Susan Young's
Amplify Blog
Why You Shouldn't Be Exhibiting at Conferences
Remember wallpaper?
It was a "thing" back in the day.
And people would say: "Don't blend in with the wallpaper."
Translation: Stand out, get noticed, and be visible.
Don't be a wallflower.
Blending in makes us feel invisible, ordinary, and maybe even dull.
It repels people and opportunities. It happens every day online.
And at conferences. Most people don't seem to mind blending in at industry events.
This week, I saw a few people I know posting pictures of themselves exhibiting at a trade expo.
Some of the posts were from past coaching clients.
They are REALLY good at what they do.
They know their sh*t.
They work hard and often exceed their goals.
Why spend time in a booth when you could speak at a workshop down the hall?
To a captive audience who wants to learn from you. And maybe hire you.
Do you see yourself in an endless row of vendors trying to muster up conversations while handing out candy and...
Why the World Needs to Hear Your {Real} Story
How Our Internal Stories Slow Sales
I am LOVING my amazing client who brought in more money in Q4 of 2021 than all 3 previous quarters combined!
Yep, John Woods beat a big competitor in the employee health benefits field.
The contract was worth $61,000.
Here's the kicker: John had his best year—during the Pandemic! (Most of my other clients have as well )
How did this banner year happen when John's marketing was inconsistent and paid ads didn't convert?
John says the results **finally** showed up…WHEN HE SHOWED UP, for himself. He made a commitment to private coaching with me.
And I immediately nailed John's real issue.
It had ZILCH to do with marketing.
John had to clear out the blocks around his internal story and self-worth.
John had never heard this from other coaches or consultants.
He had to love his story --and himself--so decision-makers could appreciate his value and approach--and hire him.
Bottom line: If...
You Don't Need Media to be Wildly Successful. You Need This...
There’s 1 thing I despise about people in public relations and the online marketing space.
You know, the cutesy 30-somethings who brag about pulling in 7 figures while bopping around in Barcelona.
They can land you bigtime interviews with Oprah, Dr. Phil, and Grant Cardone.
But there’s a catch.
They deliver sound bites and temporary confidence for your 15 minutes of fame.
Temporary doesn’t cut it for experienced, savvy entrepreneurs.
Look, I started my business as a media relations and PR company in 2000.
I spoon-fed clients pithy soundbites so they'd feel confident and credible during interviews.
And here’s what I know 1,000% that you may not realize.
Media attention rarely brings lasting success or self-assuredness.
It doesn't have...
Getting Prospects to Believe You
I talk A LOT about how to introduce yourself so you are seen and heard --and grow your business.
I am obsessed with my work not because people walk away with a concise introduction.
Something is hiding deep beneath the words. And it has become my mission.
It’s the real reason I do what I do. It has taken me a lifetime—59 years and torrents of tears—to understand my fixation on other people's stories.
It began when I was four years old. I didn't speak.
My parents thought I was deaf, but the doctor told them I was fine.
He said I didn't talk because I communicated in a way that didn't require words. When I was hungry, I’d bang on the refrigerator.
No words or voice were necessary.
So, what does a little girl who did not speak until age 4 do with her life?
I went to college and majored in mass communications. Go figure.
I quickly found the campus radio station, a place filled with microphones and speakers...
You Guys! I Just Got Promoted!
I am busting at the seams with excitement and pride.
I am now the CEO of my 21-year-old communications company.
On Monday, I woke up as the founder of Get in Front Communications.
By 11 AM, I stopped everything and decided to give myself a long-overdue promotion to CEO.
It took years of me doing the same freakin’ thing…over and over…and expecting different results. (I know…it’s called madness.)
And as the hamster wheel began spinning on Monday, I made a decision. I DECIDED that this is not how a successful CEO operates day-to-day.
I’m getting real here so hold onto your hats.
And please, no judgment. “We teach what we need to learn,” said Jane Fonda.
You see, I’ve spent the past few months searching for the “right” Virtual Assistant.
That's fine, but not at the same time as a...
How the Ruthless Streets Created a Poet
On Monday night, a young man who calls himself an “unsigned artist” on Clubhouse was in a room (similar to a chat) with me and 250 others.
The topic was speaking with confidence.
The man raised his hand, asking for feedback on a poem about the ruthless streets and people he’s known all his life.
Clubhouse is an audio-only app, so everyone in the room could only hear this man’s voice.
A deep baritone enveloped with the thickness of the streets.
His avatar was a logo; we had no idea what he looked like.
We went merely by the sound of his voice, his mumbled words, his quick cadence.
It was nearly impossible to understand his words.
He raced awkwardly through his poem and asked for feedback.
He apologized for sounding “so ghetto."
One of the moderators on stage with me asked him respectfully to slow down, enunciate and recite the poem again.
He did.
The feedback came in heaps of praise and love for this young man who...
The Confidence to Receive
We’re so quick to compliment others.
Still, most of us struggle to receive praise and kind words.
How do you respond when someone commends you on a business report, new hairstyle or an impressive run on the ski slopes?
Do you smile and gracefully thank the other person?
Or do you deflect their comments and start overtalking?
Consider this scenario: A friend says, “I love your shirt; is it new?”
One typical response is: “Yes, I got it on clearance and saved $20. I couldn’t have afforded the full price. The car broke down last week...”
Another common reply: “No, I’ve had this since last year; the button’s missing from the sleeve. Gosh, I’ve gotta buy some new clothes!”
The best answer, however, is one that is uplifting, positive and shows your own deep confidence.
