Fake it ’til you make it used to be the way to get buy-in from new clients. The followers will still come, but now we know the follower number is only so significant. The real question is: What those conversions do?! Now it’s all about building your tribe. Your tribe will buy what you offer, leave 5-star reviews and recommend you to their network. Here are five ways to authentically present yourself while journeying to the top without creating a faux-lifestyle.
1. Be Honest
The truth always comes to the light. All of the social media flaunting without something real to relate to might work but not nearly as well as presenting a message that resonates. How? BE HONEST. Your narrative should be candid and expressive which is hard to do without telling the truth. Your followers want to feel a connection. Also, your truth should be that you are qualified to lead on the topic you are focused on. Calling yourself an expert and putting a price tag on it without mastering that particular skill or having the knowledge to back it up is just plain lying. There are thousands of videos and webinars teaching anyone who can click a mouse how to put things in a nice package and create a sales funnel for it. The result is the blind leading the blind. So, take some time to really be honest with yourself about what type of value you can provide. You’ll be more confident and your content will flow naturally.
2. Don’t Wallow
“Started from the bottom now we’re here”… let’s break this down. If Drake level success is here and the bottom is absolute nothing, then that means you’ve made some progress! Don’t focus on how little you have, but think about how much you’ve gained. There is a difference between “I’m not where I want to be yet” and “I hate it here”. Your narrative should reflect the same. No one wants to follow or buy from someone who complains all of the time.
3. Level Up
Have you been “sleep” on yourself? The money isn’t pouring in quite yet, but have you maximized what you do have? Be photo shoot fresh and opportunity ready as often as possible. Don’t save that outfit and do a little more than your typical hairstyle. Try something new and take some time to mix and match what you already have in your closet. Maybe you don’t look the part because you haven’t taken the time to do the most with what you already have in your inventory.
4. Photos Matter
Your photos may not have a G5 in the background. You probably won’t have any flashback Friday moments from a vacation on a private yacht in St. Tropez. Regardless, photos still matter. You should have a quality headshot and some high-quality photos taken at events and the days you look cute (to pair with your resonating message). Your “on the come up” budget won’t allow for you to hire a photographer to follow you around 24/7, but you should still make an effort to have some eye-catching pics.
- The coin count may be small, but headshots are an investment. At least once every one to two years, get a professional headshot taken. Keep an eye out for business events that offer free or low-cost headshots.
- iPhone users > use portrait mode. It’s amazing. Have your friend who actually doesn’t mind taking 20 photos of you take your pictures and they will rival professional photographs.
- Not sure how to pose or what to take photos of? Pick 5-10 accounts that you love and take note of their style of photos. Practice some new poses and look at the types of angles that are shot in their photos then incorporate what you’ve learned!
5. Make It About Them
All of your trials and tribulations aren’t just for you. Tell your story and focus on the part about overcoming. Turn your pain/struggle into power and spread your wealth of knowledge!
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