Convey, Not Convince

The best advice that I have ever received…

That’s because it easily translates to who I am and what I do. What you get personally is what you get professionally as well. As a budding entrepreneur, it can be extremely tempting to want to (and even feel like you have to) convince the world that your products and services are worthy of their time and money. However, it doesn’t work like that all.

In fact, most times, the people who you spend your time trying to convince, trying to persuade and trying to prove something to are the ones who will give you the most hell. They’re the ones who’ll pick you apart and find an error. They’ll make you “work for it”–whether the “it” be money, acceptance, or approval. It’s like applying for a loan at the bank. You’re asked all of these questions and taken through all of these loops, only to either be rejected or subscribed to foul terms.

To convey, on the other hand, is to make something known. And according to my good ole’ friends over at Merriam-Webster, to convey is to communicate by statement, suggestion, gesture, or appearance. Note that communication doesn’t necessarily have to be verbal. As the definition suggests, you can convey your message in as many words as a book, as few as a tagline, a 30-minute consultation, a giggle over macchiatos, a smile, or by simply rocking your twist-out in the fabulous way that you do.

That’s because your tribe gets you. They can feel your vibrations from way ‘cross the room (or internet). They need not be convinced because you’ve already articulated your message. Though they may have follow-up questions, you should not be prompted to prove anything. Convincing is a job. Conveying is a lifestyle.

What say you? What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?