If you don’t know why, why would other people buy? This is really the first step in marketing yourself; knowing your purpose and having belief in what you do. I was reminded of this when I again viewed the famous Simon Sinek Ted Talk on, Begin with Why. He says, that knowing your why can help you act with purpose.
It is that core element, your unique shining point or magic ingredient that will help you stand apart. Knowing how you make a difference and how you help others is one way to boost your business.
Why only one way?
Well if your target audience doesn’t know who you are, how can you help them? So you do need to market yourself through a number of self-promotion and personal branding techniques.
One strategy I work with is video and it is becoming increasingly popular with Facebook live and Instagram TV among others. I post vlogs on my website, social media, for online training and on my YouTube channel. Also, YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, so it would be crazy not to utilise it more.
But creating videos and posting is not relevant for everyone. It suits my business and my personal branding approach. You might prefer other forms of social media marketing such as LinkedIn which is the number one choice for business professionals. Profiling yourself through social media is definitely one way to get noticed.
The thing is though not everyone feels confident doing that. And that’s where my “why” comes in. I aim to ignite that spark and give you the tools and encouragement to self-marketing and self-confidence.
Read more about my upcoming workshop, Boost Your Brand with High Visibility.
Here’s a few other ideas on marketing you.
Choose one or two social media sites that work for you. Think about your target audience, who you want to reach and what channel will be most suitable. You don’t have to be across everything. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn are top popular choices. Where will you prospective clients, employers or customers be? Use one or two of your chosen social media networks and use them well, as a tool for you to express your ideas and showcase your skills and brand in front of those that count.
Networks are not just found on social media. You still need to have face-to-face communication and get to know people through connecting in person and often that happens by networking. Now that could be through attending events put on by your industry association, women’s business groups, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce or even within your company.
Networking is about building a network of people. Getting to know people and understanding each other’s needs. Can you find ways to communicate with your network – perhaps having actual conversations and coffee catch ups each week. Coffee conversations can lead to great connections.
Inviting someone for coffee could be considered an event, another tactic of self-marketing and personal PR and a way of communicating or expressing your self-brand. What sort of special event could you set up? Lunch or after work drinks. Can you organise something and socialise with those that count?
Awards could also be considered special events and are a way to showcase your personal brand. Entering an award, even though you may not win can create greater awareness of you and your business. Another reason is it gives you the chance to look at your work through fresh eyes. Having to answer questions and be succinct about why you should be a winner could just help you believe that you already are.
Public Speaking is also a great way to enhance your visibility and communicate your personal brand. Can you volunteer for speaking opportunities at your office or with professional associations? Perhaps join the committee and take your turn at being the MC. Is there an opportunity for you to be on an industry panel? Join toastmasters to get some practise or undertake presentation skills training to overcome any fear you may have.
For anyone building a business or career it is important to be confident at presenting business proposals and putting your thoughts across succinctly and engagingly. You don’t always need to be on stage to speak up and express yourself. Go to meetings prepared to speak up and volunteer your opinion.
These tactics and more will be covered in my Boost Your Brand with High Visibility workshop to be held on the Gold Coast on Friday, November 2. Call 1300 723 713 to learn more or book now.
Need further tips? Sign up for my free video training series, NOOK, LOOK and HOOK, 3 Steps to Build a Stand Out Personal Brand.
Sue Currie is a speaker and the author of IMPRESSario, Present and Promote the Star Within You. She is recognised as a leading authority on personal branding to boost image, profile, brand and business. Through her image management and profile building programs, workshops, consulting and keynote presentations, Sue helps businesses and entrepreneurs position and present an influential professional brand.
