I’m a terrific cook. If you follow my Instagram or Facebook post, you’ll see some remarkable meals that are beautiful photographed like a photo spread in Food & Wine Magazine. I’m no Fanny Slater, but I do okay. I’m imaginative in the kitchen and understand how to bring out layers of flavors. Oddly, you’ll never see my mistakes online.
So, when I was making eggs this weekend and putting a grind of freshly ground black pepper on top, the peppercorns went all over.
I wondered why not share more of my mistakes.
I fail at lots of things I try. The mistakes are lessons, and failing is but one word to describe it. If authenticity truly matters to me, why not reveal more, especially online. Why am I reluctant to admit mistakes and shown my screw-ups?
Humans Making Mistakes
When marketing your product or service, it is okay to admit to being less than perfect. The photoshoot that artificially shows a product can disappoint customers. You may want to put your best foot forward, but if being real is core to your values – maybe those glossy images send the wrong signal.
Brands – Show More Mistakes
- A brand that reveals a problem in a blog post demonstrates a willingness to be responsible and not hide from problems. It is a chance to act human and be forthright. Customers accept mistakes, but they hate it when you hide a problem.
- Products that may fail in certain situations create a willingness to buy when explained without pretending or ignoring reality. Be thorough and thoughtful in your explanation. If your product shelf life is a week – don’t pretend its three weeks and disappoint people. Be upfront with the truth.
- Services that fail – need to own up to their failure, and it becomes an opportunity to learn from the mistake and to refocus a team. If the cleaners make an error, when they own up to it, you appreciate their honesty. Admitting a mistake can help deepen the connection between customers and clients
Cracked Eggs
The next time I made eggs, I made sure the lid was secure on the grinder. The hint of freshly ground pepper was perfect, but I never took a picture. Sharing our humanity, our mistakes, and failures can be liberating – and at times, funny.
I think showing mistakes may be an opportunity to be more helpful. True for breakfast cooks as well as marketers.
When I’m not dumping peppercorns over my eggs, I help small to mid-sized companies with a range of marketing services from branding, lead generation and beyond.
Does your business need a marketing coach, guide, or sherpa? Are you generating enough leads? Is your marketing underperforming? I can help.
You can set up a time to chat with me about your marketing challenges using my calendar. Our initial conversation is free. You talk, I listen. Email me jeffslater@themarketingsage.com or call me. 919 720 0995. Visit my website at www.themarketingsage.com Let’s explore working together today.
Photo by Jeffrey Slater
