Test

It's something we all do.  And what a lot of people do to us (especially in our business).

They'll put us to the "test."  "Test" us out against the rest of the competition.  "Test" our patience. Do about everything else there is to see if we're worthy enough to do the job we say we can, maybe even going so far as to require us to even take a blood "test" before offering us the job.

My point?  We're always being tested.

And it really never ends.

So how do you pass this constant and never-ending "test" everyone seems to put us through these days?

The first part is when someone first hears about you (or your website).  Or actually even meets you in person.  It's the first time someone comes into contact with you, when they form these mental images of who you are.  What you do.  And whether or not they'd like to do business with you just over the types of font used.  The colors.  The design.  And how you make them feel (through your words – copy).

In having a chance to sit down and chat with Maria Ross of "Red Slice," I've been reading & studying her book "Branding Basics," over the last few weeks and I've come to realize how really important this is.  More importantly, how quickly people judge us and…

We really have to take a look at what it's saying.  Taking the time to understand whether or not we're attracting the type of clientele we'd like to work with.

Taking that a step further, it's about…

Testing what kind of direction we'd like to take our business.  Testing new products.  New services. Seeing if certain people are the right match to not just work with, but to "partner" up with too.

Recently having the opportunity to work for a pretty recognized ad firm (copywriting), I'm continuing to test the waters with it – versus the new direction I was thinking of going in my own business.

But sometimes I wish the tests would eventually end.

From testing our parent's patience when we were younger, only to enter grade school and be bombarded with more tests up through college.  Work.  And…

I sometimes wonder, "What's the final test?  And are we prepared enough for the end result (pass or fail)?"

QUESTION: Do you love your business, but know you shouldn't be the one writing for it?  Or perhaps you may even feel you could ruin the reputation you've spent so long in building?  Heck… maybe you're just way too embarrassed to even share it with anyone because you know deep down inside that whatever you write, doesn't accurately represent who you are and what your business is really about.

If any of that sounds familiar.  Click here.  Let's talk!