I was sitting in on a coaching session yesterday with Tony Scelzo, founder of Rainmakers. He was coaching Ken Moore, who has built a company called Resume Bridge. He also does career coaching. Ken’s services, I believe, are absolutely ones that can benefit others. So, Ken is working on some things, including his website, however, he is looking for ways to REALLY create value in his brand, which is something he is passionate about.

During the conversation, the idea of statistics came up. Should a healthy statistic of those he has helped be something that should go on the site? Hmmmm. Okay, with that in mind, how often do businesses use “statistics” on their websites or in their sales pitch to attempt to sell their product or service? Do you think they make a difference? Honestly, do you think people really care about a number with a percentage sign at the end? I mean, I know not ALL businesses use this method, but some do.

If you think about it, people don’t care about statistics, they want real stories (Tony says this…and of course, anyone who knows Tony knows he didn’t use those exact words…Tony keeps it real). I would bet others feel the same way. If you believe in your brand, don’t you think you could be more effective by presenting something that people get? Something that people can relate to? Something that people feel? Isn’t that creating value? Because ultimately, at the end of the day, we want to FEEL VALUE!

It’s like Daniel Herndon’s idea of experiential marketing. Create the experience, create the value, and you will likely have forever clients, customers, and friends. I believe in this because I have SEEN it, I have HEARD it, and I have EXPERIENCED it.

Unstatistically speaking, by giving real stories and being real yourself, you create a platform of authenticity. Therefore, people are more likely to gravitate toward what you do. When you come from a place that screams passion, others get that. Period.

Okay, I FINALLY went to my first Rainmakers event this morning at Champs, and I have to say, it lived up to all the hype. Whoo hoo!! I actually got to meet some fellow SI-ers in person. (Which I should have done on Tuesday, and was planning to do on Tuesday, but then couldn’t), but hey, I swear, God-willing, I WILL BE at the next one-and I expect you all to hold me accountable. Anyway, by the way things are going, that will be what, like next month?! Pat, you rock! (and so does everyone else who is on here).

Okay, back to Rainmakers. I had a good friend (you know who you are) ask me if I felt uncomfortable. I mean, it can be a bit intimidating walking into a room full of strangers, all poised, dressed nice, in conversations, and not really knowing what anyone does…the list could go on. But the answer is No. I didn’t feel uncomforatable at all. I was welcomed, I felt good, I met great people, and although not ‘officially’ a rainmaker right this moment, I know that I will be, and I am really looking forward to meeting you all.

For all of you that were there, Eric Deckers, Patia Huling, Ryan Kitto, Nathan Pfahler, Becky Pruitt, Stephanie Arnold, the list goes on and on, thank you for being so cool and thank you for being so nice. Deborah Farrar is amazing, you should all get to know her (which she is getting ready to join SI, so you all will be able to get to know her) And don’t forget to pay it forward.