Be Authentic To Get It Done And Grow Your Business
Have you ever had a case of entrepreneur envy
? That's where you keep looking at what everyone else is doing... Maybe they've got a great new teleseminar that's sold out. Or maybe they just landed a spot on TV. Or their blog has lots of comments and you can't get any! You start focusing your energy on everyone else and what they're doing.
I love to "follow" entrepreneurs that I admire and see what they're up to and what's working from them. There is incredible value to be found learning from others. But the danger is losing yourself in the process. Every single one of us is so different. So yes learn from others, but ultimately you have to get it done in your own way.
Let's take an example. Maybe you're a writer and you've convinced yourself that you need to go on a speaking tour all around the country to promote your new book. But the idea isn't attractive to you at all. You're more of an introvert. You hate to speak and you have young kids and don't want to leave home... But "somebody" told you that you should go speak around the country. Chances are you're speaking tour won't be a success because your energy isn't there. Listen to your gut, there are other ways to get publicity for your book
My business girlfriend, Laura West, and I have had many conversations on this topic. Laura coaches entrepreneurs and helps them to market themselves authentically and I love her philosophy of attraction marketing. Basically when you come from what is unique and special about you that is very attractive to others. When you're being authentic and you have integrity, it's enrolling and engaging. People respond because they don't feel like they're being sold to, instead they're being connected with.
So in addition to taking seminars, reading books, and "following" other experts, you need to take the time to do a little "internal research." You need to get to know your gifts and really own what is special and unique about you that nobody else can give.
Your authentic marketing style is made up of...
Your strengths. What are you good at, both professionally and personally? Are you good at marketing or coaching? Are you a strategic planner or good at thinking on your feet? Are you an inspirational speaker or good listener?
Your passions. What are you passionate about? What fascinates you? What subject are you always researching, buying another book about, or taking another workshop around?
Your personality. Are you funny and a bit irreverent or are you elegant and graceful? Are you sophisticated or casual? Practical or creative? That's how you show up and you can't pretend to be someone that you're not.
Your experiences. We've all had unique experiences that shape us. You may have gone through hard times like bankruptcy, divorce, have dealt with sicknesses or a child with disabilities. It doesn't mean you have to spill your guts to everyone, but because you have had that experience, and more importantly learned from the experience, it does become a part of who you are, and can be woven into all that you do.
All these different elements combined make you a very unique and individual. You want to bring them into your business in some way. People are attracted not just to what you're doing, but to who you're being. Who you are being (and showing up as) in your business as a person gets transferred
into your business and your brand.
I base a lot of my marketing decisions on smart marketing strategies. But at the same time, when I make decision from my gut and that work for me personally based on who I am, I'm much more effective.
You need to think about where your joy is in your business. For example, if the idea of writing a newsletter seems overwhelming but the idea of doing short blog posts works for you, then start with the blog. You're more likely to do it and be successful at it. The success from that is going to get you excited and give you momentum to take the next step. You'll think, "I got all those comments on my blog. I think I'm ready to tackle a newsletter now."
When you learn from others AND line it up with your authentic style, not what somebody else says your business should be, you'll find that you truly love what you do. As a bonus you'll get a lot more done and your business will naturally grow as a result.
by: Kim DeYoung
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