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Women have lots of clever ways to unconsciously avoid success, ranging from hiding behind their computers, isolating, thinking others are better than they are and even dressing in the business woman’s version of “mommy jeans”.
Decades ago, women didn’t know how to be feminine and successful. Our only role models were bitchy characters out of night-time soap operas. Or guys.
What was expected of women then was to blend in, stay in the background and “be supportive”.
How quaint.
But certainly not very fulfilling, for our souls or for our bank accounts.
I got lucky, because my mom raised me to believe that it’s good to be noticed. That standing out means you’re standing for something. And she modeled for me the importance of not being silenced…and not silencing ourselves.
You know if you’re “playing invisible” in your business if people don’t remember your name or what you do … if your business card has more than one business name, url or phone number on it … or if you’re still struggling with claiming your ideal client and consistently attracting potential clients.
Oops!
Here’s a checklist of simple steps you can take to stop being the brilliant-but-invisible entrepreneur and to start owning your gifts in a public — and profitable — way.
#1 Stop Trying To Promote Multiple Businesses
You can’t be the healer/energy worker/life coach/Reiki Master/Money Guru. When people see an ongoing list of your life’s interests they tune out…and fade away as potential clients or referral sources.
#2 Create Your Top 10 List Of “Who Needs To Know Me” Peeps
Imagine what can happen for you if just 10 influential people know who you are, who you specialize in working with, the most common problems/situations your ideal clients find themselves in and the results you focus on creating for your clients.
Make it a priority to personally meet your Top 10 List by attending their events, sending cards, asking how you can help them and staying in touch. You’ll be amazed at the opportunities that will come your way from this one simple exercise!
#3 Reinvent Your Personal Clothing And Style
Avoiding looking at financial situations means that every day your choices become more limited until finally, you’re down to a single, reactive choice. That’s not an empowering place to be.
Creating a Signature Style is as important as your Signature System and Story. Try this: stand in front of your closet with your eyes closed. Now, open your closet door, open your eyes and quick! What is the first impression your clothes make?
Your style silently tells people how you feel about yourself, as well as portrays the image you want to project. Aim for dressing at the level you want to be at in your business, and before long, you’ll be there! And no, waiting to “lose ____ pounds” is not a reason to hold back from standing out bold and beautiful.
#4 Get Into The Testimonial Habit
Asking for and proudly displaying testimonials is a fabulous way of saying, “The work I do works!“. Giving testimonials is perfect for gaining massive visibility to the general public, plus, has the bonus benefit of getting you on the radar of the person you’re offering the testimonial about.
#5 Speak Up At Live Events
I remember coming up to the microphone at one of the first live events I attended. My heart was pounding, my palms were sweaty and I was hoping no one would notice how nervous I was! While I had a legitimate question to ask, I used my time at the mic to clearly give my name, my marketing message and my url. And when I asked my question I made sure to preface it with a sentence about my goals for my business.
I’ll never forget how afterwards, I was flooded with people coming up to me, asking me about my business! Since then, I make it a point to always come up to the mic with a legitimate question at every event I attend.
#6 Be Clear, Concise And Embrace A Bold Point Of View
A woman’s natural conversation style is to ramble, change direction and cover 5 topics in the span of 3 minutes. When you’re marketing, networking, writing — anytime you’re communicating about your business, it’s not okay to verbalize every thought that crosses your mind.
Be passionate, precise and opinionated and you’ll get peoples’ attention, every time.
Remember, you’re goal isn’t to be liked by everyone you meet, it’s to be remembered!
