I love that this question came up because I know how overwhelming it can feel trying to get noticed or stand out in any creative industry.
Gaining confidence and getting your business out there, or getting exposure, actually kinda go hand in hand. It takes confidence to take risks in order to get exposure. Here are a few ways that I think can help people in this stage of their business….. oh wait…. we are ALL ALWAYS in this stage right!? Don’t we all want more confidence, and more exposure really? I know I do. It may not always be where our focus is directed, but I think every successful business is always staying fresh on ways to gain knowledge and courage.
Here are some big things that have helped me along the way:
STAYING INSPIRED.
This might mean investing in education, mentoring, or doing a ton of research. And I don’t mean simply looking at other people’s work. I mean actually learning and doing things to get better. Seeing yourself improve is going to build a ton of confidence! If you find yourself lacking confidence, book a mentoring or coaching session, invest in a workshop…. SOMETHING to put your self in a situation where you will be encouraged and educated.
TAKING YOURSELF SERIOUSLY.
This is a big deal. People are only going to take you as seriously as you take yourself. I have always wanted to feel legit, even if I was not technically there yet. Like getting my business license before I was really making any money, investing in quality gear, having contracts, and taking to myself in a way of this WILL happen, not it might happen. A lot of people will make excuses… “well I don’t to do that until I am this”….. well if you think that way then its true…..and its only pro-logging reaching your goals.
DO MORE THINGS YOU LOVE.
If you do things that make you happy, and feel good about yourself, you will naturally build confidence. I do my best to make time to do yoga, read, and spend quality time with my family. These things make ME feel better, which makes me happier, which exudes confidence.
BE KIND.
To yourself AND others. Acts of kindness can make you feel good about yourself. Treat yourself the way you would like others to treat you and treat others that way. You will bring yourself positive energy and learn to love and appreciate yourself.
COMMUNITY.
Find or build a community of people you can lean on. Be a part of a group that can help you grow and support you. This can be a book club, a small business group, friends in your field, a group filled of people who have similar interests as you. Everyone needs their own little support system outside of our family and close friends.
All of those things will also help you get yourself out there. The more confident you become the more people will be attracted to you. It all kinda happens together. But her are a few tips that directly relate to getting more exposure.
NETWORKING
Try to look at everything in your life as an opportunity to network yourself. I don’t mean run a sales pitch everywhere you go. But start thinking of yourself as your brand. The more people you meet the more opportunities you will have.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Try something different. Think about what everyone else is doing and fuel that to come up with something fresh. How can you combine another passion or hobby you have with your business? There are hidden opportunities all around us, every where you go, everything you see, think about how it might relate to your business…. the world never runs out of new ideas.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO DO THINGS FOR FREE
Think about things as opportunities for return and not just money. Use some acts of kindness to help another business or person, and you never know what might happen. Make sure to be authentic and passionate…if you expect something in return it will probably backfire.
Running a business is a learning experience every day! These are all things that have really helped my little business grow. I put them into action daily.
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Photo by Sharon Elizabeth Photography
