There’s a good chance your business might be hiding out and you don’t even realize it.
When I first started my online business in 2003, my webmaster Anita Larson emphasized over and over that you need to treat your website like a brick and mortar shop. Make sure you’re in a place that gets foot traffic and make it simple for people to find you. That was the analogy that explained the importance of web traffic, easy navigation, and search engine optimization.
Even with that great technical advice, there are still many ways that business owners are staying hidden. And even with the coolest website around, even with traffic (!) you can still be hidden.
How so?
There are 5 big ways that entrepreneurs stay hidden. And if you’re a business owner whose business is built around your expertise, this is particularly for you!
Reason #1: Not knowing how to showcase your expertise
You can have the spiffiest website on the block, but without a clear explanation of your expertise, you’ll remain hidden. You see, people need a mental anchor to make sense of a situation. They need to know the nuts and bolts of how you help others. Don’t get mired into the abyss of “I take your business to the next level”, get specific! (What is the “next level” anyway?) Become an expert at describing your expertise. (Hint: it’s not really about you… it’s about the results people get from working with you)
Reason #2: You don’t stand out
Male birds know this one well: you need to stand out to attract. Are you yet another blah-blah-blah life coach? Or a yadda-yadda for women entrepreneurs? Now more than ever you need to stand out and get noticed. Find words and phrases that distinguish you from your peers. Standing out doesn’t mean being obnoxious or pushing your way to the stage. Create intrigue and pique curiosity to blast you out of hiding.
Reason #3: Murky marketing messages
You don’t need to be known by everyone- that’s one of the myths of visibility. You just need to be known by your ideal clients. And if you don’t have a clear message, they won’t know if you’re for them or not. Craft your language so it speaks directly to the people who need what you have. Use their wants and needs in your titles and offers.
Reason #4: Tapping into the wrong connections
In Reason #3 I alluded to a myth of visibility. Being known by everyone shouldn’t be your goal- just worry about being known by your ideal clients. I’m going to stack one more on that: be known by people who can send opportunities your way. You might be excited because so and so is going to promote you to their people, but are their people your ideal clients? Make sure you know who an ideal connection is and then deepen the relationship so referrals and opportunities get your business out of hiding.
Reason #5: Playing Small
Marianne Williamson said it so beautifully: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Playing small doesn’t do anyone a bit of good and is self-sabotage. It keeps your business hidden, it keeps your expertise from activating change, and actually it’s a form of hording. You’re hording your genius and keeping your valuable “medicine” from reaching the people who need it most. If you identify with “heart based” or “soul-driven” in your work, then playing small is NOT an option. You’re answering a call and each moment you spend in obscurity is time wasted. It’s like throwing your talent in the trash. Don’t do that. The world is waiting for you to emerge.
Getting out of hiding is trickier than you thought! It’s not just about web traffic or getting people to see you all over Facebook. It’s about connecting, understanding, and taking action. Don’t worry- it’s not a secret anymore. You can easily take your business out of hiding by starting with these 5 steps.
If this resonates with you, then do check out this free call I’m hosting July 27. I’m on a mission to help you get your business out of hiding and into the hands of the people who need you most.
Remember: the world is waiting for you!
About Nancy Marmolejo
