As an entrepreneur, communicating your message effectively is one of the most important things you can do to grow your business. This is how your potential customers will learn about your business and the services you offer. This is also how existing customers will learn about advanced services, new products, and special offerings.

People buy from those they KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST.

First, they must know that you exist in this ever growing and crowded business space. If they’ve never heard of your business, then how can they buy from you? To be frank, they can’t. It’s that simple. This is why you need to start sharing your message with existing and potential new customers on a regular basis.

Once these people are aware of your business, then you must give them an opportunity to like you. I’m not talking about a superficial “like” on Facebook. I’m talking about a level of active interest and attraction to your business. You’re cultivating a relationship. Think about the relationships in your life. There are some people you really like and enjoy being around but there are others that you avoid. Sharing your message with the right people will help you build a relationship that will lead to a win/win for you both.

Finally, you must establish and build trust. You want them to invest (money) in purchasing services and products but you must show them that you are worthy of this investment. They must firmly believe that you have their best interests in mind and that you can help solve their problems and make life easier. As noted above, authenticity is key. Integrity is a big part of this. That’s why it’s important to project yourself as both a knowledgeable authority figure but also a trustworthy and upstanding entrepreneur.

Here are three powerful ways to communicate your message and position yourself as an authority figure:

1. BLOGGING
If you enjoy writing, then blogging is a highly effective way to begin positioning yourself as a recognized and trusted expert. This can take many forms. Launch your own blog or submit your work to be featured on established websites and online magazines. You can also share content across social channels. Believe it or not, you can use social media for more than just sharing cat videos and taking online quizzes to find out which Star Wars character you are.

2.  VLOGGING
Do you enjoy speaking on camera? If so, then vlogging is for you. Most major social media channels allow for video recording and publication. Currently many even have recording capability built into their platform features. As a vlogger, you can prerecord and edit the content to your liking or shoot a video on the fly and upload instantly. The most daring and confident will also enjoy using the Live Broadcast feature, which allows the user to engage with the audience in real time.

3.  PODCASTING
The podcast industry is booming right now. Get interviewed as a featured expert or launch your own show and define yourself as the go-to source of information in your niche market. Did you know that people who listen to podcasts are more likely to earn over $75,000 a year? A majority of listeners are avid fans, meaning they consume multiple episodes a week and listen through most of the show. These listeners are interested in learning and growth and have the means to invest in professional services that will help them attain their goals.

There are many cost-efficient options for new podcasters who are looking to get into the industry without spending a ton of money up front. Even if you’re not interested in hosting your own show, there will be a never-ending supply of great niche specific podcasts that you can pitch to be featured as an expert guest.

I go into greater detail on this subject in my “How to Get Featured on Podcasts” MASTER CLASS where I’ll take you step-by-step through the entire process and show you how to properly research and make selections based on key demographics, design your media kit, and create your perfect pitch not to mention all the details in between.

Whichever medium you choose, focus on the path that resonates best with you. Select one or make it a combination to reach a wider audience. The important thing is that you play to your strengths so others see you in the best light and you can begin to position yourself as a credible and respected authority figure.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash