Famous last words: I just want to sound like me.

...But no one buys, my podcast audience has 4 listeners, I feel invisible...

I got ya.

The easiest way to improve your communication, grow your business, and feel more confident is with BS: Baby Steps.

The best part: You'll always stay true to yourself. Watch the quick video here.

There’s long been hype about thinking big and dreaming big.

You know the adage, shoot for the moon. If you miss, you’ll hit the stars.

That’s lovely and inspiring.

But, it doesn't work for entrepreneurs who want more visibility and clients.

Here’s why.

People don't care much about the “big” events in our lives.

The graduations, certifications, weddings, or other "moon and stars" milestones.

Formal events tend to feel staged and predictable.

They're boring.

Same for our introductions, stories, and "About Me" pages.

If they are filled with milestones, people lose interest.

Look, prospects will get to your qualifications.

First, though, you've gotta show up real and relatable.

Like a human being who is easy to connect with.

That's why successful speakers and entrepreneurs pay close attention to ordinary (smaller) moments.

The gold in your story is the seemingly mundane smaller things in life that have deeply affected you.

Ordinary moments often morph...

Humans are born with only 2 fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises.

Science proves it.

Everything else you’re afraid of was learned, most likely in your childhood (0-7 years old)

And we carry these fears—and the stories behind them—with us…for years.

• You talk about being afraid of heights.

• You talk about being afraid of dogs, spiders, or snakes.

• You talk about your fear of public speaking. Then, you give momentum to your (learned) story by talking about the presentation you messed up…in 2012.

Our words create our worlds.

And they usually keep us from growing ourselves and our businesses.

So, what are you afraid of, aside from maybe falling and loud noises?

My client, Don, was reflecting with me about how transformative this fear lesson has been for him.

Don’s a super smart techie.

He was studying computer languages long before the rest of us found the Internet.

His programs have been used by the Pentagon and...

I want to get in front of people who can hire me; I want to grow my business! 

That’s what I’ve been hearing these past few weeks on social media and from my own client calls. 

Look, social media gives each of us access to the masses.

So, it’s not hard to get in front of people—even the right people who are your dream clients. 

Still, there’s a challenge that most entrepreneurs and coaches don’t recognize.

It’s this: What do you SAY when you get in front of your peeps?

If you’re like most of my clients, when we first start working together, they say the same thing.

You’re not alone…

• Maria thought her problem was only having a few small clients (and struggling to make money). Then she realized she needed the confidence to talk about herself in a big, bold way.
• Chris thought he wasn’t closing enough sales. Then he realized he didn’t feel worthy enough to speak up. 
• Heidi knew she...

If this wacky Pandemic has revealed one thing about entrepreneurs, it’s this:

Most people don’t feel comfortable talking about themselves online. 

{RELATED: FREE MASTERCLASS: POWERFUL STORIES THAT SELL: HOW TO GET STARTED SHARING YOUR STORY. MAY 24-12 PM EDT CLICK TO SAVE YOUR SEAT!}

Even those with exceptional talents and experience. 

They shrink back from sharing their stories. 

They say too much…or the wrong things..so prospects click somewhere else.

They “kind of” think they have a story that’s worthy of sharing.

Still, deep down inside they’ve convinced themselves otherwise. 

These are the common themes I’ve been seeing and hearing online and with clients since last March when the health crisis hit. 

It’s especially rampant on Clubhouse.

People are messaging me about their deep fears around what to say when introducing themselves and how to say it. 

Then I get the follow-up DM:

• I need...

User-Generated Content, or UGC, is a fun and interactive way to gain visibility and engagement online.  

Savvy marketers include UGC as part of their online strategy.

It's super-effective on Instagram when you...

• Need fresh content 
• Want more engagement and comments on posts 
• Target younger audiences

User-generated content is also fun.

UGC invites subscribers and followers to send in pictures (or enter a contest) based on a theme or "news of the day."

It's a strategy that's long been used in television news. These days, foodies, clothing brands, sports and other visual brands are tapping UGC, too.  

Here's an easy example: There's a snowstorm and a TV news anchor encourages viewers to send in their cutest snow picture of their pets.

The station selects "winners" and showcases them with the owner's name or social media handle. The "winners" — the public — create an organic buzz by raving on social media (word-of-mouth marketing) how Fluffy...

"Just show up, share some value and post consistently." 

Entrepreneurs and coaches who want to be seen and heard must know how to show up.  Because showing up with valuable content brings credibility and clients. 

Your content is your ticket to business growth. 

But what does showing up as your true self (ok, the dreaded word "authentic") really mean???

How do you...

Comment on an active thread in a way that's not salesy or pushy? 

Figure out what people want from you? 

Avoid embarrassing yourself in front of everyone on the Internet?? 

You can't be seen as a credible go-to expert in your niche if you're always questioning your self-worth and value.  

If you want more clients, you've got to share your message online with pride. The business will follow.   

Your message = money

Publicity = profits  

Showing up in groups, chats and podcasts means you have deep-rooted confidence and belief in yourself.

You...

Hundreds of people over the years have asked me why reporters and podcasters are so dang hard to reach.

Why are they grumpy, uninterested and non-responsive?

[FREE VIDEO TRAINING: HOW TO SCORE INTERVIEWS WITH PODCASTERS + REPORTERS. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE RECORDING NOW!]

Here’s the secret:

Ninety-five percent of the pitches and “great story ideas” that are sent are irrelevant. They aren't newsworthy. They aren't valuable and “worthy” of an audience’s attention and interest.

It's that simple.

I was a radio news reporter and on-air anchor. I received thousands of pitches during my 10-year career in newsrooms in New Jersey and New York.

I decided what was newsworthy. I was the gatekeeper.

My audience depended on my sound judgement to share important, compelling and interesting stories that affected them.  The same is true today with reporters—and podcasters. They want subject matter experts—people like YOU!  

Posting valuable content consistently can quickly attract a community of followers and build your credibility.

Trust me, planning out your posts, Instagram stories and videos is much better than treating your calendar as a crapshoot. Showing up for your audience with solid content helps build relationships, trust, and business.

{RELATED: COMMUNICATE WITH CONFIDENCE IN 2020. SIGN UP FOR PRIVATE 1:1  COACHING WITH SUSAN AND GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY} 

As your online visibility increases, let's be intentional about your media visibility, too.

In a new webinar, I share the four kinds of content you can create to fill your content calendar (also called an "editorial calendar.")

Let's go day-by-day, week-by-week so it is manageable and actually...fun! It's easier than you may imagine because you're talking about your passion and niche while helping others overcome a challenge. 

Inside the webinar, (19:00 on the video counter), you'll get right to the part where I teach about...