Branding Yourself Right… A Key Requisite For Success
Over the past five years, I’ve devoted a great deal of time to branding myself as a thought leader and an authority in my field. Here’s a short bio available to the press at all times http://beyondplanb.net/pdf/zkabdelnour.pdf
These activities, which included writing a book and hosting podcasts, events and interviews have led to millions of dollars in revenue and helped myself and my companies establish ourselves as an authority to watch closely in the realm of finance and global geopolitics.
Becoming a thought leader can help you do the same. So with that in mind, here are some effective ways to assert yourself in the new digital world shaping up.
Write a book.
Writing books truly established my credibility as a thought leader. Luckily for you, the barrier to entry isn’t too high–my first two books Economic Warfare: Secrets of Wealth Creation in the Age of Welfare Politics and Ending Syria’s Occupation of Lebanon: The U.S. Role were published by a traditional publisher, and I’m currently working on a third book Economic Warfare: Secrets of the Powerbrokers. I strongly recommend reading Guy Kawasaki’s APE: How to Publish a Book http://www.amazon.com/APE-Author-Publisher-Entrepreneur-How-Publish/dp/0988523108/to get a real feel for what followers might want.
Start a blog.
When I launched the Blackhawk Partners blog http://blackhawkpartners.com/Blogs.aspx three years ago, my partners objected, saying we’d have to post once a week to keep our constituents abreast of current trends. But that was the point. In just two years, it became one of the most widely read blogs in finance, and now I have two company blogs and six personal blogs. You can launch your own blog using Tumblr or WordPress, just be sure to offer meaningful content.
Pitch online publications.
Not long ago, it used to be only professional writers and reporters could get a byline in national publications. Today, however, seasoned entrepreneurs can pitch a great idea and possibly get published. If an online editor decides you made the cut, you’ll reap the benefits of being associated with a credible, well-known brand. What’s more, if your first few articles are well-received and shared, you may have a shot at landing a column.
Speak at conferences.
People fear public speaking more than death, so this isn’t for everyone. But speaking in front of a live audience can be a great way to become a thought leader. Whether you’re a keynote or a panelist, or even a virtual speaker at an online conference, you can share your experiences and ideas with others and build your reputation. Plus, the leads you can generate at conferences are face-to-face, often converting into real business even faster than online leads. The series of bi monthly events I have been conducting through the Financial Policy Council http://www.financialpolicycouncil.org/MMedia.aspx have been a win win for all, host, speakers and attendees alike.
Host a podcast.
With over 1 billion podcast downloads on iTunes alone, podcasts are a highly effective a marketing tool. I am building an entire, highly-profitable business around podcasts. Besides, the intimacy you can build with an audience through podcasting is unmatched.
Remember: Branding is Power. Now go and start using this all important tool to redefine your authority, your reputation, and your ability to inspire others, create great wealth and shape your world.
