Women: It’s time for you to step into the spotlight

Many women – myself included – have the tendency to shy away from the spotlight. Rather than put themselves forward, they would prefer to quietly work in the background and let others be the ones to step forward.

Why? Because it can be scary, overwhelming and downright uncomfortable, to put yourself forward and tell the world, “I’m an expert.”

This is the exact feeling I had a few years ago when I was asked to present to 100 people on how to use PR and social media. For days before had I was unable to sleep and experienced moments of sheer panic and terror. I ended up in tears and wanting to cancel the whole thing. And this wasn’t the first time that I wanted to run away or said no because I was reluctant (or plain terrified) to stand in the spotlight.

But then I had a moment. On the night of the presentation as the room started filling with people, all looking to me to teach them about PR and social media, I had a choice, do I run or do I stay? I walked up the stairs, microphone in hand, willing my hands not to shake. I looked out into the crowd, took a breath and began to speak.

In that moment I realised I deserved to be in the spotlight and I wanted to these people to hear what I had to say as it could really help them and their businesses.

So instead of asking myself, “Who was I to stand in the spotlight?” I asked, “Who am I not to stand in the spotlight? Who am I not to share expert information? Who am I not to have a voice?”

This was the start of my journey from unknown to well-recognised and highly regarded expert and thought leader. I now get asked to present at international conferences, I have received millions of dollars’ worth of media coverage and have an award winning blog, all which helps to fuel my business.

Here’s my advice for anyone who wants to step up and have their time in the spotlight.

Stand in your power

Don’t let those self-limiting beliefs stand your way. You know the ones: Do I know enough? Do I know more than the next person? Am I really an expert? Believe in yourself, your knowledge and your hard-won experience. See yourself truly as an expert and be prepared to tell people that’s what you are.

Explore your motivation

Ask yourself why you want to be considered an expert or thought leader. If your motivation is purely to get sales then your audience will quickly see this and won’t respond positively to you. The biggest thing you need to realise is that promoting yourself isn’t actually about you, it’s about the people you want to influence. To really be seen as an expert you have to share something of value whether this is your IP, time or expertise.

For me, my motivation is to share my knowledge and teach as many people as I can about how to do amazing PR and social media. This goal is what drives my blogs, the articles I write, pitching myself to the media and my presentations at conferences.

Don’t be afraid to ask for the sale

Women are natural relationship builders, it’s our strength. But sometimes this strength can hold us back when it comes to asking for the sale. Many women will see it as being too pushy or abusing the friendship and hold back.

Again, this reluctance is often feed by self-doubt. But someone who believes in themselves, sees themselves as an expert and understands their own value shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what they want, be it the sale, a promotion or even to ask people to read your latest blog post.

Ask for help

You don’t know what you don’t know, but don’t let this hold you back. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help from others who do know. For instance, don’t let inexperience be your excuse for not putting yourself forward for speaking opportunities. Instead enlist the help of a presentations coach to develop your skills.

Many of us do this every day in our professional roles. We would never dream of designing a website if this wasn’t our core skill, we’d outsource it. Give yourself permission to do the same and seek help from others.

Standing in the spotlight doesn’t have to be a scary experience; it can actually be motivating, enlivening and lots of fun. It can also have a powerful impact on your business, your career and also your personal life.

The truth is, you have knowledge in your particular field that others don’t, and you can capitalise on this by offering your expert knowledge and opinion to others. The more that you accept you are an expert, the more everyone else will accept it to.

Get my BRAND new book and fast track your journey from unknown to a recognised expert and thought leader! From Unknown To Expert: How to use clever PR and social media to become a recognised expert is available at www.unknowntoexpert.com

This article first appeared in Women’s Agenda. View the original article here: How women can go from unknown to expert and own the spotlight.

Public Speaking, Thought Leadership

The importance of celebrating milestones

A few months ago I caught up with my friend, bestselling author, Andrew Griffiths when he was visiting Sydney. We talked about my book, From Unknown To Expert and he suggested I have a party to celebrate the launch of the book.

As he said: “I think you should mark a line in the sand. After the launch you will be a published author”. At the time, I dismissed it. I thought, “I don’t need to celebrate being an author, I’ll know I am!”

