So many folks are grappling with the question: How can I get noticed when there are millions of people on the internet?
I get this question time and time again so I want to share my secret stand out skills. They apply to you as well.
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Let's go back to pre-social media before t{he onslaught of technology.
Think 1970-ish. Think experiential learning.
The real lessons on how to stand out for me came from my home life, not my work life.
It's done the same way today, whether you're on Zoom webinar, a group meeting or in person. We are all...still people.
Finding your way
I learned how to get people's attention from my extended family, especially on my mom's side. We are all incredibly close with cherished relationships with many cousins and relatives.
East Coast. Boisterous. Quick-witted.
And there are a lot of us.
Even though I’m the middle of three girls, you would have thought there were 10 kids. The house was always abuzz; lots of things happening and plenty of fun.
I didn't truly understand how “different” we were until I had children of my own.
My “kids”—now 27 and 25—have asked questions that most parents DON’T hear:
· How did everyone get to be so funny?
· How do you come up with these 1-liners?
· How can I be in the spotlight and get noticed when I'm too nervous to talk and there are 40 people sitting around the table?
Life’s little observer
As a shy (yes, you read that correctly!!) 8-year-old in New Jersey, I remember watching my relatives from the sidelines at holiday get-togethers and visits.
My mom, her brothers, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins were catching up.
The one-liners were flying. I didn’t understand most of them, but what I saw—and heard—was remarkable. The energy was contagious.
It was like a well-orchestrated comedy show.
Whoever chimed in the loudest with the fewest words and the best takeaway or dramatic reaction was center stage. They got noticed.
They stood out.....the others would pause for a moment and take it in...until someone else’s zinger stole the show.
I saw my relatives as fast-thinkers and sharp. They were like stand-up comedians who knew the value of...
- Word choice
- Pauses
- Confidence
- Body language
- Vocal vitality
Make no mistake, this was not an easy way to grow up. There was pressure to “perform” or worse, be a wallflower. Still, the communication style has served most of us well, even in today's online world.
We learned early on to be observant, witty and enthusiastic.
We learned how to choose our words carefully and deliver them with vocal vitality.
We learned how to jump into the fray and pull back when it was someone else’s turn.
And above all, we learned laughter is a vital part of families—and communication...as long as it's self-deprecating and not hurtful to someone else.
My children and their many cousins..
- Know how to pull that one single gem out of the treasure chest, think on their feet and share it with gusto.
- Know how and when they can stand out.
- Know how to capture the attention of busy distracted people with a line or phrase that has the power to captivate and draw a reaction.
- Know how to be charismatic, personable and memorable.
How about you?
Are you adept at using just a few select words that will hit your audience between the eyes and get them to stop…for just one brief moment of scrolling?
Look, there’s a slew of content and information being shared on social media... hourly, daily and weekly.
To stand out, you must exude confidence (not arrogance) and clarity with just a few words--in a headline, subject line or post on a busy thread.
Are you proactive when you talk about your accomplishments, expertise and satisfied clients?
You must know how to:
· Find the gem in the treasure chest of information
· Choose your words carefully
· Be relatable
· Make your point with just a few words and a snappy, fun image that reflects your cohesive and consistent online presence and brand.
Most people are sitting on a mountain of valuable content and experiences.
Still, most are uncertain how to connect the dots and use what you already have so that you can get noticed online, confidently talk about yourself (at the right moment) and be seen as a respected leader.
I gave you the solution on how to get noticed online? Did you miss it?
Re-read the last four bullet points.
Simplify so you can stand out.
