Yesterday, I had the pleasure of going to a new gym and to take a few fitness classes from a friend of a friend that I had never met before.  I had heard so much about this fitness instructor and was excited to finally be in town on a day when she was teaching.  I called the gym ahead of time to make sure she was on the schedule and even the gal who answered the phone said, “you will love her classes; she is one of our best instructors!”  Awesome!  I was going to have fun and get a great workout.

At the gym, we were both happy to finally be meeting each other.  As I held out my hand to shake hers, she leaned in and said, “my classes are probably way below your fitness level.  You should check out Gym XYZ.”  What a buzz kill AND now I felt pressured to look all fit and amazing in her classes.   Her lack of self esteem pretty much ruined the next two hours.  I tried to shake it off.  Truth be told, the first class was a new style of class that I had never taken.  Even someone in the best of shape would feel a burn since it was an unfamiliar way to move your muscles.  The second class was spin, and even though I do it all of the time, each instructor has their own way of teaching that can give you a great workout.  PLUS, I’m nursing an abdominal injury and everything feels 20 times harder than usual.

When have you turned off a new client before they even got a chance to know you?

*My store is a mess.  We had a huge sale yesterday.

*My cookies could be better.

*My newsletter was awful.  It was my first time using this new software.

*This necklace isn’t that cute, I made it as a sample.

Be confident people!  No excuses.  If you don’t feel great about the stuff you are putting out, fix it.  The stuff you do put out?  Own it!  It is the best XYZ out there.  No one should live without it!!!   If you are doing this, you will never feel the need to discount yourself, your service or your product to a customer.