One Word That's Costing You Sales and Credibility

Do you frequently tap out emails using lazy language, or are you sending modern and compelling digital mail to ensure you are coming from a position of strength?

Everyone is overloaded with what feels like an endless stream of daily emails. Many have a similar theme and an outdated feel – they are self-serving and all about the sender.

How many times a day do you send an email with the words “love” or “I would love?” Love has become a ubiquitous term used by people and professionals far too casually. Use of this word will cause the recipient of your email to be immediately dismissed. Stop irritating savvy consumer by sending emails filled with emotional language. Love and business don’t mix.

Here is what it sounds like to barge into someones inbox and drop the “L” bomb:

“I would love to meet you for a cup of coffee. I would love to set up a meeting and tell you about my business. I would love to get together to tell you about our new products. I would love to work with you. I would love to set up a time to get on your calendar. I would love to schedule 20 minutes of your time to show you a demo. 

Is the “love” word infecting your prospecting emails and business correspondence?

Just because that is what you’d “love” to do, does that mean it’s something they desire whatsoever. You are telling me what you love, rather than asking me if I am interested.

I challenge you to look at the last two dozen emails where you most likely sent some love notes to potential clients. You probably infused some love in your emails and possibly even your voicemail messages. You shared lots of love with your prospects. In doing so, you are blending in and being unforgettable.

I have talked to dozens of business owners who say how much they hate the word love. When they see that word in emails or hear it in voicemails, it forces them to classify you as another self-serving professional looking to steal their precious time. They would love you to stop. Get off auto-pilot and be more creative. It’s time to move from being mindless to growing more conscious in your professional language.

Using the word love adds no value, fails to engage prospects and moves you no closer to getting what you want. Emails filled with love will generate low interest and produce high resistance.

HERE’S THE FIX

I show professionals how to take the spotlight off themselves and focus on a more collaborative approach. As much as I preach about this, there are people who refuse to stop using such lazy language. They are the same people who ask me why their calls and notes go unreturned.

I take people off autopilot using self-centered “I” language and teach collaborative phrases such as:

•          Are you open to grabbing some lunch to discuss X?

•          Do you have some time to get together?

•          Are you available over the next week or so?

•          What are your thoughts on sitting down and discussing X?

•          What do you think about syncing up our calendars to finish our conversation from last week?

By asking if the person is open and using words that give them some say, you set yourself up to have more of a mutually motivated dialogue.

Saying things like, I love your hair. I love your tie. l loved your presentation. I love your book. 

Instead of making the statement about you, make the compliment about them.

Say, your tie looks great with that suit. Your hair looks nice today. Your book was fantastic.

Are you seeing a theme? Take yourself out of the equation. When you make it about them, the compliment feels genuine. Try this subtle and powerful language shift:

Stop spreading so much business love and watch how differently people respond to you. Love is great! Love is good! Everyone loves some love. Love your family. Love your pets. Love the planet. But please, leave the love out of your business correspondence.

P.S. Love is not the only word irritating and aggravating people. How many emails do you send saying: “I’m just checking in;” “I’m just reaching out;” “ I’m just following up and I’m just touching base.” 

Watch for all overused and outdated words in all your written and spoken communication. They are costing you lan and opportunities.