Inspiration for today’s post jumped out at me from a LinkedIn question. Really, it was a gift from the universe. My article was about the upcoming free Summit, Giving Feedback that Works Without Feeling Guilty (It’s next Thursday). Out of the blue, Delores asks for advice on how to get her name out. OK, I’m game. Here’s my answer to her.
As a startup, how do I get my name out?
Hey Delores, what a great question! After 18 years of running a small biz, it’s ironic that the answer for you is still the same for me. Go out and meet people!
And by people I mean your colleagues and potential clients. Each time I brought my brand of conflict management and creative problem-solving to a new market- manufacturing, financial institutions, academia, now weddings, I’ve had to ‘get my name out’. Being social works online and off.
One of the things I teach is how underrated listening is as an essential skill in business. Or, in life, for that matter. Everyone thinks they know how to listen. Really, it’s one of two skills that can completely change your life when done well. (The other is questioning, which we’ll get to later.) My goal at networking events: listen to people. I’m most interested in learning about them- listening authentically to their stories, interests, lives.
That wonderful experience for the listener- of having my undivided, eager attention- is so rare today that it immediately makes me distinct and memorable.(When was the last time you listened without multi-tasking?) People remember people first, businesses second.
And, frankly, listening is fun. Embarrassingly enough, I can get so excited by the conversation that I forget say I’m a Problem-solving Coach. I learn so many fascinating things about my market- it’s almost like having my own one-person focus group.
Now, this works for me. I’m lucky that this approach fits my personality so I can enjoy building my network, and hopefully, grow my business. I think it can work for anyone so long as you’re genuine and don’t overreach too much. You don’t have to turn into Barbara Walters or anything. Just ask more clarifying questions and listen deeper.
One of my inspirations in business is Maya Angelou. She said,
People will forget what you said
People will forget what you did
But people will never forget how you made them feel.
Words I try hard to live by. Hope this long-winded, heart-felt answer gets you off to a great start!
So, what advice would you give to ‘get your name out there’??
PS Free Brideability Summit- Giving Feedback that Works Without Guilt is in 7 DAYS. Sign up NOW!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great solid advice and age-old wisdom. Thanks for sharing!
Curtis
Miami Wedding Photographers D
Thanks, Curtis. What are you known for?