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This "Innocent" Work KILLS Your Credibility

Written by: Kim Duke

Article Overview: She'll leave a message on my voice mail saying "Hey Kim - it's just your sister calling" JUST my sister, the only person on the planet who knows all my secrets, what I looked like in my Grade 5 photo (trust me - it's frightening) and who understands what I'm thinking with only a look??? JUST.

This "Innocent" Work KILLS Your Credibility

I bet you didn't know that I have Diva ESP.
Yes - all the way from Canada I'm tapping into your thoughts, your meetings with clients, what you're saying at networking events...heck - even what you put into your
email. (I bet you didn't think your Diva had psychic ability did you??)
And there's an innocent little word that's creeping into your language and thoughts just like ants at a picnic.
Are you ready for it?
The innocent little word is....
JUST.
You're thinking "What???"

How The Word JUST Kills Your Credibility
I love my sister. She's my only sibling. She's important, she's fabulous, she's smart, loving and she's ALWAYS got my back. But there's something she says that drives me nuts.
She'll leave a message on my voice mail saying "Hey Kim - it's just your sister calling" JUST my sister, the only person on the planet who knows all my secrets, what I looked like in my Grade 5 photo (trust me - it's frightening) and who understands what I'm thinking with only a look???
JUST.
Well - OK - you can laugh lady but I'd bet you're making the same mistake.

Some Examples of Nasty "Justs" That Are Showing Up With You:
On the phone...
"Oh hi Client X, I'm calling to just touch base to see if you've reviewed my proposal?"
In email...
"It was wonderful meeting you on Tuesday. I wanted to just see if you've had a chance to try our product yet?"
In person...
"If you could just squeeze me in - I'll only take 10 minutes of your time."

Women Use The Word JUST As A Way To Relieve Pressure/Guilt/Pushiness
However, it makes you look and sound...
 Unsure
 Needy
 Desperate
It doesn't display confidence in you or your product/service at all.
Think of how these phrases sound instead:
"Hey Kim - it's your sister calling."
"Hi Bob - I saw sparks flying over your office so I knew you'd read my proposal."
"I've been thinking about your business and I've come up with a brilliant idea."
Trust me - you're going to catch yourself saying the word JUST a lot, however, do your best lady to save it for when it makes sense. And with customers it never does.
So there.
Love from your bossy Sales Diva,
Kim

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Article Tags: ants, brilliant idea, canada, confidence, credibility, diva, email, guilt, little word, mistake, networking events, photo, phrases, picnic, proposal, psychic ability, sibling, sparks, time women, voice mail



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