How to Go from Hidden Gem to Household Name
If you met me today, you might be surprised to learn that I’m shy and was once feeling lost and uninspired in my career. Today, I’m living my pursue and doing what I love most—helping entrepreneurs get publicity, so they can reach and inspire more people.
In a few short months, I’ll be launching Impacting Millions, an online program that shows entrepreneurs how to become irresistible to the media and get featured on podcasts, websites, magazines, TV and more.
After all, if you have something tremendously valuable to offer the world, there’s no reason to be a best-kept secret.
For those of you curious about how I got to where I am today, here’s my story:
A Pivot Point
When I was in my mid-twenties, I had a quarter-life crisis. I was at a low point, feeling depressed, and unsatisfied in my career. I was working at a non-profit, but there were aspects of the job that made me unhappy. Combined with other factors in my life, I was suffering from low self-esteem. I felt trapped and couldn’t see any possibilities for a better future.
During that time, I learned about a women’s life coaching group that exposed me to experts and authors. Their ideas, lessons and wisdom changed everything for me.
I began to realize that we don’t just need more information about how to get better; we need more inspiration. We need role models who combine the two and who can open up our minds to new ideas and possibilities to help us find our way out of our pain.
When I met these inspiring women, I immediately knew that I wanted the whole world to get to know them and benefit from their knowledge.
I wanted more people to hear the messages from my mentors so that they too could learn to think differently, act differently, value themselves more, and love themselves more. I wanted to get that message out there so badly. It gave me the sense of purpose that I was missing.
That’s how my business was born.
Building a Successful Seven-Figure Personal Brand
I started out building my personal brand by helping people for free. If someone inspired me, I’d reach out to them and offer to help find ways to amplify their message by connecting them with other influential people or media outlets who could help them spread their message. I was creative and found a variety of different ways to be helpful and valuable.
From that position of focusing not on myself, but on helping others spread their message, I found incredible success. It wasn’t about me. It was about making an impact in other people’s lives, and from there, good things happened.
I was incredibly driven to help my mentors and some of the nation’s most influential people to get their message out.
Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway
Today, I’m still shy. If you met me in a group, I’d likely be the quietest one. At the same time, I’m a go-getter. It’s about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. There was a time, as recently as only two and a half years ago, when even being on camera made me feel fearful. What’s amazing, though, is that as humans, we are incredibly adaptable. We can become comfortable with things that would, at one point, paralyze us. Whatever scares us can become our new normal. It’s critical to identify these moments and to push the limits of what’s possible.
So many people are apprehensive about reaching out and networking with others because they’re afraid of being rejected. People have often asked me where I find the courage to approach such influential experts and offer to work with them. These interactions never make me feel scared. I feel excited knowing that I’m making a connection with an amazing person, and my purpose becomes helping them to spread their message and make others’ lives better.
Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People
As you begin building your personal brand and growing your business, remember this: You are the average of the five people with whom you spend the most time.
Surround yourself with the right people.
Find and take part in communities of like-minded people who will help you to stay focused on your personal growth and who support you in achieving your goals.
Building Your Community of “Influencers”
My definition of an influencer is someone who helps you achieve your goals faster. It could be a mentor, friend, colleague, superfan, or anyone else. We all have influencers in our lives who can help us reach our personal and professional goals.
When you think of an influencer, think of them as if they were a train headed to their end destination going full speed ahead.
That train is going to stop for a few moments to let people on, but then the doors will shut, and it will keep going.
A mistake that too many people make when networking is trying to pull the train off the track. They try to get someone’s attention so they can talk about themselves. That’s never going to help you breakthrough.
Instead, ask yourself, “How can I get on their train and help them get to their end destination faster?” If you want to connect with influencers who can help you take your personal brand to the next level, get clear on what their priorities, goals, and needs are and how you can contribute to them rather than promote your agenda.
Start by asking a question and being a good listener.
Impacting Millions
Today, I’m able to count the most amazing people as my friends, mentors, and clients. If you feel like I did, and deep down you know that you’re meant for bigger things, then it’s time to get your message out there.
Perhaps you overcame challenges with your career, health, or relationships—and now you’re dedicated to helping other people face those same challenges. Or maybe you’re the kind of person who comes alive when speaking on stage or leading groups and you’re ready to take it even further.
There are people out there waiting to be transformed by your story, message and offering—so don’t play small.
Step out of your comfort zone, land some amazing publicity, and help more people than you ever thought possible!
Take It One Step Further
A personal brand is the best way to increase your impact, influence and income. Start building your personal brand today, we’re here to help!
For more, great content on how to build your personal brand, subscribe to our newsletter and join our private Personal Brand Builders community. You’ll never have worry about missing our latest and greatest tips, strategies, and advice for building your personal brand.
We hope you enjoyed this article. Follow us on Facebook, and Twitter for updates every time we publish!
