The Internet changed how people could interact with and change brands. It also opened the door to anyone who had a passion or expertise to share with others and build businesses or reputations quickly. Whether you are promoting a craft, a book or the latest cool product, there are a few steps that can improve your online reputation and build a lasting presence online and offline.
Become the Expert
What are you good at and what are your passions? Hopefully, you already know the answers and are engaged in these activities. If not, then you need to reevaluate.
Become the expert in your passion. Breathe, sweat and ooze this passion. Know more than anyone and don't be afraid to show it. You are the authority and people need to listen.
Build a List
Who do you want to know or build your business around? Make a list of potential partners and clients. Why would they want to do business with you? Think about how you can help people achieve their goals as you are writing your list. Now find ways to connect with these people - email, newsletters, personal phone calls, social media or face-to-face - any method that makes a connection helps build your list.
Look for Hidden Markets
Do you have the market cornered on your particular niche? Can you make a niche? What makes you unique? Think about those places and business opportunities that are not served or have no idea of your particular expertise. Find a way to meet the needs of those people.
Encourage People to Talk About You
Give people a reason to talk about you. Put yourself out there and engage your industry. What kinds of issues do people face and how can you help or offer an opinion? Publish articles, join discussions and write on your blog. Be controversial! Make a statement, splash or offer a different perspective. Be willing to stand up for your passion and opinion.
Give People Something To Talk About
Boring people rarely make headlines. It is the striking individuals and those willing to do extraordinary things that make news. Feed your passion with good deeds, such as charitable giving. Be a contrarian; do the opposite of the prevailing opinion. Take risks and tell others.
Speak, Speak and Speak Some More
Never pass up an opportunity to share your passion, views, opinion and expertise with others. Look for opportunities in your local area, state and regional markets. Invite yourself to events. Volunteer to share your expertise and new-found knowledge.
Become an Author
This could be as simple as writing a newsletter or posting to your blog. But look beyond those limited forums and look further out at future opportunities. Can you write a seminar presentation and make it available for others to share? Do you have enough material for a small e-book? Does your expertise affect enough niche and hidden markets to become a universal topic? Look for opportunities to write down your theories, tested practices and opinions.
Network Offline and Online
Work on making friends. Embrace all opportunities to meet others and build your network. Work offline, at events and speaking engagements, and online, through the social media. Focus on meeting your offline friends in person and build relationships. Get out there and meet people.
Look for Trends and Challenge Them
Trends are good subjects for debate. If you agree with a trend, find a way to change it or challenge it. If you don't agree, then point out its flaws. Be the person people will seek out for your opinion on the latest trend. Focus on trends affecting your passion or knowledge-base. Don't be afraid to express your opinion.
Google Yourself
How do you stack up? Do people know about you? Are people talking about you? If not, then you need to concentrate on the first nine steps.
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