Beverlee Rasmussen The world of small business is as rewarding as it is challenging. When coaching small business owners, one of the essential elements to explore is product clarification.
A common challenge for small business owners is failing to articulate clearly what they are selling, leading to confusion among prospective consumers.
The result of this ambiguity is low or no sales, lack of growth which can lead to business failure.
Asking questions about your clients product is a great place to start when the focus of the conversation is about a lack of sales.
Using Appreciative Inquiry
Using the Appreciative Inquiry model, which focuses on leveraging a client’s strengths and past successes, we can facilitate a more enriching dialogue that propels the client toward actionable solutions.
Here’s how you can guide your clients through this transformative process using open-ended, appreciative questions.
The Foundation of Discovery
Begin the coaching session by laying a foundation of discovery, setting the stage for a positive and constructive conversation.
- “What has been your greatest success with your current product offerings?”
- “When have you felt most proud of the products or services you provide?”
Dream: Envisioning Future Possibilities
As the conversation deepens, help your clients envision the positive future possibilities that could come from clarifying their product offerings.
- “Imagine a scenario where your product lineup is perfectly aligned with your customers’ needs. What does that look like?”
- “What are the highest aspirations you hold for your best selling product?”
Design: Crafting the Path Forward
Now that you’ve identified the client’s strengths and envisioned future possibilities, it’s time to co-create a plan for moving forward.
- “Building on your past successes, what steps can you take to simplify and clarify your product offerings?”
- “What supportive relationships or resources can you leverage to make this vision a reality?”
Destiny: Making it Happen
Finally, facilitate a dialogue that helps the client commit to actionable steps that align with their envisioned future.
- “How would realizing this vision impact your relationship with your customers and team?”
- “What’s the first action you’re excited to take toward achieving this vision?”
Appreciative Inquiry in Action
Appreciative Inquiry in business is a powerful tool in the coaching toolkit because it focuses on what’s working well, encouraging clients to do more of it.
- “When you think of past accomplishments related to your products, what strategies worked exceptionally well for you?”
- “How can you apply those successful strategies to the goal of product clarification?”
The process of coaching small business owners through product clarification can be profoundly transformative when approached through the lens of Appreciative Inquiry.
By focusing on strengths, envisioning a positive future, designing actionable steps, and committing to realizing the dream, you can guide your clients not just to clarity but also to fulfilling, long-term success.
Considering working with small business owners? We’ve go you covered, reach out anytime.
Beverlee
