Position Yourself as a Leader- Jennifer Ransaw Smith.

Position Yourself as a Leader

Jennifer Ransaw Smith

There are some who believe that if you don't exist online, you don't exist at all. Now that may be kind of extreme, but I want you to think about it for a moment. What is the first thing you do when you want to find out more about something, you Google it. Am I right? It doesn't matter if you are interested in a new singer, new restaurant or checking out a new service at your neighborhood spa.

Don't you think people are doing the same with you? If you are going to become a breakout star in your industry, you must be cognizant of how you are positioned online.

If someone types your name and/or the name of your company in a search engine, what are the results? Will they be blown away by the amount of high-value content that reinforces your position as an industry leader? Will they discover great articles you have contributed to your industry publications? Will they discover that you sit on local and national boards contributing your skills and talents to make the world a better place? Will they stumble upon your thought-provoking blog that engages your target audience, on a weekly basis or more, by keeping them informed about some of the latest industry news?

Here's the bottom line; if you want others, mainly your niche audience, to consider you an Industry Rock Star, you must first consider yourself one. And there is no better place to start than branding online. One of the greatest things about the Internet is that it literally levels the playing field. You, a solopreneur, with a small operation consisting of your laptop and living room couch, can compete with the big agencies/companies with million dollar budgets. For the first time in history, you have the ability to reach an audience world-wide with the click of a mouse.

But, in order to be truly successful, you must operate from a plan. You must be strategic and consistent, and you must be extremely clear about your intension (and the end result you are seeking).

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