As was discussed in the first post of 2017, “The Loudest vs Quietest“, the ego is a core element in our daily lives. Everyone reading this article is motivated by the instinctive nature – right from birth – to want to satisfy their own needs first. The ego totally rules.

That’s neither good or bad, it just is.

However ignoring this very basic fact-of-life during presentations or engagement with others is bad. Very bad.

If you think you can get someone to think about purchasing anything from you without you showing concern for their ego – their core needs – then you are you are letting your own ego rule you; to your detriment.

It’s never about you

Remember the Carly Simon song, “You’re So Vain”? The next line – if you have somehow forgotten – is, “you probably think this song is about you.”

Well, we are all so vain. We all think everything is about us. If it’s not about us, we want to figure out how to make it all about us. We are all self-centered first and foremost.

Therefore, breaking our natural bonds with our own instincts of self-interest can take some practice when we are around others of our species. Making others feel like you care about them and their needs ahead of yours often requires you to engage in deliberative and conscious actions and language.

This is an action, not an act. You are not acting. You are simply taking on a different perspective. I am not asking you to fake interest, I am asking you to think about your word choices.

I am advocating making word choices that will still rely on your authentic voice but will also draw on your prospect’s natural ego-centric point-of-view.

Use “your” words

There are Four Dirty Little Words that we are all in the habit of using and these are the ones you need to avoid if you want to grow a trusting relationship. (If you own my guidebook, you should know these words.)

Trust grows when you minimize using the Four Dirty Little Words: I, ME, MY, MINE Click To Tweet

Here’s an example of what you might say in response to someone seeing your work for the first time and stating that they like (love!) what you do, consider this switch up:

I am so glad you like my work. I have put years into my (art form) and I love to be able to share it with others. (And often, this leads to a complete show and tell and extended “elevator” speech. Just let them talk! You don’t matter right now.)

BETTER: Thanks for your kind words. It’s people like you, showing your appreciation, that creates the motivation for this work.

And to avoid prattling on about yourself, I would recommend adding, “Have you collected (art form)?” Why not get that out front and center! (Yes, I know all about the open vs closed questions theory. Forget about that and just have a conversation.)

Words really matter

Your first few words set the tone for the rest of your engagement. Start by finding some way to acknowledge that you value this person and their interest in your work.

Replace I, Me, My, and Mine with YOU and YOURS as much as is practical. You might also use the word “Collector” and allude to the infamous “they” from time to time depending on your particular situation. If you aren’t comfortable with the word collector (yet) then use “People”.

“Collectors who own my (artform) like ______________ and they ______________.”

“Many collectors have said that they like the fact that _______________”

“One of the things collectors share about owning (art form) is _________________”

Those statements are terrific templates for sharing features and benefits that make owning your work a joyful and credible experience. They are a form of third-party endorsements and they are easy to incorporate.

If I were to fill in the blanks for my jewelry line, it might go something like this:

“One of the things people love about my jewelry is the fact that everything is so lightweight. Pick up anything and you will be very surprised.”

This is a strong way to present information because my work is exceptionally light. Therefore, they were told something that was true. And that creates a belief that what I say can be trusted. And – if I am fortunate enough to fit into their “style” – their interest levels will continue to rise. They move quickly from the Awareness stage into the Consideration stage of the Buyer’s Journey.

The more you can move people from Awareness to Consideration, the more likely they are to move into the Decision stage. The more you avoid I, Me, My, and Mine, the quicker they will transition to Consideration of ownership.

Do some homework

Before your next art fair or public event, take the time to re-read the E’s of Selling Art System. And revisit the inspirational flashcards. Then take out paper and pencil and do the exercises. I know you did it already.  But you will thank me when you do it again from scratch. Don’t look at your previous answers! Start fresh.

(Hey…You did DO the exercises, right?!)

Selling anything – but especially art – is an ever-shifting landscape. Shake up your brain and your heart. Get deeper into your art.

Get deeper into your collector’s heart, too. Practice using You and Yours.

Find more homes for your art.

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You may not get as much from them if you don’t have the full system, but they can help anyone who wants to find more homes for their art!

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