10+ Ways To Consciously Create Credibility (That High-End Clients Crave)

When I encourage my new clients to offer a high-end (or “Platinum Style”) program, usually one of the first concerns I hear is, “But Elizabeth, I don’t know enough yet” or “I haven’t had enough training.”

If that’s you, I get it. As a heart-centered entrepreneur, you want to be in integrity. You’re committed to giving great value. You want your clients to get the transformation they’re yearning for.

Problem is, behind these positive intentions is perhaps THE most damaging belief that stops talented women in their tracks, keeps them playing small and struggling to create 1ncome: the belief that they’re somehow not good enough, don’t know enough, or haven’t done enough to claim their worth.

Holding back on being the authentic expert you are causes you to miss out on thousands of dollars, plus opportunities to help your clients step up into phenomenal results. So hear me now, Goddesses (and all you heartfelt Adonis-es who are waiting for a crown, too)…

Nobody gives you permission to be the expert. You decide to BE the expert, and step into it.

Your clients WANT you to be the expert. They are WAITING for you to be the expert. And it’s a lot easier than you think, because your expert status and credibility are almost entirely within your control.

If you’re wondering exactly HOW you pull that off, I can help! Here’s a checklist of 10+ simple actions that build your credibility and help you own the “inner expert” you are…

1. Create your Signature System. Your signature system is simply what you’re already doing with clients, organized into a highly marketable series of steps. When you package your expertise in a step-by-step system, you instantly tell your clients that you have it all figured out and can help them get results.

2. Tell your Signature Story – everywhere. Many heart-centered solopreneurs, especially women, hold back on sharing their stories because they think their clients don’t care. Truth is, it’s your story that creates instant credibility with high-end clients. Your story tells them that you’ve “walked the walk that they want to walk” and can show them how.

3. Be a collector of testimonials. Proudly sharing your clients’ results creates proof that you’ve got the goods, plus you’re bound to inspire others in your tribe to stretch and grow… right into your programs.

4. Talk about the results your clients get. Sprinkle stories about your clients’ results in your articles, teleseminars and signature talks. (Remember, people love stories, so these powerful case studies will come across as totally natural, not bragging.)

5. Be a testimonial on someone else’s site. One of the fastest ways to skyrocket your visibility and credibility is to align with successful people and make them look good. Also? You’ll attract more clients and get more sales. (This strategy alone has been worth thousands of dollars in business to me.)

6. Share your insights and opinions. Yes, you’ll ruffle a few feathers along the way – that’s how you know you’re having an impact. Being willing to have a point of view positions you as a woman or man of courage – a thought leader who commands respect and attention. (Plus, you’ll attract more of who’s right for you and less of who isn’t.)

7. Share what you’re learning. The more you train, the more you know… and the more you can bring back to your tribe. High-end clients want to see that you’re learning, growing, expanding.

8. Be interviewed. These include teleseminars, radio and in print. With the huge demand for high-quality content, it’s simple to set up 2 interviews minimum – month in, month out. You’ll build your list and your credibility at the same time.

9. Interview other experts. This year, I made a conscious decision to establish myself as a leader in the conversation around the Divine Feminine, especially as it pertains to entrepreneurship. My first move? Launching Goddess Business School, followed by my signature teleseries, 6-Figure Secrets Of Divine Feminine Entrepreneurs.

Did it work? Well, I receive inquiries constantly, and just a few days ago I spent over an hour talking with an established journalist who is working on an article on the emergence of the Feminine in business for a mainstream, well-respected publication. (The takeaway? You can do this, too!)

10. Publish high-quality content on your blog and in your newsletter. Include tips that demonstrate that there’s a problem, and WHY it’s a problem, along with quality how-to content that leads them to taking the next step with you.

11. Make a bold claim – take a strong stand! As always, I’m telling it like it is. If you’re not willing to make a claim and take a stand, why should high-paying clients invest with you? What is a claim (and a stand) that you can live up to?

12. Offer a high-end (Platinum-style) program. It may seem weird at first, but when you start offering high-end programs (which are actually easier to fill than the low-end ones you’re struggling with now), you’re instantly seen as the expert. People take you seriously. YOU take you seriously. Clients line up to work with you.

Yes, really. And that, dear Goddess, is a win-win-win blessing for everyone.

Want more practical steps on how to BE the expert your clients want to hire? It’s all part of the proven step-by-step system I share in my Client Enrollment Secrets program, to attract and authentically ‘seal the deal’ with high-end clients who are ready, willing and eager to pay your fees. Go here to get instant access to all modules, bonus trainings and tons of done-for-you goodies (including my exact system to get the awesome success stories you see me sharing): http://www.ClientEnrollmentSecrets.com

Quick Tip For Choice Client Research: 100 Questions

Met the lovely and oh-so-fabulous Gina Ratliffe last night, who presented a workshop on the 23 steps of her Esther Experience homestudy system. Her talk was presented by the local chapter of Ladies Who Launch.

The workshop was 3 hours long, and she had only scratched the surface of what’s in her course (23 modules and the equivalent of 5 binders of step-by-step instruction – she was selling them in iPod-only format to save paper, love that).  Gina’s content was second-to-none (the lady knows how to overdeliver); two things really jumped out at me.

“My big mistake at the very beginning: I studied success more than my target market,” said Gina. Chew on that one for a while.

Gina also gave a wonderful exercise for going deep in your choice client research. Before studying a subject, Leonardo Da Vinci would make a list of 100 questions. Make a list of 100 questions about your choice clients. Include everything from emotional factors (hopes, dreams, fears, etc) to lots and lots of demographics. (Read more here about Leonardo’s 100 questions.)

My 2 cents: don’t overlook the importance of the magazines they read. Short of interviewing peeps (which you should always be doing), nothing gives you a real sense of what’s on their minds like their magazines. You’ll find subtle (and not so subtle) clues as to their thoughts, habits, patterns, beliefs… and it’s all seamlessly woven in, naturally and authentically.

One last bit of wisdom from Gina…

“In business, the only people whose opinions matter are:
a. The people who know more than you
b. The people who are contenders for plopping down their credit cards with you.”

Amen.

I’ll see Gina again soon at David Neagle’s Experience The Reality Of Success seminar next week.  Can’t wait!