Ethical Marketing Statement: Testimonials, otherwise known as “social proof” or “informational social influence,” are usually used to manipulate potential clients into making choices that reflect what the seller deems as “correct” social behavior. Subconsciously, social proof is used to soothe uncertainty and influence you towards conformity. It’s a very common and socially acceptable form of persuasion, and yet, we wouldn’t stand for it if a seller on Amazon or Ebay or Etsy were to only post positive reviews.
I consider social proof to be manipulation. Unless I decide to post the negative comments I’ve received over the years, is it fair to post the positive ones?
I don’t know the answers to that question. I am simply doing my best to rid my business of all manipulative marketing practices – it’s why I don’t include testimonials on the service pages of my website – hopefully it helps to create a buffer, so it is less of an influence.
Where something, such as this page, might start to flirt with any kind of manipulation, I want to name it so that, at a minimum, it’s transparent. With your attention drawn to it, you can more consciously choose to consent, or not.
Bottom line: If you want to work with me, please choose to do so because the interactions we’ve had have built your trust, safety, and confidence that I can support you effectively… not because the strangers below have had good experiences working with me.
The only reason I share this “Praise” page with you is to serve as a “resume” of sorts – so you get an idea of the kind of people I’ve been able to help and the types of support I’ve offered others, what qualities and skills others have noticed me demonstrate, and how they’ve experienced my coaching. Their photos are real, names are real, and the quotes are unedited. And, if you’d like to talk with them personally, I’m happy to ask for their consent to connect.
Everyone’s results and experiences vary. Yours will too. Please let the kind words of praise below simply serve as another layer of support for your informed consent as you consider whether or not you wish to do business with ♾actualinfinity and Steve Mattus.
Andrew Thacker, CRPC – Private Wealth Advisor
Ameriprise Financial
I have worked with Steve for many years. He was part of the hiring process into my career/business 18 years ago, and over that time frame I hired him for business consulting, personal coaching, and even marital counseling (successfully excelling on all levels).
At the core of this broad spectrum of services is a VERY VALUABLE talent to get to the core/heart of whats real, what isn’t and how to best proceed for progress that is truly the progress I am wanting.
I really don’t think you can go wrong ever risking hiring him – his integrity wouldn’t allow you to proceed unless he felt he could be of service.
Eternally grateful for Steve. For he has been a DIRECT influence in my successes as a: Father, Husband, Human being, and Franchise owner.
Steve Mattus is a rare, rare GEM, a true gift of a human being, and I feel so utterly blessed and grateful to count him as my trusted business coach.
I have an integrative cancer medicine practice, and I have often felt pretty stretched (that’s an understatement) by the demands of my work, and life, lately. Steve’s heart, his very being, is like a refuge. He always, absolutely always, meets me with complete compassion, deep understanding, and a wellspring of empathy. Working with Steve, I feel seen, appreciated for all of who I am, and whole.
And, just so you don’t think that Steve is all lovey dovey with no appropriate strength, I would like to add that he also has a unique depth of insight, amazing facility with communication, and ability to guide effective work that leads to positive change and desired outcomes. Steve and I are still relatively early in our work together, and I am already seeing wonderful evolution in my practice and my relationship with my business.
Steve has been an instrumental support to me in recent months. He brings to our work an exquisitely kind and caring heart, impeccable personal and professional integrity, an unwavering commitment to better the world and to support his clients, and incredible, resourceful, and creative know-how when it comes to business systems (he truly is a ninja in this regard), operations, and financials that work.
Steve has also been a support to me in my personal life–because his is definitely a “come as you are and bring your whole self” philosophy. There is room in his work for you to share what’s on your heart and in your thoughts, no matter what that may be. There will be space, and it will be held with love and care and given amazing support as needed and as desired.
Steve may not be Superman, but, in my opinion, he is as close to Superman as one can get in a fully human incarnation. He may moonlight as an actual superhero, and if he does I am quite certain that his heart must have something to do with his superpower.
If you are in need of someone with a one in a million amalgam of love married with keen intellect and a rich skill set to support you in your business and life, I could not possibly recommend anyone to you more highly or with more genuine enthusiasm than Steve Mattus.
Mark Bricca, ND, MAc
Bodhicittahealingarts
Thressa Connor
When I started working with Steve I was lost and confused. I wanted results but I didn’t have the clarity to achieve them.
