Written by: Sarah Alysse Rosner, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Many business owners are too afraid to promote themselves due to it feeling icky. Let’s dig into why you may feel this way. Usually, it stems from your mindset. When working with clients, I have found that these two things get in the way: imposter syndrome and the idea that they feel not good enough. Don’t know if you’ve experienced imposter syndrome? This occurs when someone feels that they don’t deserve their success or that others are so much better than them due to their experience or credentials.
Anxiety takes considerable control over them and instead of elevating their business they stay stuck. Although the feeling of “I’m not good enough” can relate to imposter syndrome, they are slightly different. The idea of “I’m not good enough” develops in our adolescent years and can occur from small events to traumatic experiences. Recognizing where this comes from can make a huge impact on your future endeavors both personally and professionally.
Once the mindset piece is developed then it’s time to take action on building your brand!!
Get out of your head and monetize your brand by doing these 3 things:
1. Network
Take a look at events happening in your area and attend! There are a variety of events from entrepreneurial marketing to professional happy hours. Regardless of where it takes place, never be afraid to start an icebreaker to get to know an individual. The question you ask them can be simple like where you work, how long you have lived in *insert city/town* or you can get a bit more creative. After small talk maybe try one of these questions: What’s your favorite aspect of being an accountant, wealth advisor, lawyer, etc.? Is there some place you’re looking to travel to this upcoming year? What do you want to do in the next year professionally? How can I support you?
If events are not something you are into, rent an office in a coworking space. In these spaces they usually have various learning sessions and social events that you can attend with your membership. Additionally, you will meet people with different backgrounds who could possibly become collaborators or assist you with your current project. The best part is that you can be with your neighbors if you want but also have the ability to go back to the confines of your office area.
If you are unable to do either of those, start with a virtual professional’s group or join a mastermind. What’s wonderful about this option is that it doesn’t limit who you meet. In the mastermind I joined 15 months ago, The Superconnector Media Mastermind, I was able to connect with people from all over the world! It’s incredible the variety of people I have become true friends with from doctors to coaches to business owners, I really have expanded my network.
2. Build a community
Community is a buzzword. Think of your favorite band or musician. I will use my own favorite as an example, The Rolling Stones. Through many decades they have kept and increased their fan base purely by their incredible music and by being authentically them. As entrepreneurs and brand ambassadors for other companies we can cultivate our own fan base. It starts by bringing the masses together through a common interest. In my own business, Live Well Enhance You, holistic health, and wellness are what brings my community together. Whenever I have my fans in the same room or virtual space, they have a common thread of wanting to find healthy yummy restaurants and recipes, improve their brain/body connection, and have a passion for fitness. Identify your community culture and you will be off to building your community in no time!
3. Share your spirit
Step out of your comfort zone and into the spotlight. The hardest part of building a brand is putting yourself out there. Utilizing social media platforms has been a beautiful way to bring individuals into my community. In addition, I have a podcast, Stress Free SOULutions that helps people get to know me, my mission, and the gain access to incredible information by my guest experts. Once you have chosen your favorite platform, develop new connections then invite these fans into your world through your email list and/or private group.
Remember that connection and community are essential to develop and expand your brand no matter where you are in your business. Whenever things get overwhelming, go back to working on those two areas and focus on the journey first not the destination.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!
Sarah Alysse Rosner, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Sarah Alysse is a corporate stress management coach that helps companies cultivate a low-stress environment so that their employees can be happier and more productive. She’s the creator and CEO of Live Well Enhance You, which was formed out of a need for her Pilates clients to find balance in their lives. She branched into the corporate market to assist employees in creating out-of-the-box wellness solutions. She utilizes her BFA Musical Theater Performance background to coach others on how to be confident and understand the connection between the brain and body. Spanning over a decade, Sarah has collected an abundance of certifications from the Integrative Institute of Nutrition, STOTT Pilates, to the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She’s been featured on WGN's Living Healthy and WGN Around Town segment as a Stress Management Expert. Also, she has been promoted on Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, Authority, Kivo Daily, LA Wire, The Chicago Journal, NY Wire, NY Weekly, IdeaMensch, and US Reporter. In addition, she’s the host of the Stress-Free SOULutions podcast.
