“Know thy self”. We all have a brand. It’s your reputation mixed with your style. In business it’s how you are recognized. It’s how people feel when they meet or do business with you. One must be “on brand” when decisions are made about how you show up online and the real world.
Think about when you go to a job interview, You probably dress a certain way. You have a particular tone in your voice that’s not exactly the same as when you are having a casual conversation. You have created a universe that makes a great first impression and is remembered.
So how can you take it up a notch and really have an impact and be seen as an industry leader?
Once you understand what it means to have strong branding. Considering your color scheme, decor, culture and values. You can learn how to market effectively to grow your business and reputation.
Effectively marketing your brand requires that you understand exactly who you are and the benefits of working with you. Development of your core message requires getting super intimate your “why”.
Why do you do what you do?
What benefits do your clients experience working with you?
To grow your business, you must draw attention to your brand.
Let people know who you are and what you can do for them.
Spread the word. Nobody makes it in business by staying a secret.
Discover where your target audience is hanging out. Social Media is a low-cost (mostly free) huge value. If you are not utilizing your social media channels then you are simply missing out on a huge opportunity to interact with new and existing cliental.
According to 2017 Social Media Study from Pew Research Institute “Roughly two-thirds of U.S. adults (68%) now report that they are Facebook users, and roughly three-quarters of those users access Facebook on a daily basis.”
“Today around seven-in-ten Americans use social media to connect with one another, engage with news content, share information and entertain themselves.”
Once you get your followers to your social media channels, engage with them. Frequent doses of valuable content will help position you as the industry expert they can trust.
Listen to what your audience wants to hear. Use focus groups to evaluate ideas. Facebook polls are a game-changer!
These are real people you are communicating with, they want the best value. Nurturing these relationships is going to propel you further than your competition. Maintain the courage to show up consistently with valuable content. Stay top of mind for your prospective clients.
Don’t be afraid of not being perfect. There is a difference between communication and putting on a show. Have the confidence to let your audience know you.- don’t be afraid to get a little vulnerable- it make you appear human, and people really like that.
Thinking outside the box with your marketing will set you apart from the competition. Standing out is crucial to rising above the clutter and gaining your unfair share of the market. Try new things. Try live video. You may surprise yourself how comfortable it becomes after a few trials.
It takes great courage to stand in your convictions and show up visible.
Fear is normal and a positive sign. Luckily, confidence can be learned and perfected with practice.
Next week will dive into methods on handling fear once you decide to go for it. Be bold-be remembered!