The ultimate goal of positioning and branding yourself is to get people to know, like and trust you as the recognized expert in your field. To do this you will need to build and develop your platform or “hook” from which to build your entire business. Don’t feel like you have a platform?
Here are 5 tips to get you started:
- Create your own hook and “Behind the Music” story. Do you remember a show on VH1 channel a few years back called “Behind the Music?” It was a documentary-type show which told the back-story of a musician or band that had once been famous, but had fallen out of the limelight. It was always about how they got famous, then had an inevitable fall from grace via drugs, addiction or over exposure, then a road back to the straight and narrow They were always such great stories – you were literally glued to the TV! You must create your own personal narrative (hopefully without the drugs and addiction!). Whatever has happened in your life, good or bad, which fuels your passion in business and quickly builds the know, like and trust factor with your ideal clients and prospects. This is a story that they can relate to quickly because they see some of themselves in it.
- Create your positioning and platform. Focus on your topic, not your talent here. It is your simple, compelling, benefit-driven Spotlight Sound Byte – your “who and do what statement”. Fill in the blanks to create your own…”I teach X to Z, even if Y.”
- Build your online presence – website, blog and social media. You must have a web home, whether that’s a website, blog or both and extend your position through your online footprint including Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Google+ and You Tube. Your goal is to be visible in all the places your ideal clients hang out online.
- Establish credibility by publishing FREE content online. This can include written articles, blog posts, free e-books, special reports, social media posts, and videos.
- Ensure your mindset is in the right place. Remember to always fall back on your “why” – the purpose that drives you and the reason you get out of bed every day to do what you do. Have confidence and know that you can do it! If you feel compelled to share your message, it is because there is a ready-made audience out there ready and willing to hear it.
Would you like some help in this area? Good news! I will be walking you through each of these steps at my upcoming Claim Your Spotlight LIVE! Workshop on Nov. 9!