After being in business for 12 years and working with hundreds of clients building and growing businesses, I’ve seen and learned a lot. And I’m on a mission to share what I’ve learned with you so you can build and grow your business more efficiently and strategically.
Let’s get into the things I would focus on if I were starting my business today.
Building a Personal Brand
I’m not talking about becoming an influencer or building a business around myself. I’m talking about sharing more about myself, what I do and why I do it. I would be more vulnerable in putting myself out there and not be as worried about what other people thought.
Personal branding isn’t about creating a brand and becoming that brand. It’s about being yourself and sharing that with your audience. When people feel like they know you they are more invested in what you are doing. The more invested they are, the more engaged they will be and the more likely they will be to convert.
Be More Proactive In Sharing My Business
It doesn’t matter how great you are at what you do or how great your products are if no one knows about them. You would be shocked to know how many people in your life don’t know what you do. You have to talk about what you do to make people aware of it.
For the first 7 years of my business I relied 100% on referrals, word of mouth and repeat business. Don’t get me wrong, referrals and word of mouth are great. But don’t put you in the driver’s seat. When you rely on word of mouth, you are also relying on your customers, clients, friend and family to be able to speak clearly and accurately about what you offer.
The minute I started actively marketing my business (not just my clients’ businesses) my business completely shifted. I opened myself up to so many more opportunities, connections and communities.
Now, I’m not a sales girl, you guys. I hate sales. My pits still start to sweat when I think about sales. But once I shifted my mindset around sales, everything changed. Sales is just an invitation. It’s not something you have to shove down peoples’ throats. If what you offer is a good fit, they’ll. accept the invitation. If is isn’t they can decline.
Getting Crystal Clear On My Messaging
Messaging is SO important. When starting a business we’re often focused on logos and colors and names. The “pretty” stuff. But the workhorse of your marketing is your messaging. Your logo won’t be everywhere, but your messaging will.
Your messaging has to evoke feelings in your ideal customer. It has to be clear and concise. It has to inspire action. Nailing this takes time and a lot of testing and trial. But when you get really clear on your messaging, it makes everything easier. You know how to talk about what you offer. You know what resonates with your people.
Edit, Edit, Edit Some More
Entrepreneurs are naturally full of ideas—we’re dreamers and doers. But it’s important to remember that not every idea has to become something right now. Chances are you need to do some editing in your business and your marketing. Two common things that need editing are:
- Your messaging: don’t try to impress, try to connect. If you get to technical or say too much you’ll confuse your audience. Once you confuse them, you lose them.
- Your offers – aim to offer a tasting menu, not the Cheesecake Factory. Fewer choices makes it easier for people to make a decision.
Building An Email List
We focus a lot of our efforts and energy on social media because it’s what’s in our face constantly. But email marketing is the most effective form of digital marketing. Email is algorithm proof, allows you to connect more deeply with your audience and it is a great compliment to social media. Creating a strategy to grow your email list and nurture that list is well worth your time.
What would you add to the list?
Want help with any of these things in your business? I’m your girl! It’s never too early or too late to start. Contact me and let’s get to work!
amanda holliday 