I was thrilled to work with Steven Cutbirth of W2O group helping the new TMCx Innovation cohort rethink their public presence. We built a case for steps for a stronger presence and had lots of constructive conversation. We worked through strategies for a couple of the TMCx Innovation companies. As an advisor to TMCx Innovation my mission was as much to motivate as to inform and I think we got there.
We never had the chance to put together a takeaway sheet, but here are a few of the core points. These principles apply to anyone starting a business or looking to build a presence.
- It’s never too early to meet people. Every startup is focused on product. Of course, that’s important. The day will come when you need to tell your story. Dig your well before you’re thirsty.
- Create a realistic footprint. It doesn’t take much. When shaping your map, start small. Share your successes and tell some stories on a LinkedIn page and a Twitter account and you’re off to the races.
- Curate for a killer following. No followers, no problem. Collect and share the best of the best stuff you find. One great share a day offers just enough of the kind of value that will get the right folks listening and following
- To build an audience create value. As cold as it sounds no one cares about your company. Deliver the stuff that serves the people you want to attract. Then when it comes to share your story you’ll be trusted and heard.
- Your face is more trusted than your logo. And trust is the currency of the information age. Between a branded and a passionate personal Twitter feed, I’ll take passion.
- Conversation is good; content is better. Remember that there are only two things on the internet: content and conversation. The ultimate move is to create the stuff that everyone’s talking about. Making is a taller order than talking, but something to aspire to. Think 2-3 original pieces of writing a year.
- Leverage surrogate blogs. (Surrogate blogs are digital properties that don’t belong to you or your company) Place your amazing thinking on someone else’s blog. TMCx has it’s own blog. KevinMD is very generous if you have something good to say. And heck, I’ve never done it before but if you’re bold enough to send something over here maybe I’ll post it. Don’t forget to try your very own LinkedIn page for your brilliant ideas.
- Visibility creates opportunity. I’ve taught and lived by this for a decade. Learn from it and make it your mantra for getting out there. You can bellyache about metrics and ROI but the value of remarkable opportunities can’t be measured. Try it and you’ll see.
There was lot’s more but his is a great core to get you thinking. What have I missed?
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