4 Heartbreaking Assumptions New Entrepreneurs Make
The amount of times that we hear new or inexperienced entrepreneurs make nonchalant or blasé statements assuming they know something that they really don't - which hinders your abilities and just makes you look less capable.
So, we've compiled a short list of 4 common assumptions that you really need to avoid - or at least be aware that are common to make!
Common Assumptions (You MUST Avoid)
Assumptions are shortcuts to critical thinking that allow us to feel like we can assess an individual or situation quickly - but if you're incorrect, you run the risk of creating content that alienates the people you actually want to reach.
They could think "You're saying I'm stupid. I'm leaving." or "Oh, this article isn't for me. It's for other people who know this stuff."
The result is the same either way. The reader leaves the page and finds what they were looking for somewhere else.
Your Audience Is Just Like You
Your audience probably has a lot of similarities to you. They might have similar interests, concerns, or fall into roughly the same demographic.
They're not the same person, though. They may not care about the same things you do. In fact, their personalities or priorities could be wildly different from yours.
This is especially true if you work in an industry you aren't directly passionate about. So instead, let data and experience guide your perception of your audience.
They Know The Same Things You Do
Your audience and you DON'T know the same things.
They might know more; they might know less. Sometimes you both simply know different things.
In fact, they're likely to be coming to your content because they have a gap in their knowledge. So you can follow these tips to ensure what you create doesn't go over their head:
Think like a journalist by writing in a way that anyone can understand. They typically use clear, simple sentence structures and strive to avoid ambiguity. Following these principles can help you create content that's clear and easy to read.
Over-deliver and under-promise. If you're not sure, try to provide too much detail, as opposed to providing too little. Being thorough and consistent when it comes to including detail ensures that your reader leaves with a clear understanding of what you're trying to communicate.
They Care About Your Brand
Most of your audience cares about their family, friends, and themselves.
No one is dying to spend an evening bonding with a brand on social media. A study found that 77% care about real people in their lives, not brands. That space is reserved for them, not you. And of course it is.
When you create content that assumes your audience starts by caring about your brand - you're already on the back foot.
If you're going to make an assumption at all, you should assume they don't care and that you have to earn your way into their peripheral vision.
Use your content to help people with their needs, and do it as if they're a stranger.
They Know Your Jargon
You'll probably have people engage with you who do know the relevant jargon, and those that don't. But you should assume that this is the first time the reader has seen the term.
For example, don't use the term SEO without saying "search engine optimisation (SEO)" at least once.
Some of this ties into tone. Are you conversational in your writing, or do you use the businessy-words of the industry? Because if you're conversational, you assume less. If you're all about jargon, you dive headfirst and start throwing acronyms around so you can get to the point faster - which makes for much less engaging content.
Overall...
There are a lot of things entrepreneurs tend to assume, mainly because they're natural things to think in other contexts.
But as an entrepreneur, it's your job to be a leader - which means being an authority and being able to make the right decisions. Which must be made based on educated decisions; or at least assumptions that allow you to help yourself rather than hinder yourself.
Take some time to reflect for yourself and discover what assumptions you might be making!
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About Seven
Hey friends! I’m Seven - I write about challenges and opportunities affecting leaders across business. I release a weekly newsletter and a podcast, helping folks understand the leadership journeys and challenges out there, so we can better understand our purpose, place, and potential. The goal: to learn about what it means to be a leader, to support leaders, to find leaders, and to discover the leader within.
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