“Basing” Your History, Experience and Claims

Yes, this is me about 20 years younger with a full head of hair.

I had an interesting experience a good year ago, where someone I didn’t know accused me of making up my Military Service.

They were someone who had a traumatic past themselves, and they got quite aggressive with me thinking that I fabricated it all. I spoke to my wonderful mother, got a photo from my original days and even got an email from my old Commanding Officer to base my claim.

When I sent it through to them, I then said in a cheeky fashion, “Where is my apology?”. They then gave me a lengthy apology for the false accusation and embarrassingly went on their way.

Even though I defended my position and the like, it got me thinking in that if I had all the materials already in place, it would never have been questioned.

This to me is the importance of “Basing” or having a “Based” claim, meaning that there is a foundation to what one says about themselves. I have found that in Sales & Marketing, it’s having as much visual proof as possible.

Let’s say you have made a client lots of money or built them an incredible mansion. Don’t just say it, have a written letter from that client endorsing you, or a picture of the mansion you built. When you have the proof or the ‘base’ like this, people just believe you.

My advice and thinking? Have as much visual proof to base your claims as much as possible. I have done this with my Military Services, my client work and more. Every little bit just helps.

Love your work, thank you for the read and stay awesome friends!