as credit card fees.
481
:Track 1: Oh my God.
482
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Okay,
this is when I know I need to be
483
:charging a little bit of work.
484
:Asking credit is just sitting there.
485
:Track 1: Oh my God.
486
:That's the best thing I've heard all day.
487
:Oh my God.
488
:Yeah.
489
:Okay, so actually how to not.
490
:Be manipulative with your pricing,
I think is one of those things
491
:you can totally embrace, like
embracing the customer journey,
492
:embracing customer lifetime value.
493
:If you're an e-commerce brand,
you can average order value,
494
:like those are your metrics you
wanna focus on because instead of
495
:Hoping and wishing that the
person who's paying you $10,000
496
:gets the value out of it.
497
:Or instead of being like I want to
make a hundred thousand dollars,
498
:but I only have a offering of 10 k,
I need to get these people in it.
499
:You can really play the long game where
if you have a proper customer journey
500
:set up, like it's a year long like
501
:Steadiness in your business.
502
:If you have someone come in from a low
pro, a low ticket offer, upsell to a
503
:mid ticket offer, and then upsell to
a high ticket offer, it's not that
504
:they're sitting there and saying,
oh, low ticket, here's my credit card
505
:again, mid ticket high, whatever.
506
:You're taking one lead and
instead of having them swipe their
507
:card with you one time, you're
nurturing them over the span of
508
:Six, 12 months to be that full term.
509
:So instead of you having to get
one client, . Or one lead that's
510
:gonna spend $10,000 with you.
511
:You can have one lead that spends multiple
times with you that adds up to 10,000,
512
:but you have to deliver on the value.
513
:You have to provide a proper experience
that gets them from point A to point B.
514
:I think that if business owners just
implemented the customer journey into
515
:their , Strategy into their marketing plan
that they could see that it's actually
516
:a lot more sustainable to separate those
big charges and pull people through.
517
:I was talking to someone the other
day who sells high ticket pricing, but
518
:doesn't have any form of low ticket in
there, and I said, you could actually
519
:Significantly improve your yearly revenue.
520
:If you just created something between the
one and three month incubate incubation
521
:period, instead of making them sit in
your audience for six to eight months,
522
:if you just captured them initially with
a lower ticket item, one, you're gonna
523
:make more money out of them 'cause they're
already converting at this higher amount.
524
:But two, you're gonna support them
throughout their entire journey instead
525
:of just hoping they get there eventually.
526
:I.
527
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: I feel
like the pressure, so since we've been
528
:talking, because prob probably up until,
I've had smaller offers, but I really
529
:haven't implemented this customer journey
until we really, started doing our.
530
:Podcast, I'm just talking
about this on a regular basis.
531
:So the summer I work, to break out my
big retainer into different steps in the
532
:customer journey and the like, pressure
that it relieves of trying to, one, not
533
:having to get this person to sign up
for, a $10,000 offer right up the jump.
534
:But also I love to call 'em
dating projects because I'm like,
535
:let's just have a little date.
536
:Let's just start with a strategy session.
537
:I can get to know you, you can.
538
:To know me and then we can decide,
if we want to, if we enjoyed this,
539
:how I can support you further.
540
:And that just feels like
such a better fit for me.
541
:It's so much less pressure.
542
:It feels like more aligned
with how I operate.
543
:And because I know I'm able to deliver,
like I don't even have to sell.
544
:Like I literally, I had
one of my strategy calls.
545
:And she was like, okay, so
like how do we move forward?
546
:'cause I need you all the time.
547
:And like I didn't even have to
talk about oh I have a three
548
:month support package next.
549
:It's okay, we got in, we outlined what her
strategy, everything she needed to know.
550
:And she's okay, but I need
you to help me do this too.
551
:Done.
552
:And if, that feels so much better for
me not to mention like jumping into like
553
:bed with someone that you just met on a
20 minute discovery call six contract.
554
:Realize that this person
is an absolute cuckoo case.
555
:That doesn't feel so like I am all
for little dating projects now.
556
:Track 1: Yeah.
557
:And it gives you so much more control
over how and where you spend your time.
558
:And if you, and like you had said,
if you are so confident that you are
559
:gonna deliver, you almost don't need
to even worry about Them UPS upselling
560
:themselves, and that's exactly what it is.
561
:They've made that decision for
themselves that they want more of you.
562
:And I think that's the most important,
like difference in someone who has to
563
:make that decision to spend $10,000
on a multi-month contract with you.
564
:Who, if you were using the sales
tactics, you could be hitting them
565
:hard with all of the messaging.
566
:You could be telling them, this
is what you're gonna get, this
567
:is what you're gonna get, and
I'm gonna save you here and here.
568
:Compared to the energy shift of.
569
:Here, let's do a trial run.
570
:Let's get a feel for each other.
571
:And then, you can deliver.
572
:You have no fear that any part
of your offering is manipulative
573
:or missing or anything like that.
574
:And then they say, wow, I need more.
575
:That's the energy of a, like an ethical
customer journey, is that the person
576
:essentially takes themself through it.
577
:Because you're delivering on authority,
on trust transparency, because I
578
:think that's like the most important
factors of a sustainable business.
579
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Yeah, and if
you're not sold on this yet, another happy
580
:side effect is like no more scope creep.
