Last year, my husband and I became nomadic. We’re slow nomads (slomads?), since we both need stability in an unstable lifestyle.
Throughout these travels, I keep getting anxious about one thing:
What do I do at a new cafe or restaurant???
Do I wait to be seated? Is it counter service? Will they bring my order to me? Do I pay now or later? Can I order more? Is it cash only? Is it card only? Add a language and cultural barrier and it’s… a lot.
I don’t know what the rules are, and I can’t figure out the pattern. Some small cafes are table service only, some are counter, some are both. Some places want to seat you, others just wave at the tables and tell you seat yourself.
Someone, please, make an app, that lists every single eating establishment in the world that tells me what the rules are for eating there.
I’m too food-motivated to let this stop me, but think about the people who are considering working with you. If they have this many questions about your process or services, that becomes a barrier stopping them from reaching out.
People will put up with a lot until the problem is so friction-y they can’t live with it anymore. If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it (even if it fully is broken, we’re more likely to adapt to the brokenness than nip the problem in the bud).
But, if your website answers all of these questions clearly, in a way that makes them feel seen and supported, your audience is much more likely to work with you.
You’ve proven your expertise and built trust, just by answering their questions before they even thought to ask.
Your process (rules of engagement, if you will) is what can make the difference in people choosing to work with you.
If you’re very hands-on in your services, and they need someone hands-on, it’s an aligned fit. If you’re not hands-on and they need that, it’s better to find that out early than 4 emails, 2 conversations, and 1 proposal later.