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Online visibility isn’t too different than being a young Hollywood party girl in the spotlight. We’ve all seen celebrities who quickly rise to fame only to have their star-power crash and burn. Name any Lindsay, Brittney, or Paris and you’ve got a story of fame overwhelm, ego-overload, and all the trappings that with it.
The world of social networking, online visibility, and Web 2.0 holds the potential to get your name in front of a lot of people… FAST! Name recognition and celebrity can be yours without having to resort to wearing dark glasses to the grocery store and hiring bodyguards.
Whether your sights are set on being a big fish in your local pond or playing the big time on Oprah’s couch, the following Sizzibility Rules of Fame will help light the path to stardom and ease your anxieties along the way.
Sizzibility Rule of Fame #1: It’s NOT About You
One of my guiding principles is that we all carry a special gift inside us. It manifests in our talents and skills, our expertise, in the way we interact with others, and in our way of impacting the world. I call it your “medicine”, and I mean that in a spiritual sense, not pharmaceutical. Your medicine is how you put your talents into the world. Your fame isn’t about YOU… it’s about your medicine getting out and reaching those who thirst for it. You’re just the vehicle for the message: remember to get your ego out of the way and let your talents be center stage.
Sizzibility Rule of Fame #2: There’s Plenty of Room For All Of Us
Oprah’s couch is big enough to fit all of us, so relax and don’t worry the next time you start fearing competition. When you focus on your “medicine” and the unique way you get it out there, then absolutely NO ONE will be your competition. You may find other people who do what you do, but who does it like you? If you feel like you’re too bland, then start mining yourself for Sizzibility and add some sizzle to your visibility!
Sizzibility Rule of Fame #3: Get Help!
At some point or another, the tipping point will occur and you’ll be flooded with interest. Emails, phone calls, and media queries will start flowing in. Now is the time to start thinking of ways to delegate out certain points of communication. Set up a schedule that an assistant can manage for you, create systems around getting information out, and try to automate as much as you can without losing that personal touch. You need to focus on maintaining your creative self and nourishing your expertise. Don’t let the administrative minutiae get in the way of that important work.
Sizzibility Rule of Fame #4: “No” Is a Complete Sentence
It’s important to your sanity and your schedule to set up criteria for what you’ll say “Yes” to and what you’ll say “No” to. In the movies we often see stars miscast in roles they regret later on (Kevin Costner as Robin Hood comes to mind). Don’t find yourself in this situation. Decide early on how you want your name to be known and in what ways. That means you may need to say “No” once in a while. Remember this sage advice: “No” is a complete sentence. You don’t need to bend over backwards apologizing or giving detailed explanations. Be diplomatic, but do hold your boundaries.
Cashing in on your online visibility is a smart way to promote and market your business without having to invest in advertising or costly expenses. When you lead with your expertise and remember that it’s the information that people want, then you’ll be able to handle fame from a healthier level. Get out of your own way, build a supportive team of helpers, and let your “medicine” take center stage. Follow that path and you’ll enjoy a long and healthy reign in the spotlight.
About Nancy Marmolejo
