The dawn of The Great Resignation in 2021 has initiated Corporate America to want more from their professional life. We are wanting to command our lives on our own terms.
The Great Resignation is leading millions of savvy, outside-the-box thinkers to the promised land of entrepreneurship. The latest statistics confirm that employees want to be released from corporate strongholds. In fact, these numbers showed that 4.5 million people voluntarily left their positions in November–an “all-time high,” according to the US Bureau of Labor and Economics.
This visceral movement from being an employee to being your own boss has created a flood of newly-born creatives who want to call their own shots. With an onslaught of newbies carving out their niches, competition seems fierce. However, the competitive advantage is simply, there is no competition.
Yes, this is correct, there is no such thing as competition. Understanding your brand and distinguishing yourself from the rest is your greatest weapon in creating a business that thrives, not just survives. Surrounding yourself with mentors and experts in your field is too, essential in doing business right.
Myth-My Business Will Grow With Ease and Rapidly
Building a business from scratch takes time. Like anything worthwhile, a viable business takes time. My clients often seem baffled at one point in their business development journey. This point is when they have poured their heart and soul into a business and receive little ROI. They crave their efforts and passion to be validated and become confused by the white noise of “advisors” who offer quick and tidy solutions to their business problems. The one thing I know for sure is that nothing in business is quick or tidy. If something seems to be too good to be true, well, it is too good to be true.
The internet, while a dear friend of mine, is a nexus of quick fixes and promises of big breaks. Find opportunities to network, learn and grow. Slow and steady is how we win the race. Do not diminish the power of Google. Google can make or break businesses these days. Befriend the powerful Google Engine, by creating an SEO-rich website. Make Google your closest alliance in building your business.
Tips to razzle dazzle Google:
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Start a Google Business- I am a staunch believer that Google Business is the backbone of my business. I pride myself on my 5 star reviews and Google agrees. I get referrals from Google daily because of my intentionality of curating a powerful presence with Google Business.
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Be a guest on podcasts.
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Write blogs or be a guest blogger.
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Send out press releases and court local and national media outlets.
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Speak on stages- even if it is at your local library.
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Have a powerful LinkedIn profile (yes this is social media, however, Google likes LinkedIn and adds to your credibility)
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Utilize other powerful search engines like YouTube and Pinterest. (Pinterest is an unsung giant in search engine optimization)
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Write a book-YES I KNOW THIS IS A BIG ASK, however, writing that book leverages you as an expert and gets Google to notice you.
Myth- It is all about followers on social media.
Social Media is a land upon which we stake our claim, and we do not own this land. Facebook crashes, Instagram crashes and there are those infamous hackers who take over everything.
Followers and likes do not make a business. In fact, I have seen a lot of businesses fail because their energy invested into cultivating a perfect look on social media and garnering followers is energy wasted. The key to building any business is building authentic relationships. The handshake is the most powerful ingredient in building a relationship. Having potential clients, know, like, and trust you is when they feel comfortable in your ecosystem.
This takes time. This is not neat and tidy. The road to building true connective relationships means putting yourself out there and leveraging your expertise.
Myth- I can do it alone.
Unfortunately, we cannot do it alone. Find a mentor. Get a coach. Rise to the occasion and understand that your brilliance will be muted if you allow your ego to steer the ship. If anything, reach out to a mentor on www.score.org. Score.org is the gold standard in matching new business owners with local mentors. The icing on the cake is that they do this for free. You are matched with a professional who has the experience to guide you through the daunting process of building a business you love. These mentors provide you with tools to develop a strategy for your ultimate success.
You Got This--Jules
Julie Lokun, JD. a legal eagle and facilitator of dreams, is changing the trajectory of underserved entrepreneurs who are using their voice to make an impact. As a mom of four (4) boys, Julie has learned to leverage her power to lead a bustling household while also serving as the head maven of Crown & Compass Life Coaching. She adeptly "anoints and points" -- directing the strategic growth of businesses and professionals around the globe. Julie has delivered presentations on the big stage, and in virtual events. With a background in law, she teases through complex information and gets to the root of issues, telling deep, compelling stories that resonate with audiences far and wide. She is a celebrated best-selling author of the entrepreneurial series, Hustle Smart, the owner of The Mediacasters Publishing House with several bestselling titles, and is a 5-star business coach. In the spring of 2021, Julie launched a swiftly growing podcast, Obsessed with Humans On The Verge of Change which is already in the top 3% of all podcasts globally.*
