Generalist or Specialist?

Reasons why Clients don’t check your pitches

Hi friends,

I wanted to discuss something on my mind lately: positioning yourself and your services.

But before we dive in, I owe you all a big apology.

I’ve been a bit all over the place lately, juggling more tasks than I can handle. It’s been a real eye-opener for me, and let’s be honest, I don’t thrive under pressure. But hey, I’m here now, ready to get back on track and bring you some consistency.

Alright, let’s get down to business.

I recently tried to hire a Kajabi expert for a project and ran into something interesting. While many folks in my network said they were “automation experts,” when I shared the specifics of the role, most couldn’t actually take on the work.

This got me thinking: why do we sometimes overstate or generalize our skills rather than hone in on our true specialties?

As someone trying to hire, I’d much rather hear, “I’m a content creator who specializes in writing high-converting sales emails” instead of, “I’m a digital marketing expert.” The former helps me immediately understand if you’d be a good fit for a project, while the latter leaves me guessing at what you actually do.

I think there are a few reasons we fall into this trap of self-labeling as generalists:

-We want to cast a wide net for opportunities by saying we can do it all. However, it actually has the opposite effect — we seem unreliable or spread too thin.

-We get enamored by fancy, buzzwordy titles instead of clear and transparent ones. But clients just want to understand simply if we can help with their specific needs.

-We compare ourselves to others and try to keep up when we’d be better served to hone our niche. As they say — be a pineapple in a sea of coconuts!

It got me thinking — in a world where everyone’s fighting for the spotlight, why not shine as one of the few stars in the night sky?

Instead of boxing yourself into a generic title like “Digital Marketer,” why not showcase the unique skills that set you apart? It’s like having your own constellation in a crowded sky — less competition, more opportunity to shine.

And let’s talk about the language we use to describe our services.

I’ve seen web designers throw around complex jargon to sound impressive, but clients want someone who speaks their language.

I met this self-proclaimed “content writer extraordinaire” at an event, and when I asked how she could help our logistics business, she stumbled over her words, lost in the fancy vocabulary. It’s all about connecting with clients on their level.

And don’t even get me started on those who slap on titles like “Data Analyst” or “Blockchain Miner” without explaining how they can actually help clients. It’s crucial to position ourselves in a way that clients understand exactly how we can benefit them.

The key is to be confident and specific when describing your skills. Don’t hide behind vague titles — tell prospective clients exactly how you can solve their problems! It may feel limiting initially, but it helps you stand out and build a reputation as a dependable expert.

So, let’s make a pact, shall we? Break down your skills in a way that speaks to your clients’ needs. And if you’re struggling to do that, hey, I’m here to help.

I would love your thoughts on this! Have you ever struggled with communicating your skills effectively? What’s worked for you? Let me know!

P.S.

Big news: I’ve co-founded KAIB MEDIA Solutions with a longtime friend! We’re all about decentralizing marketing solutions for businesses and individuals who want to make their mark. Give us a shout-out to your network and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Your support means the world!