But afterwards I started thinking that I don’t celebrate my achievements. I just go from one goal to the next (I also realised I was dismissing it because I don’t like being the centre of attention at all!)

I’m sure you know this feeling: when we are working really hard and so focused on the task, we often forget what we are achieving is incredible. We all do this, whether it’s training to climb a mountain, renovating an apartment or achieving a career goal.

So I changed my mind and set a launch date. Right up until the night I was saying things like, “I don’t know why I agreed to have a launch” and “No one’s going to turn up”.

But do you know what happened? Just thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes. I had the most incredibly beautiful people turn up to support me and celebrate with me (See the photos on Facebook).

The night also marked the end of a six month period of incredibly hard work to bring the book to life.

The journey of launching the book was one of the toughest I’ve been through as the book is just one element of an online business that we launched.

I was sick for six weeks with a dreadful flu, but was still working 10 hours days (in my pyjamas!). We had two release dates, one in the US at the end of June and then again in Australia (and on Amazon at the end of July). I completely underestimated the customer service element, and self-publishing is not easy!

But while it was tough, it was also incredibly satisfying.

When I looked around the crowd on the launch night I realised that along the way extraordinary people had joined me. People like Michelle Falzon, Crystelle Topatan and Linda Diggle – people I can’t imagine not being in my life now.

And there were people who always support me, but really stepped up because at times I desperately needed more support. People like Sarah Hadfield, Jo Gitsham and Clinton Power.

And then there is you. I started this journey because I realised I had something to say. I had to back myself, believe in myself, and stand in my own power. I had to believe I am truly an expert, and be prepared to tell people I was. And so do you.And I just know that From Unknown To Expert will help you achieve that.

After my speech on the launch night, and the room erupted with clapping and cheers, I had this profound realisation. It’s so important to celebrate our milestones and achievements and even more important to share it with people who love and support you.

Business, Thought Leadership

How the word ‘YES’ can open up opportunities you never even dreamed of

On a ranch outside of Austin Texas, I kicked up my heels and laughed my way through boot scootin’ dancing, rubbing shoulders with one of the most influential men in IT and presented to 150 influential female entrepreneurs from around the globe. How did I end up there? I said yes to every single speaking opportunity that came my way in the past few years.

I was asked to present in Texas at the exclusive DELL Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) annual conference where 150 hand-picked women from 12 countries forged new connections and inspired each other.

I have spoken for scones in regional Australia (how could I say no to the Country Women’s Association!), I have crawled out of bed at the crack of dawn to speak at breakfast events, I have run a workshop all day and then jumped in a taxi to go and key note at an evening event.

You name it, I’ve done it. There is a long way between speaking at the local chamber of commerce to being invited to speak at DELL’s Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) in Texas, but how I got there all comes back to thought leadership.

Two years ago I made the conscious decision to step into the spotlight and put myself forward as a PR and social media expert and speaker. Instead of only pitching my clients for publicity and speaking opportunities, I swallowed my natural introversion and added myself to that list.

How I got to Texas

I started by joining online and offline networking groups, where I was willing to share my expertise and original ideas. At the same time I put myself forward as a speaker and expert interviewee for the media.

These free speaking opportunities (including speaking at the CWA annual conference for free scones!) were the perfect way for me to gain confidence in my speaking skills and cut my teeth for the wider business speaking circuit.

While I have been blogging about public relations and social media at Public Relations Sydney since 2006, and I was an early adopter of the two social media networks that helped build thought leadership, Twitter and LinkedIn, I made a concerted effort to throw my media net much wider.

Backing my speaking opportunities up with media coverage on my expert topics meant my face and name became more familiar not only to prospective clients, but also event organisers looking for speakers.

Engage with your audience

Along the way I’ve picked some vital tips to help aspiring speakers. I originally found speaking in public nerve-wracking, but I’ve found I could calm my nerves if I knew the audience (demographics, level of knowledge on the topic and numbers) so I could tailor my presentation and have practiced as much as possible beforehand.

As my reputation and speaking testimonials grew, so did the opportunities that came my way.

