THIS WEEK’S JOURNAL

Want to sound more credible in your next client-facing conversation? Stop saying these 8 things.

Your pitch can be thoughtful. Your intent can be right.

And a few familiar phrases can still quietly erode trust.

Not because you’re bad at pitching — because language signals more than we think.

8 Phrases That Push Clients Away

❌  “We can probably work something out.”

❌  “We’re better than [competitor].”

❌  “That’s not really a concern.”

❌  “We can start whenever.”

❌  “So, what do you think?”

❌  “We do a lot of things.”

❌  “I can send you a list.”

❌  “Our fees are…”

Each one sounds reasonable. But each one shifts the focus back to you — instead of them.

What Trusted Advisors Say Instead

✅  “Let’s find the right fit for your goals.”

✅  “Here’s why we might be the right fit.”

✅  “Here’s what I’d suggest as next steps.”

✅  “We help teams solve [specific problem].”

✅  “We could kick off on [date]. Does that work?”

✅  “Here’s the investment — and what it delivers.”

✅  “Let me introduce you to someone who faced this.”

✅  “That makes sense. Here’s how we’ve helped others.”

Same message. Same intent. The only thing that changed was where the focus landed.

Keep chasing excellence.

🎧  NEW EPISODE

Chasing Excellence with Tony Thompson

Tony Thompson, CMB

Keynote Speaker, Founder & CEO, NAMMBA

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