During our 8 months together, Steve showed me the right mind set to achieve internal success that will naturally reflect in my work life as well as my personal life. Steve taught me the importance of being true to myself to set goals that will make me expand and not contract. He held me accountable in a caring and professional way that was the key for me to get unstuck. He showed me that we can be successful and still be true to our self.
I will never forget the day he told me, “uninspired actions will lead to uninspired outcomes.’ From that day forward I stopped struggling and started working with my heart. He also showed me how to address situations with a structure in mind and how to evaluate decisions that will bring specific and measurable results as well as peace of mind.
Some examples of the results I achieved in our time together: I developed two business mostly from scratch, created websites for both, crafted multiple offers, learned strategies for effective marketing and networking, and am beginning to connect with potential clients.
No matter how inappropriate I felt sometimes, Steve made me feel safe and taken care of. He put his full-self in every session and he was genuine in every word. Steve seems to be knowledgeable in any field but most importantly he understands the principles that apply to any business.
If I need a coach in the future for any of my enterprises, I hope he is available.
Carolina Blaksley, Health Coach
Mividaverde.com
Daniel Alexander
capaxuniversi
Steve is a man who has been through the proverbial fire and has come through intact and stronger on the other side. This is what the world needs! People who have lived through it, people we can trust because they appreciate the beauty of every felt human experience, a person who models the wholeness of the heart and paints with all it’s colors, unafraid to use bold strokes to inspire a metamorphose or a light coat, highlighting the inherent and often missed self-vindication we seek from others.
When you’re working with Steve, you’re not only procuring a potent ally for your life’s work; You’ll find a spaciousness within yourself, more room, more energy, more ability.
One of Steve’s greatest gifts, in my opinion, is his ability to reveal that you are the master painter of your life and that you are painting with genius love and brilliance, solely and uniquely yours, allowed, welcomed and absolutely an original masterpiece.
Ally with this man, this human, this coach, this soul, this artist and experience the unfolding of your heart, the revelation of your truths and the depths of your spirit. I am forever grateful to you Steve. I did not realize I had many more colors on my palate to paint with.
Steve is an incredibly gifted coach and teacher. The work we have done together has made a significant impact on me and how I run my business.
He intuitively knows when it’s time to dig into processes, systems, and details and when it’s time to step back and reconnect with (and heal) your heart.
I’ve had so many profound realizations during our coaching calls – the kinds of things that change me forever.
In between coaching calls, Steve has provided encouragement and support that helps me maintain momentum and resist that tendency to slip back into old habits.
I am incredibly grateful to have Steve by my side as I grow and expand – as a business owner and a human.
Tina Delaney
Steve is kindness in human form. His listening presence provides amazing support and insights for small business owners. I recommend Steve to anyone who is struggling with starting or running their own small business. He’s got your back.
– Stacey S.
Marie Mikkonen
Crealife
I’m an artist and creativity coach, and before I started working with Steve, I would blame myself harshly for not doing sales and marketing in a way that led to the profits I wanted.
What I hoped for, in starting coaching, was to learn to understand how to lead my company in a way that would work for me on a personal level, for my clients and as well as in the world we are living in. And I wanted to be able to make a living as an artist and a sensitive.
The compassion, level of connection and depth that Steve brings to coaching is transformative. This is then combined practical advice and assignments that take my business forward at a steady pace. I especially appreciate that we can do this work, that is at times deep and tearful, with a light heart and lots of laughter.
I started out coaching with the questions: Can I do this? Is it possible to be me, combine the different areas of my business, serve my clients and live a good life, or do I need to take a job somewhere? Now, little by little, I’m having access to kindness, mercy, appreciation, trust, safety and a sense of the pace I need to go at, as well as making a profit in my business again.
I would especially recommend Steve’s coaching to anyone who wants to take their business forward and honor their sensitive heart while doing the work.
Update: September 18, 2018
When we talked for the very first time about coaching, with Steve, I remember him saying something akin to, “Well it sounds like you could use more internal kindness, support and resources, and that is definitely something we can work on. I remember feeling hopeful and also a bit sceptic, after all I had spent so much time working on this in my life, and still came across severe self-criticism for much of the time.
Yesterday I became aware of being harsh with myself, and started to show myself warmth and compassion for the way I was feeling. I noticed how long ago it was that I had felt like that, and realized that this is something that has really shifted in my life.
The kindness and compassion present in the coaching container, combined with the precision and discernment in finding the real questions that need coaching make Steve’s service something that is one of a kind.
