Influencers. Brand Ambassadors. Raving Fans. It's called influencer marketing and it's the buzz on every business's list and toping every marketing budget.
But when you're a small business, every dollar counts. So is influencer marketing worth your while or is there anything you can do to take advantage of this latest marketing trend?
Read MoreIt sounds weird - for a business owner to "brand yourself" - but in fact, whatever you do in business, it's now your job not to only sell what you do, but sell who you are. I mean, with over 2 BILLION people on social media, how else do you expect to actually stand out?
Because in fact, no matter what kind of business you have and whoever you are, you are a walking personal brand. Yup! Your personal brand is what people say about you after you have left the room.
Read MoreI’m an influencer.
Have you said it yet? In public? Online? On Facebook and Instagram?
"I’m an influencer” is an empowering statement that, to many small business owners whose business is based on you - it feels like a grandiose and bragging statement. It's somewhat uncomfortable and becomes a hidden block that prevents you from gaining the visibility you need in order to make your business or blog successful.
Even when backed by a life of experience, training, certifications, and accomplishments, this self-promoted term feels a bit pompous and unjustified, as our human brains naturally work to silently sabotage our confidence. It's those moments when you find yourself focusing attention on others who seem to be more successful, have herds of followers and raving fans - that;s when you silently steal your own once confident belief in yourself. It happens to the best of us, even to the most accomplished professional.
Read MoreIt's called disruption for a reason. It literally disrupts the status quo. Whether it's on Instagram or in your business or blog, it's how you stand out and win at whatever game you are playing.
And while you may think you don't want to upset people, the reality is, if you're going to stand out in the crowded business environment, disrupting the status quo is actually a powerful and KIND thing to do.
Disruptive marketing, on the other hand, shifts the conversation to what is new and different. It catches the attention of others who share similar opinions because you appeal to the human condition, NOT to the marketing tactics being practiced.
Read MoreIt's hard to deny that the pro fashion bloggers have the magic touch. They have mastered the art and science of the perfect photo, the perfect pose, and have the perfect Instagram feeds. But the truth is, everybody - and I mean everybody - starts as a beginner. So whether you're just starting out or are trying to grow your brand, these 3 secret hacks will leave you looking like a pro in minutes.
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