Eventually I was invited to speak at bigger events, at times being paid for this expertise. And the invitation to speak at DWEN shows all my hard work has paid off. Not only did I get to speak to an international audience of switched-on women, but I also get to practice what I preach by sharing my knowledge on personal branding.

Here are a few of my tips help you get started with public speaking.

You don’t have to be a professional speaker

You don’t have to be a professional speaker to be able to present at events. Anyone with expert knowledge, the ability to speak clearly and with an engaging presence on stage can be a speaker.

If you feel you don’t have these qualities then you can get public speaking training from a number of organisations. When applying to speak at an event you will need to provide them with previous speaking experience. Start by attending small events to build up your experience and also your confidence.

Pick your area of expertise

Think about the area of expertise you want to build your profile in. This area is usually related to your profession to enable you to promote your business.

For example, if you work in a bank and look after small business banking then you could be an expert in small business banking. Keep in mind you need to have a high level of knowledge about your particular topic.

Where to speak

Think about the events you want to speak at and which events your target audience will attend. Choose events related to your area of expertise and events attended by potential customers.

Start by attending events as a guest to determine if they are appropriate to speak at. Also think about joining business or networking groups that have regular guest speakers. These organisations are usually happy to use their members before asking non-members.

When you start applying to present at an event you may not be accepted straight away but don’t give up. Keep trying and build up your speaking experience at small networking events.

Watch the video below to see me featured in the highlights of the 2014 DWEN conference in Austin, Texas.

Get my BRAND new book and fast track your journey from unknown to a recognised expert and thought leader! From Unknown To Expert: How to use clever PR and social media to become a recognised expert is available at www.unknowntoexpert.com

Thought Leadership

Take the time to figure out your personal brand

What make you unique? It’s really worth taking some time to think about this question.

Figuring out what make you unique – your personal brand – is a great way to stand out from the people and businesses around you.

A personal brand is the set of characteristics or qualities which shape you and set you apart. It’s what can define you as a leader in business or in your career and building your personal brand helps carve out your niche as a thought leader and expert.

What are people saying about you?

Personal branding is how you market yourself to others. Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not around. It’s what you’re known for.

People are talking about you when you’re not in the room, whether you like it or not. So you need to be intentional about creating your brand, or others will create it for you.

What is your personal brand?

Think about how those closest to you, your customers and your work colleagues would describe you.

Do they describe you as you describe yourself? Do they see you as a leader? Be mindful of the experiences others have with you and ensure they match the impression you wish to set.

Positioning yourself as an expert and adding value consistently to those who follow you leads to credibility and trust. This trust in you personally flows over into trust for your business, so they go hand in hand.

If you invest time in building your personal brand it will help build your business, or career. When you share your knowledge freely you will be able to watch your opportunities expand.

Amplify your personal brand

Public relations can be the difference between being a well recognised expert and thought leader in your niche and just wishing you are.

Public relations is the art of storytelling. Every person, brand and organisation has a story to tell and amazing stories deserve a good audience.

Stories can be personal stories, professional stories, stories that let people know who we are, what we stand for, what we do.

And when we start telling our stories, they start resonating with people. Those people start developing relationships with us and start influencing and amplifying your role as an expert and thought leader.

Every expert has so many stories to tell which will interest influencers and the media.

The trick is to identify your stories and then see them through the eyes of the editors, journalists and program directors. When packaged in a way that the media expect, you have a much better chance of getting the media coverage you need to promote yourself.

Anything from an innovation, new book, to a childhood memory has news potential if it’s packaged correctly. And it has absolutely no news value if it isn’t released to the media at all!

Social your brand

The online world gives you an amazing opportunity to brand yourself, and separate yourself from the crowd.

Build your personal brand on LinkedIn or Twitter by sharing interesting insights about your industry and watch your following grow and your fans become more loyal. Or start blogging about your area of expertise. Before long your reputation as a thought leader will precede you.

Speaking at key events, securing media coverage in the outlets your customers read and sharing your knowledge through writing a book are additional ways to establish yourself as a key influencer.

Continually investing in your personal brand will ensure you stand out from your competition. It is through elevating yourself above others in your industry that people will clamor to work with you. When managed well, your personal brand is an asset that can make all the difference to your business.

Branding, Business, Public Relations, Thought Leadership