If, in addition to wanting business coaching, you struggle with perfectionism, self-judgement or a harsh inner reality, I highly recommend Steve’s business coaching.
Working with Steve is a delight. He is grounded and intuitive, structured and open to the formless. Specifically, he has been present with me to give me advice on which systems to use in my company or to help me through blocks that seem to keep me from moving forward.
I have been working with Steve for over a year now and have a solid, thriving service business.
Perhaps even more important, I’m learning how to balance my work life with the many other aspects of my life so that I don’t feel overworked or taken advantage of.
Steve is funny, caring, compassionate and understanding. I feel safe working with him and being open, honest and transparent. Because of this safe place he creates, I am able to more fully dive into the things holding me back so that they can be resolve or danced around.
So incredibly grateful for our work together.
Ann-Marie Hall-Pond, LMT
Avalon Holistic
Jeraline George
Psychotherapist, Counsellor
I feel more focused and clear headed than I have been in years.
From my first experiences with Steve, I knew I wanted to work with him and receive private coaching.
I was looking for someone who has the perfect balance of business experience, marketing skills (especially with heart-centered businesses) and a tremendous amount of empathy, patience, presence and compassion. Steve has all of this and more.
He knows how to bring a balanced approach to helping entrepreneurs like me, who don’t want to come across as icky and salesy, and just want to do our work, successfully, from the heart.
Steve has helped me slow down my rushed and panicked tendencies toward getting my business going, helping me to take a caring, organic, from the ground up type of approach, one that brings my heart and my passion into it.
He’s helped me know that, even though my business might be considered a bit alternative by some, that I have something significant to give to the world, and supports me in manifesting it.
I’ve needed a certain amount of hand-holding in setting up systems and approaches to market my business, and Steve has come through for me.
I whole-heartedly recommend Steve to anyone who wants to bring care, compassion and love, as well as highly tuned skills, to their marketing plan and approach.
Thanks Steve!
Susan Bensen, Sound Healer
susanbensen.com
Chase Bossart
Yoga Well Institute
I have found tremendous value in working with Steve as my business/life coach. I include “life” because the principles that we work on transcend the business environment.
He is in tune with the balance that is required in my life and is aware of the fundamental values and priorities within my practice. He is not afraid to challenge me toward a new way of thinking and processing to ensure I get what I really want.
When I roll out an initiative within my practice, Steve asks insightful and thought provoking questions which help keep me focused and driven. Steve elicits my thought process, awareness and curiosity to be continually engaged in between sessions, which extends his value far beyond our scheduled time together.
He is an integral part of me being able to move my practice forward and make a difference in my clients’ life, and in my community at large.
Jay Carpenter
Ameriprise Financial Advisor
I’ve spent 16 years struggling with business in one form or another and have received support from many sources. Never have I felt more cared for, supported, and seen than I do with Steve. His work with me has been an oasis in the desert after being thirsty for something I didn’t even know I needed. Steve is a unique and truly special soul and I feel him walking hand in hand with me along this very difficult journey in business. He cares so deeply and is personally invested in my well-being and success. I am deeply grateful for the person he is and the many gifts he brings to our work together.
– Ginger Falcone, MyHomeSourceHandyman.com
Alli Brook, Owner
Your Virtual Allies
The first time I heard Steve coaching on a group call, I immediately noticed his talent for compassionate communication – it was as if he’d hung a sign reading, “Come as you are!”
He has a true gift for reminding others of the importance of the heart, even and especially in business. This is balanced with pragmatic support, a true valuing of the external actions needed to fulfill our heart’s desires and to find the next steps for business and personal life. He balances generosity with clear boundaries and truly walks his talk, having transformed life lessons into invaluable guidance and wisdom.
Steve is not only very knowledgeable as a navigator and coach, he is also transparent in his communications, over giving, and so heart based.
He is exactly what I have needed to expand my business and continue to move forward!
He is a treat and a blessing and I look forward to a long relationship with him. Thank you Steve!!!
Jennifer Shaw
fullspectrumenergyhealing.com
Lorilei Brogan
Overall, how would you rate your experience with Steve?
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ (10/10)
Working with Steve is an amazing experience for me. He completely holds the space for my inner brilliance to shine through. I’m a multi-passionate Person which means different circles, diverse interest and offering. Working with Steve, he completely holds the space for all of that and me. Rather, than less, fit into a tight space. Expand and contract and feeling supported and seen all the way through.
