These two words bring about thoughts of anger in every parent, competition in every sibling, and fear in every business owner. Yet as business owners, we need to be asking it more often than we do. To achieve more we need to be willing (and able) to step back and reassess. When dealing with difficult clients, these two words can change the way you approach the situation.
So what
I’m not asking a question, these are the words. While I understand it might seem abrupt and abrasive; it’s this that gives them their charm but also their jolting power. You see, it’s not until we are jolted from our comfort zone that we see and achieve greatness.
So what has that power.
Customers
Let’s get these out the way first. I know there were a number of times a whingey whiny customer came to me, complaining about something that really wasn’t my responsibility. Or the angry one yelling & swearing & carrying on like nobody’s business. Oh they were the ones I definitely wanted to say So what to! (and mean it with all the charm of a moody teenager)
But you really need to ask yourself So what in a few different ways and a number of times
- So what if I gave in and kept them happy
- So what if they were right
- So what if I were to step back and find out why they are so angry
- So what if I were to lose them as a client
Now the idea with these is that you need to give yourself the space to ask the questions without being angry, because that’s just not going to help anyone – especially if one of you already are.
Staff
Oh my word! Yep, I’ve managed staff. Displaced staff. Staff approaching retirement. Ugh, it was a bit of a rogues gallery. All lovely people, but boy oh boy was it rough at times. But you know what, I have learned the most from being a boss. So here are some of my of my favourites:
- So what if I gave in and kept them happy
- So what if they were right
- So what if I were to step back and find out why they are so angry
Look familiar? That’s because this isn’t about making you happy. It’s about them. Sorry, it’s true. The man thing angry people want is to be heard. If you can show them a genuine interest, you’re over half-way there. From there use what I teach in aligning values to align what you want/need achieved with their values/needs. It’s funny how quickly they are adopted as their own and behaviour improves. I’ve used these approaches on my staff and it has been used and adopted in other businesses I‘ve consulted to. The result is the same – staff buy in & improved performance. And not just to keep you quiet and off their backs, they actually believe it.
Growing your business
This is the first place I actually used these words – in assisting business owners to grow their business by determining the benefits of their service or product. I would have them ask So what.
In this instance it’s about challenging your perception of what your business is meant to look like and where you want it to go.
- So what if I decide not to do video for my business
- So what if I introduced a new product or service now or in 6/12/24 months time
- So what if I moved premises
- So what if I rebranded/changed my name
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Self
You really didn’t believe that I would let you off without asking yourself did you? We know we are our own worst enemy. Some of us can’t stand turning the mirror on ourselves, yet others do it with reckless abandon. The ones who succeed are the ones who take action.
So what kind of So what questions should you ask yourself? Here are a few I use…
- So what if I fail
- So what if it’s not perfect
- So what will this extra money mean for my family
- So what is my next step
Push yourself. This stuff was never meant to be easy, change rarely is & challenge was never meant to be. If you don’t feel uncomfortable to the point of frustration, then you need to ask yourself again So what and you may have to do this a number of times until in mental exhaustion you say ‘enough’.
These two words, while they can hurt, are incredibly powerful and used carefully can drive you and your business to places you didn’t even think possible. In fact, this is what people have said about the outcomes of me having asked these questions of them.
She got me organised! We set the goals, worked out when I needed to do weekly/daily to get me there. They were specific, not wishy washy.
Kara was very knowledgeable and held my hand through a "troll" incident. She was the first person I went to to seek advice. Kara has also been extremely generous in her time and information when it comes to social media, trends, how things work, best times to post. I love that is comes from a psychological point of view.
I started with no idea! Kara has filled my world with ambition, dreams and goals.
So very generous with her knowledge and time.
Kara went right back to basics with us as we were a start up business. She worked with us to make sure the foundations were set up in a way that gave us a platform to move forward in a productive way.
We felt like we were failing ourselves and our business as we were so overwhelmed with working in the business knowing full well we should be dedicating sometime to working on the business. Kara talked us through how to set achievable goals, implement them and review them.
If burying our heads in the sand equates to trying somethings else then - Yes we tried other things. We were a start up business with very little practical idea about operating a business. We had an idea about things we should be doing but no experience or real understanding of what should happen and when it should happen.
Two words - Direction and accountability. Kara worked with us in the beginning to get an understanding of what we did, and how we went about it. She then guided us into more coherent way of operating, giving us the ability to set the goals we want to achieve, and following up on these, making us accountable for the decisions and goals we had made. She is teaching us how to grow as business owners and to be comfortable in our capabilities as we stretch ourselves and our mindsets. Kara is one of the most valuable assets in our business.
Kara opened my eyes to where I was in my business
Kara's training really pushed me. She really made me think!
Christina now understands herself & is growing
I have booked in with Kara so I can reassess my business as well as a new business venture. I have found Kara to be a person equipped to be able to identify what changes need to take place, what actions need to be taken, and importantly. the need to understanding yourself in a business situation. This understanding can steer you away from the pitfalls you can find yourself in by default and change habits that can be a crucial part of being in business and being out of business.
Kara is very intelligent, accessible, easy to talk to, and shows a confident personality that lets you realise that anything is possible. It is professional and informative and just loving every minute. Thank you Kara you are amazing.