What the World Needs Now (A little Hint:  It’s YOU!)

“Be Genuine.  Be Remarkable.  Be Worth Connecting With.” – Seth Godin

 

When you start a business you’re making a decision to play bigger.  You do what you have to do.  You get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

It’s all part of the growth process.

You will ride the roller coaster & do what so many people are afraid to do.  That’s the beauty of being an entrepreneur.

Building a business takes time, intuition & bravery.  But it still feels tricky.

Do you sometimes feel that everything has already been done before?  I know I have.

What you might not realize is that it’s your unique qualities that will virtually help you eliminate all competition.

These 5 steps will help you beat the feeling of defeat.

Step 1 – Get Clarity on your Reason WHY

Answer this question:  Why do you want this business?

“The Why” will keep you motivated.

“The Why” will drive you to keep pushing forward.  It will pick you up when you feel like folding.

You need to have a really good reason WHY you want it otherwise you will get distracted, overwhelmed & bored.

Your “Why” is your purpose.  And with your purpose there is power.

When you figure out your reason why, you will be unstoppable!!

Step 2 – Know your Ideal Customer

Who is your target market?  Think of one person who embodies everything you imagine in your ideal customer.  Always keep this person in mind when you write your copy for your website, when you’re designing a campaign, or doing social media updates.

When you start speaking to your ideal customer in your copy or any other content that you put out there you will be stretching your empathy muscles.  You must understand your ideal customer if you genuinely want to influence & engage with them.

You need to demonstrate compassion for whatever their struggle might be (in relation to your product or service) & help them solve their problems.  You need show them that you care about them enough to see their point of view.

This is how you make an emotional connection with your ideal customer.  Your customer will learn to trust you because you make them feel valued.

Not only that, but when you take the time to learn who your ideal customers are you will also be weeding out the not so ideal customers (the icky people that don’t value you, your services or your prices).

Step 3 – Know your Strengths

To have an authentic brand it’s important to build YOU into your business.

There is only one YOU in the world.  When you realize this you will also realize that there really isn’t any competition for your business.

Just know that it’s in your personality, your voice, your heart, your quirks, your unique stories that adds value to your brand.

What are your core strengths?  Ask your friends.  Ask your colleagues.

What are you passionate about?  What are some things in your life that make you a little bit different from everybody else?

Step 4 – Activate your Genius through Generosity

Make your business about more than just money.  Create change for people.  Give back to your community.

When you have a business that is used for the force of good you are reimagining a world where purpose is power.

There are a lot of creative ways that you can give back to your community.  It doesn’t have to be through monetary donations, it can be a donation of your time & your talent.

When you align your work & your values you are making a positive impact in whatever way is meaningful to you.

Not only will you inspire yourself, but you will also inspire & energize your ideal customers.  This is why being a purpose driven business is not only smart, but very strategic, too.  You are bound to gain an incredible amount of support & meaningful partnerships with others.

With your talents & generosity you will be making an inspiring impact for the greater good of the world.  Hello Karma! : )

Step 5 – Tell your Story

People love a good story.  Especially ones that are imbedded with uniqueness & heart.  Your story helps to establish your brand & helps you connect more emotionally to others.

When you tell your story you are actually sharing your humanity.  People will have the opportunity to get to know you, like you & trust you.  People want to “feel” your brand.

This is actually a very strategic, honest & authentic way of marketing yourself.

Personal Branding Photography is a great way to tell your story.  There are so many things that make you unique & photos can really help people connect with the human side of your business.

Bonus Track

As a photographer, naturally I prefer to be the one behind the camera lens, not in front of it.  I’ve never had pro photos taken of me – just me – since my wedding day.  But I know that the only way that I’ll truly be able to understand my client is to step into her shoes.

So, I did it.  I got in front of the lens (photo credit:  my love, Chad Beeman).

This was pretty uncomfortable & sharing them with you is even more uncomfortable.  But here I am, stepping into my light.

If I can do it, so can you.

DREAM.  ENTER.  GO!

xoxo,

Ruby