Dos and Don’ts for Showing Up as a Leader Online

March 29, 2018

It’s no secret that it’s increasingly difficult to set yourself apart from the rest. It seems like anyone can create a beautiful website and use social media to share their ideas and insight on any and every industry.

With all of the chatter and content out there, how in the world do YOU, someone who is professional, brilliant in your field, and passionate about making a difference in the world, STAND OUT? And better yet, stand out as a leader?

I’m here today to answer this very question. My team and I work with a lot of entrepreneurs who feel like the best-kept secret in their industry.In today’s video I’ll share my TOP do’s and don’ts for showing up as a leader online.

Be Consistent

Take a look at your business and see if you are consistent. A great leader is consistent. They are consistent with their message and consistent with what they want to do in the world. That doesn’t mean that you can’t change your message, that just means that you need to be consistent in what you’re sharing and how you’re sharing it. Without consistency, no one will look at you as an authority or a leader in your industry.
Be confident!

You can’t be a leader and be cowardly! Now, this doesn’t mean coming across as a know-it-all, or letting your ego get the best of you. Let someone else crown you a leader. To do so, you need to be sincere and authentic, you cannot have another agenda or constantly be trying to sell, you need to provide exceptional content, and be willing to serve. I promise that if you follow this recipe, people will start recognizing you as a leader, and you won’t have to label yourself as one.
Don’t be too “glossy”.

My next tip may surprise you a bit, but make sure that you are not “too glossy”. Now don’t get me wrong, I love hair and makeup, good lighting, and pretty pictures. All of that is important in creating a professional, consistent brand, but there is such a thing as “too perfect”.

Your audience doesn’t want every photo you post to be a done-up, lifestyle shot, or a perfectly curated photo of you sitting on the beach with your laptop. To show up as a leader, you have to let down some walls and be willing to be vulnerable with your audience. When you come across as perfect, your audience will admire you, but they will not want to work with you. Show them your authenticity by not being too glossy.
Who do you want to serve?

Oftentimes when we are starting a business, we are trying to be ALL things to ALL people. This leads to us sharing our consistent message, with an inconsistent audience. I cannot stress to you enough how important it is to get known for one thing! I feel so passionately about this statement, it may have to go on my tombstone! Make it a top priority to get clear on what it is that you are sharing with your audience, and who exactly that audience is.

The way you are going to stand out as a leader online is by being consistent with your message, knowing who your client is, showing up sincere and authentic – not too glossy, and knowing who it is you want to reach. It’s ok to not be able to serve the entire world. You’re going to make a much deeper and more meaningful impact by getting known for one thing, and then sharing that knowledge with your niche market.

Are you ready to stand out as a leader online? Has this video inspired you to make any shifts or changes to what you’re currently doing? I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please leave any of your thoughts in the comment section below. Your opinions matter, and when you are inspired, you inspire others.