581
:'cause I don't know how many times I've
signed on to work with a client and
582
:they say they need this, and this, but
then you actually jump into the back
583
:end of their business and it is like a.
584
:Mess.
585
:So it's like dating projects, especially
I know Rachel has a strategies offer that
586
:she is like loves too, but like these
strategy sessions that allow you to get
587
:a glimpse into your like client's backend
and what's really going on there and in
588
:their head and spend a sub man substantial
amount of time, like really help set
589
:you up for what you need to offer next.
590
:I am a convert of the customer journey
offers or what is Value Ladder?
591
:Is that what they call it?
592
:Value Ladder offers for sure.
593
:Track 1: Yeah, I think not enough people
know just how easy it makes your life.
594
:When you have a customer journey set
up, you get to be removed from these
595
:. Fearful tactics of sales and marketing
and like all of these efforts that
596
:feel a little desperate and you get to
live in this wow, this was really easy.
597
:Oh my gosh, I'm attracting
aligned clients and I have a
598
:choice in who I get to work with.
599
:And I think that's something that
a lot of small business owners or
600
:new business owners who are either
in that lead and like client space.
601
:You have a lot of nightmare clients
when that choice is removed.
602
:When you're in that desperate space
of I need a retainer or I need a new
603
:client, and you'll just take anybody who
you can take, it's one of those things
604
:where you start having those nightmare
clients and you start oh yeah, this
605
:is not aligned or anything like that.
606
:So customer journey.
607
:If we need to do four or five
more episodes on this, we are
608
:down to do it . 'cause it is.
609
:I know.
610
:. Okay.
611
:Yeah, what do we wanna end with?
612
:What's the last thing we wanna close on?
613
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Okay,
so we've talked about honesty and
614
:transparency as far as ethical marketing.
615
:We talked about fair
pricing, value delivery.
616
:We talked about high ticket
pricing and 10 K pricings.
617
:We didn't, we'll touch on charm pricing,
but charm pricing is when like you change
618
:the backend of your number just to make
it, it's a psychological manipulation.
619
:Just don't do that.
620
:People are smart.
621
:Don't insult your consumer's
intelligence by doing that.
622
:They can figure it out in their head.
623
:Because it's a widely known tactic.
624
:We did wanna talk a little bit about
like the respect for like privacy
625
:as far as your customer's emails.
626
:So let's just really quickly touch
on that point and then we'll close.
627
:Track 1: Yeah.
628
:One of the practices that a lot of
my clients have been implementing
629
:is an option to opt out, not of the
entirety of the list, but of the
630
:campaign and the promotional messaging.
631
:A lot of sensitivities maybe around
Mother's Day or around . Fertility or
632
:pregnancy, things along those ends where
there's a lot of trauma rooted in there.
633
:You have the option to just mute it.
634
:And that's exactly what we do for our
clients is we essentially say, you don't
635
:want to hear these messagings mute it.
636
:We'll bring you back into the conversation
once we're done talking about this.
637
:And it really does build this level
of respect and just transparency for
638
:your leads and for your audience.
639
:That you're aware of these
kind of like trauma provoking
640
:triggers in your own messaging.
641
:So I think that's something to just bring
in and have a little bit of space for.
642
:jess-_1_10-10-2023_100608: Yeah, for sure.
643
:Alright, so we have obviously
have a lot to say about ethical
644
:marketing, so I feel we're gonna.
645
:Another part too, but I did wanna just
share because I feel like I'm still new
646
:on this journey and I wanna honor like
the sources that I am learning from.
647
:So some other resources, if this
episode piqued your interest is the
648
:Ethical Move, which is a nonprofit
organization, which helps online business.
649
:Owners sell better.
650
:They're one of the first people
that I, and resources that I found.
651
:I was actually on their team for
a brief amount of time and then
652
:wasn't able to devote the amount of,
time and effort and energy to it.
653
:So I moved on.
654
:But they're still like a great
community to, who is passionate about
655
:selling in a way that is ethical.
656
:One of my favorite podcasts is Dupe,
the Dark Side of online business.
657
:I love it just because it
really brought to light.
658
:To me, like a lot of the like practices
that I didn't even know were wrong and
659
:Maggie and Michelle were really able
to just break them down and talk about
660
:like why these practices are wrong and
just shed light and help me do better.
661
:So those are just two resources that
I've definitely leaned into when learning
662
:about how to be a more ethical marketer.
663
:Track 1: Yeah.
664
:And as you go through this journey of.
665
:Le getting further towards ethical.
666
:Don't feel this kind of like shame
that you can't do it all at once.
667
:99% of businesses are participating
in some sort of manipulation
668
:or ethic, unethical tactic.
669
:So you are changing the entire
structure of your business when you
670
:do make this decision to change your
671
:Ways, but I promise you, as you certain,
as you make these shifts you'll own,
672
:you'll feel better about your own
business and you'll remove the ick
673
:and you'll feel less salesy because
your business is set up in a more like
674
:energetically non-manipulative way.
675
:So don't make this kind of don't feel the
need to make all of these changes at once.
676
:Slowly make the shift.
677
:But then also just honor the
fact that like you're doing more
678
:than a lot of people already are