Wherever we’re standing, it’s always interesting to find out how other people see things.

Work Smart Not Hard Tip No. 7 in a series written for Indie Cambs 

Perspective and perception determine every aspect of life.
Perspective is our point of view and perception is how we interpret that view.
The reason two people often have a different idea of the same thing (is it better to see the glass half-full or half-empty?) is that our views are heavily influenced by our beliefs. This makes it tricky to try and see things through someone else’s eyes.

What do people see when they look at your business?

One of the questions I get asked on a regular basis is whether to show that you are your business (talk about ‘I’) or whether to suggest that the business is more than you (talk about ‘we’). My advice is always the same – don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Most people see straight through it.

Don’t hide the person – or people – that customers deal with. It’s what makes small businesses more attractive than faceless corporations. Everyone loves to know who they’re dealing with and the “about me” or “about us” page on your website is a way to show your personality, values, and character.

Did you know that the fonts you choose not only create a perception of your business but also impact your carbon footprint? Making ethical choices creates a great impression. Diversity, inclusion and accessibility takes many more points of view into consideration  and quite literally changes how different people see your business.

Perhaps it’s a cliché to say that a photographer will always find a different perspective but there are so many ways to look at a simple composition, from ground level to aerial, choosing what to focus on and what to fade out. If you have a talent for it, take your own photos or hire a good photographer (look at their portfolio, not their qualifications!) and avoid overused stock photographs – especially cheesy free ones.

Price is a perception of how other people value you

Price creates perspective more than any other factor in your business but how much of it is influenced by your beliefs rather than what you really know about your customers? If you set your prices believing that people wouldn’t pay more, have you tested that theory with a differently priced and presented offering?

If you’d like to find out how your customers and potential customers view your business please don’t ask your friends or family (or anyone on social media!) as individual preferences are pretty useless when it comes to understanding your target market.

I know a lot of people who can help with this so if you want to explore this topic further, get in touch!