What if I told you that you’re forgettable.
That nobody will remember you or your product(s) or service(s) when you die?

It would suck, right? Yeah.

When I talk to business owners and ask them what they most want out of their work, 9 out of 10 times, I get a version of this . . .

I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED
I WANT TO BE UNFORGETTABLE

Feeling like we matter and that our imprint has been left on the world (even a tiny corner of it) is a universal human need. Every person on the planet wants to feel important, like their presence here matters. And when we go, which we all will one day, we want to know that we’ve done something that will be remembered.

If being unforgettable is such a core human need, then I wonder why I am consistently let down by businesses and people alike. They’re memorable alright, but for all the wrong reasons. It’s not enough to be the loudest, the biggest, the prettiest, the most awarded or the kindest (in life or business).

No, what I’m talking about when it comes to being an unforgettable force of nature (in your work, art or as a human being), is leaving other feeling better about life after they’ve interacted with you, your product(s) or your service(s). They feel touched, seen and respected in a deep way.

If you want to be unforgettable in your business, you’ve got to move us (from the inside out).
How?

Here are 5 steps that will get you on track:

KNOW YOURSELF
The buck stops with you. If you own your business you get to make all the rules. That’s great news AND it comes with a big task, which is to know yourself (inside and out). It’s not enough to have a brilliant idea, create magic, hang the shingle and then offer your brilliance to the world. That’s great, but it’s not enough. You’ve got to know who you are. What you stand for. And you’ve got to work on being the best version of yourself that you can be. Cheesy yes, but totally and utterly necessary.

Why? Because your business will bring up every negative pattern you’ve got. The baggage will be dragged out into the light. And it will try to derail you, disrupt your flow and quite possibly turn your customers and clients off in a big way. Make the time and space to get to know yourself. What makes you tick? Are there some areas in your life that could use some massaging? Grab a book, hire a coach, work with a therapist, talk it out over tea — do whatchu gotta do.

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SELLING / WHO YOU ARE
Now that you’re working on you, it’s time to turn your attention to your business. Who are you (as a business)? What do you stand for? What makes you stand out? What are you selling? What are you REALLY selling?

Why do you do what you do in the world? To make loads of cash money isn’t a solid answer. Look deeper (wider and broader). Think about the overarching reason why you started your business to begin with.

Knowing who you are as a business is the precursor to EVERYTHING. Before you create products, digital programs, special offers or anything — be sure to know who you are, who you serve and what you’re really and truly selling. A great resource for that is Simon Sinek’s well-known book START WITH WHY.

KNOW HOW YOU WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL
Now that you know who you are and who you serve with your business – the next step is to determine how you want people to feel when they use your product, purchase your program, complete the training or emerge from your shop. Beyond delivering an amazing product or service (that will benefit your customers life in some measurable way), you want him/her feel something. Make them feel that emotion — and they’ll never forget you.

For instance, here at The Girl Who Knows, I want readers (like you) to walk away feeling connected (less alone), inspired, motivated and excited to try something new! Everything we create here is geared towards the emotions of connection + inspiration + motivation + joy. And I would, add a healthy dose of keeping it real (if that can be considered a feeling)!

MIND THE DETAILS
It’s all in the details baby. So be extra mindful of them, because your customers are paying attention. What differentiates you from your competitors or other businesses like yours? One of the major differentiators is you. Nobody can compete with your unique perspective and view on the world (your work is inherently original like you are).

But there’s a second thing, that the online world tends to gloss over . . . the details! A lot of business guru’s say that you’ve got to just “ship it,” be first to market and not be overly sentimental about things like packaging and design. To that I say . . . NONSENSE!

Here’s an example . . .
A spa in Chinatown offers relaxing foot rubs and back massages, it’s convenient, quick, requires no appointment, and is effective and very inexpensive (only $40 for an hour). Why on earth then, would somebody pay more than triple the price( $150) for the same service at another spa in town?

I’ll tell you why. It’s because of their attention to detail and thoughtfulness. Everything from the customer service team, to the beautiful branding, easy online appointment scheduling, text reminders, eucalyptus scented towels, soothing music, warm massage beds, expert therapists, soft robes, linen hand towels in the bathroom, perfectly candlelit relaxation lounge and VIP treatment — it’s what makes this spa worth the price tag.

The details don’t have to be fancy. They don’t have to be expensive and over-the-top. They just need to keep your customer top of mind. And they need to communicate how you want your client to feel, once they’ve experienced your product or service (see above).

Repeat after me . . . the details are what make an unforgettable business. The details will make or break my business (take it from Steve Jobs).

LEAVE THEM WANTING MORE
Wowing your customers and being unforgettable is all about leaving them wanting more. Think about the time you had a great massage, and you couldn’t wait to go back for another. You feel like you could’ve stayed there for hours and hours and hours. That’s the feeling you want each and every person who experiences your work to have.

Minding the details will help you do this. And so will how you continue the experience (and conversation) after your customer leaves. Create a full-service experience — this means, follow-up calls or emails, notes on their birthday, a thank you gift for being one of your best customers, a special discount waiting for them when they come back.

Again, these things don’t have to break the bank, it’s the thought that counts (but do ensure that it feels appropriate, well designed/crafted and in line with your brand). Wow! your clients and customers at every turn and I guarantee you will have fans for life.

It’s your turn – tell me ways that you make your work, business or livilihood unforgettable. I’m always interested in hearing from you, so that we can all learn from each other and be inspired to deliver a truly unforgettable experience to our clients, customers and friends. Drop me a note below!

xo,
Stephanie

Main image by Death To The Stock Photo