Podcast Summary: Grow Your Local Business Episode: Local Clientele Drama
Host: Leslie Presnall
Release Date: March 11, 2025

Introduction to Local Clientele Drama

In episode 80 of the "Grow Your Local Business" podcast, Leslie Presnall delves into the concept of Local Clientele Drama, a term she has developed to describe the limiting beliefs that business owners hold about the people in their local community. These beliefs, such as “people here won't pay my prices” or “no one here values what I do”, can significantly hinder business growth, client acquisition, and overall impact within the city.

“[Local Clientele Drama] could be the very thing holding you back from making more money, from working with more people, and from creating the impact that you want in your city.”
— Leslie Presnall [04:15]

Comparing Local Clientele Drama with Location Drama

Leslie distinguishes Local Clientele Drama from another concept she teaches called Location Drama. While Location Drama focuses on negative thoughts about the physical location of the business (e.g., being in a small town or a saturated market), Local Clientele Drama centers on beliefs about the local customer base.

“Location drama is essentially when we have any sort of negative thoughts or limiting beliefs about where we are located...”
— Leslie Presnall [03:30]

Both forms of drama share similarities in how they use external circumstances against the business owner, limiting potential growth and success.

Common Limiting Beliefs About Local Clients

Leslie identifies several common limiting beliefs that fall under Local Clientele Drama:

1. Perceived Low Spending Power:

   • “People here are just cheap.”
   • “People here won’t pay my prices.”

2. Lack of Value Recognition:

   • “People here don’t value what I do.”
   • “People here don’t understand what I do.”

3. Preference for DIY Solutions:

   • “People would rather just do it themselves instead of hiring me.”

“These are deep beliefs that have just built up over time through your own experience or through things that people have said to you.”
— Leslie Presnall [12:50]

Impact of These Beliefs on Business Growth

Believing in these negative notions affects how business owners present and market their services. It can lead to reduced marketing efforts, decreased confidence, and ultimately, stagnation in client acquisition. Leslie emphasizes that these beliefs are not rooted in factual evidence but are instead constructed thoughts that limit business potential.

“When you have these thoughts, you feel a certain way. Maybe you feel defeated, maybe you feel confused, maybe you feel overwhelmed...”
— Leslie Presnall [07:20]

As a result, business owners may either alter their offerings inappropriately, such as unnecessarily lowering prices, or completely shut down marketing efforts out of a sense of hopelessness.

Identifying and Challenging Limiting Beliefs

Leslie encourages listeners to identify their own Local Clientele Drama without judgment. Recognizing these beliefs is the first step toward overcoming them. She advises business owners to introspect and catch themselves when these negative thoughts arise.

“I just want you to catch it. That's really the purpose of this episode, for you to be onto yourself, for you to identify what your local clientele drama is...”
— Leslie Presnall [14:00]

She highlights that these beliefs often stem from repeated negative feedback, whether from clients, other business owners, or personal experiences. However, they remain beliefs, not truths, and can be unbelieved and replaced with more empowering thoughts.

Building a Positive Belief System and a Proof Bank

To counteract Local Clientele Drama, Leslie introduces the concept of building a Proof Bank—a collection of evidence that supports positive beliefs about the local customer base. This involves:

1. Clarifying Desired Beliefs:

   • Example: “People here are willing to pay for this.”

2. Collecting Evidence:

   • Document instances where clients have paid for services.
   • Highlight why customers chose to hire you over DIY solutions.
   • Showcase successes and testimonials that validate your offerings.

“You want to start looking for any and all evidence you can find. Where have people already paid you? Why did they want to pay you?...”
— Leslie Presnall [21:45]

Leslie shares her personal experience of launching the LocalPreneur Academy, emphasizing how she sought evidence of her audience’s willingness to invest in their businesses by drawing parallels to other significant expenditures, such as vacations or home renovations.

“If people go on vacations... then that means people are also going to value growing their business and getting that education and support, and they have the money to spend.”
— Leslie Presnall [26:10]

Practical Strategies to Overcome Local Clientele Drama

Leslie outlines actionable steps for business owners to shift their mindset:

1. Create a Proof Bank:

   • Continuously gather and reflect on positive client interactions and successful sales.

2. Redirect Focus:

   • Intentionally focus on the successes rather than dwelling on the rejections.

3. Reframe Negative Thoughts:

   • Turn limiting beliefs into empowering statements based on collected evidence.

4. Consistent Belief Work:

   • Engage in daily practices to reinforce positive beliefs about the local audience.

“It takes effort to keep yourself out of local clientele drama. It takes effort to build new beliefs...”
— Leslie Presnall [29:30]

By implementing these strategies, business owners can transform their approach to marketing and client engagement, leading to a more confident and proactive business presence.

Conclusion: Emphasizing Belief Work and Academy Invitation

Leslie wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of belief work in overcoming Local Clientele Drama. She underscores that believing in the value and willingness of the local audience to invest in their services is crucial for sustained business growth and presence.

“Think of the difference in how you show up right now with your drama versus the difference if you believed fully the people in your audience just want what you have and they're willing to pay for it right now.”
— Leslie Presnall [33:50]

Finally, she invites listeners to join the LocalPreneur Academy, a program designed to help small business owners become the local go-to in their industry with a steady stream of clients.

“We do this work deeply on ourselves and on our audience inside the LocalPreneur Academy. So come and join us. You can get started today. This work will change everything for you.”
— Leslie Presnall [35:20]

For more information, visit lesleypressnel.com.

Key Takeaways:

• Local Clientele Drama refers to limiting beliefs about the local customer base that hinder business growth.
• These beliefs are often unfounded and can be challenged by building a Proof Bank of positive client interactions.
• Shifting mindset through consistent belief work is essential for overcoming these limitations.
• Engaging in programs like the LocalPreneur Academy can provide structured support in transforming these beliefs and expanding local business success.

By addressing and transforming Local Clientele Drama, business owners can unlock their full potential, attract more clients, and make a significant impact within their local communities.