and you don't have to be rich. You just have to be well-known and well-
respected locally and/or nationally. People simply have to recognize
and appreciate what you do.
Every entrepreneur and business owner should strive to be a public
figure for one simple reason: it will help you grow your business!
Huge opportunities can present themselves, such as speaking engagements, event hosting, panel interviews, media interviews, book deals, business contracts, and more.
Think about it. America is a country that gives a lot of attention to people of prominence. The most popular magazines and television shows are the ones that report on what important people are doing. So if you are a big name in your industry or town or country, imagine what that means for you.
You're the person everybody's talking and thinking about. When a relevant opportunity presents itself, your name will come up first. Corporations and government agencies will automatically be programmed to consider you and your company for contracts, the media will automatically go to you for relevant comments and interviews, and customers will automatically take their business to you because "you're the expert."
The key is to excel in your expertise area, and to regularly do things that will get you noticed. Obvious things include: writing columns, sending press releases, starting a blog, writing a book, giving away a free e-book, etc.
But there's more: You can also sit on boards, be active in professional organizations, attend/host networking functions, volunteer for charity functions, support community initiatives, and even stand up for public injustices.
Learn from the public figures that you admire. They didn't get there by accident; they made wise and conscious decisions that created their success. Watch them and emulate their moves. This is very pivotal to
the growth of your business!
Very informative, I was reading an article were the reporter was interviewing Emmit Smith (Hall of Fame Football Legend). In the article Mr. Smith explained how he has been trying to build his “off the field” brand as a public figure. He explained that even though he was a popular public figure, that he still had to prove his expertise in his new business ventures. He also indicated that his career in football has made people pay attention when he speaks.
ReplyDeleteI never really thought of myself as a public figure until read this.
ReplyDeleteWow!
Love when you drop knowledge like this.
Best perspective I've read on the related subjects of promoting and branding individuals. So many people pursue the "celebrity" of being a public figure that they forget they are influencing the public.
ReplyDeleteBeing socially responsible is value added for those seeking to make impact as a public figure and draw media attention. Likewise for being genuine, relevant, and selfless...