Be The Star Of Your Own Show

Written by Lisa Petty

As an entrepreneur, you've likely read more books about marketing than there are stars in the sky. And many of them are about as exciting as watching snow melt. But in her book Step into the Spotlight!, marketing consultant Tsufit shares a new perspective on getting noticed, based on her years in show business.

Here's how to bask in the glow of success:

Act like a star

Attitude is everything. If you don't think you are an expert/great person/perfect solution, why would anyone else? Based a little bit on the law of attraction (that our emotions and beliefs create our reality) and a little bit on common sense, this piece of advice is a sure-fire winner.

So how does a star act? Confident. Make sure you're ready for the spotlight at a moment's notice. At networking and social functions, be able to deliver your 30 second mission statement (also known as an elevator pitch) memorably, showing your personality. Use humour. Be so prepared to discuss any aspect of your business so that you can be brilliantly spontaneous.

Sparkle.

Get discovered

The suits, the language, the protocol of business and the ennui of networking can be a drag. So, step out of the box and be noticed. Show up as yourself. Use your own language and set your personality free. But don't just be who you are – be the best version of yourself. With enough rehearsal, you'll eventually become that version of yourself all the time.

Let your audience find you

We've all read the statistics about the thousands of marketing messages bombarding us until we're senseless. Everyone is numb to the emails, the cold calls and the flyers hunting us down. We're immune because of the sameness of it all. Like you, your customers are tired of being chased. They'd rather be seduced. Attract them to you as a business person – and, by extension, your business – by being irresistible.

This is the same advice I received from a fellow talk show host when I started my radio show. I mentioned my concern that the time slot I was taking over had a 'demographic' that skewed a little differently than health and wellness. Okay, a lot differently. The total opposite, in fact. Much like the famous line in Field of Dreams – if you build it, they will come – I was told that I should create the show I want for my ideal audience, not try to pacify the audience I inherited. My sage colleague told me that my audience would find me. And they have.

How does this apply to your business? Very simply, you have to know who your ideal customer is. Next, figure out what they want, and finally, offer it to them.

Build a fan club

Madonna. Oprah. Lisa. (Okay, maybe someday!) What superstar doesn't have a following? Make sure you're available on Facebook, Twitter, and a successful-looking website. Give your fans a way to connect with you. Lights. Camera. Action! •

Ref: Tsufit, Step into the Spotlight
(Beach View Books, 2008)