Even in the most remote countries in the world, there is still some access to the Internet. This year, I flew over 200,000 miles to speak at conferences and companies all over the world. I spoke in first and third world countries. In each, I saw people using smartphones to access the Internet and social media.
The opportunity to build or grow a brick-and-mortar business using the power and reach of the Internet is exciting. Billions of users log on and you have the chance to reach a fraction that’s interested in what value your lifestyle business provides to the world. The key is to understand how to peak their interest.
In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a whole movement of self-proclaimed experts. They tell you how successful they are and brag about all the money they’re making. They advertise programs or webinars about how you can make “six-figures through webinars” or books, or courses. Since that is a result entrepreneur’s want to achieve, they get suckered into spending their hard earned dollars on hype. That is NOT how you build a loyal and engaged following online. Here are three secrets to building in a way that separates you from the hype.
1. Always be authentic.
People can tell the real thing when they see it. In fact, since too many want to put on a front, you stand out when you are authentic. Being an authentic entrepreneur means a few things:
- Always tell the truth. Even if it makes you look bad, be transparent about your successes AND struggles. People connect with you when they feel like they’re seeing the full picture.
- Don’t try to put yourself on a pedestal. Yes, you have accolades, but cramming them down someone’s throat doesn’t build a connection. You have to balance showing your expertise without coming off looking like you’re bragging. Have an about page on your website that’s personal. Answer email and social media messages when you have time. Don’t make others feel like you’re talking down to them.
- Acknowledge what you don’t know. There are always ways to improve in life. We don’t know everything. If you don’t know something, be transparent about it and learn.
2. Consistently deliver valuable content.
There’s a wealth of content online—some good and some that’s complete garbage. The way people connect with your business and message is through the value you deliver. When you spend the time to always make sure your content is practical and actionable, your following will grow.
It takes some time to create good content. It takes research and a commitment to not lower your standards. There are many good examples of consistently delivering top-notch content. Brain Pickings, the Serial Podcast, Casey Neistat, and Malcolm Gladwell are great examples. Stand out by going over-the-top for your audience.
3. Treat people like more than a dollar sign.
Our goal as a lifestyle business is to generate an income. But, that shouldn’t come at the expense of how you make someone feel. When you view people as a number, they can tell and it repeals them. The entrepreneurs that build a raving audience do it by making a connection that goes beyond money.
Treat everyone you encounter with respect—even the haters. The haters may try to drag you down but when you respond with grace, people see that and want to follow you even more. Despite his success, Gary Vaynerchuck is someone who treats people like more than a number.
Successful lifestyle entrepreneurs have two goals: create freedom in their life and make an impact in the lives of others. When you build a loyal and engaged following online, they will tell others and your reach will grow. This gives you the opportunity to make a greater impact.
Stand out by being you and not trying to follow someone else just because they’re successful. Avoid the hype and spammy tactics that may help someone for a little while—those entrepreneurs don’t last in the long run. Build your business and following by delivering value that helps solve your audience’s biggest struggles.
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Photo Credit: Flickr/ thinkmedialabs
P.S. If you want to learn how to build a lifestyle business that makes an impact and enough income to support you, check out The Results Mentorship Program. The focus is… RESULTS! Registration closes soon.
Excellent reminders, Kimanzi! Thanks for this post. I especially appreciate the reminder to always be authentic. In the digital age, it’s easy to only show people the wins and success. I have always appreciated the fact that you write and talk about both your success and failures. It definitely makes people more human. Ironically, someone being transparent and real makes others trust them more, which in my mind means more likelihood they will do business with you.
Thank you for sticking with me all these years, Kent 🙂