The Simplest Way To Get Free Brand Exposure

Want to know a secret? A secret that costs ZERO dollars and is one of the most effective ways to grow your brand exposure? DIRECT MESSAGING.

I’m sure you’re sitting there thinking, “No way can that be true. It’s too simple.”. Is it? You bet. So why don’t people do it? Because it takes up something more valuable than money ——- TIME. Here’s the truth: sending out hundred of message a day isn’t exactly exciting. That’s why people don’t stick with it.

So why is direct messaging so effective? Think about when you get messages. You read them. By sending out messages to people who are your target audience, you are getting in front of people who are most likely to be interested — and buy— your product/service.

There is one thing you need to keep in mind in order to make this successful— consistency. Schedule it into your days just as you would other tasks and meetings. If you stick with it, you will be amazed of the return you get from it.

The Importance Of Your Identity

One of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make is thinking they need to follow in the footsteps of those successful "stars" in their industry. It is easy to fall into that trap. You see those who are in your industry and think, "Okay, I just need to do exactly what they are doing."

Here's the thing. It is inevitable you are going to check them out and see what they are doing. In fact, if you are not, YOU SHOULD. The key is not to become obsessed. Do not copy. Do not second guess what you are doing. Don't go switching up your strategy just because a "successful" competitor does it another way. 

People have done what you are doing. The thing is, it has never been done by you. You will be your own spin on it. Your voice and identity can not be replicated. Use that to your advantage. Your audience can tell if you are being authentic or not. Authenticity is such a powerful selling tool. It builds trust, thus making it easier to make sales. 

The Secret To Starting A Business

My website isn't done. I don't have 10K followers on Instagram. My logo isn't right. 

News Flash: There is no perfect time to start a business. You can come up with endless excuses as to why you shouldn't launch your business but you know what? Just start. No one is ever 100% ready. Be brave enough to take the risk. 

What does matter?

That you believe it will work. Confidence is critical for launching a business. If you don't believe it will work because it isn't 100% ready (spoiler: alert: it never will be), what makes you think your audience will believe it will work?

Talk with any entrepreneur. Most of them wish they would have started sooner. The timing in life will never be right. It is easy to look at successful entrepreneurs in your industry and say "Look at how perfect their work is." Perfectionism is a myth. Want to know how that entrepreneur you idealize got there? By starting. By getting messy. By making mistakes. 

If you are struggling with this, start listening to podcasts or reading books about business leaders. Most of their stories start off very differently from where they are today. Let their stories inspire you to take imperfect action. 

5 Tips on Working From Home

1. Create a designated work space - Step away from the bed. Tempting, I know, but you'll never get your work done if you're in that comfy cloud. If you have space for a home office, go for it. It doesn't have to be that grand though. A simple table and chair in your living room or your kitchen table will do. The key is to get into the routine of working in the same spot. 

2. Set hours - It is easy to lose track of time with your new freedom. You can start the day when you want (YES!), but next thing you know it is 6pm and you have only completed one thing off your to-do list. Set working hours and stay focused. You'll be able to get more done than you normally would in an office since you don't have coworkers interrupting you every five minutes. 

3. Get outside - Sure, working alone does wonders for your focus. It can also break you. Let's be honest, working from home can be lonely. Make it a point to get outside at least once a day. Schedule in little breaks, whether it is going to your favorite coffee shop or going for a walk. You'll come back to your work refreshed and more focused. 

4. Follow a to-do list  - With the freedom to make your own schedule, it is easy to get lost in the day. Make a list of what you need to accomplish everyday. Next, prioritize your tasks. What is the most important thing you have to accomplish today? If you are stuck, go with the task you are least interested in doing. You'll get it out of the way and won't spend the rest of your day coming up with excuses not to complete it. 

5. Set goals and keep them visible - This is a big one. With no one popping their head into your office asking on the status of projects, it is easy to lose sight of what you are working towards. Write down your goals and get specific. Keep them in sight of your working space so you are constantly reminded of what you are working for. 

5 Things Successful People NEVER Do

Success. Everyone wants it, but few are willing to put in the effort to get it. With successful people, what they do not do is just as important as what they actually do. Watch what successful people. Follow their habits. Want to be like them? Here are a few things successful people never do. 

1. Ignore their fears. Change doesn't come from your comfort zone. You need to tackle your fears head on and take control. 

2. Regret mistakes. Successful people do not dwell on their mistakes. They use it as an opportunity to learn a lesson. 

3. Quit. No matter how hard something is, they are all in. Quitting is not an option. 

4. Pull all-nighters. They do not partake in the glorification of being busy. Pulling constant late nights at the office wears you down. You are not as sharp and have trouble remembering information. 

5. Interrupt. Successful people truly listen when someone is talking. They listen to hear, not to respond. When you interrupt someone, it shows you are not listening to them, rather you are thinking about what you want to say.