Let’s talk about soft skills.
Soft skills are the interpersonal skills we bring to our work.
They’re things like empathy, kindness, navigating politics, work ethic, and maintaining positivity in difficult circumstances.
If I could guess, I’d say more than half of our long-term success depends on these skills. Probably more.
Technical expertise is table stakes. It’s expected and not that difficult to find.
And while technical skills might get you a gig, it’s your soft skills that often keep you around and get you referred.
One of the reasons I don’t need to promote my consulting services as much anymore is that my clients stick with me for so damn long! 2+ years in most cases.
I’d also guess that about half new my business comes via referral.
Sure, the technical skills I bring to my role are important. But I have seen first-hand what happens when I let my soft skills slide.
I make the mistake of lacking empathy and someone gets offended. The next thing you know, our engagement is winding down slowly or immediately.
Or I give up being patient in difficult circumstances and I just know the relationship has been affected.
All it takes is a moment of short-sightedness to lose what could be a lot of money in direct and referral business. I don’t take that for granted.
We’re paid to do work in uncertain circumstances. If things were easy, they wouldn’t need you.
Which means we need to be ultra-aware of the soft skills we’re bringing (or lacking) and how they affect our clients.
I don’t have all the answers and I make mistakes. But I do try my best to be honest, keep things light, and see things from other people’s perspectives. Especially when it’s difficult.
Never underestimate the soft skills of marketing.
—kevin