For many years, toiling away in obscurity as a work-in-the-trenches publicist was the norm for me. In fact, I felt a bit like the Wizard of Oz. I was the gal behind the curtain, waving my arms about behind the scenes, working hard to make my clients look big in the media. One day, I decided that standing behind the curtain wasn’t going to be enough for me anymore. I wanted to take action and get known as an expert in my field.
That meant writing articles for the local media under my own byline, making article submissions to online sites, venturing out into my community and far beyond to give presentations and, making story pitches to the print and broadcast media, launching a blog, creating information products, and doing all of the things I often recommend to you as you build your expert status.
Not every media venue said “yes” to every pitch. I felt plenty uncomfortable in the beginning as a public speaker, and it showed. Seeing yourself for the first time on TV or hearing your voice for the first time on the radio can be instructive, and what you see and hear is not always pretty. Not every information product I have created has become a best-seller. However, I have stayed consistent, persistent, passionate, and committed to getting better every day. When new skills need polishing, I seek out quality coaches and experts to learn best practices. And, I practice what I learn.
The good news is that things are getting better every day in my business, too. It’s not a straight line. But the progress is decidedly positive because I am staying in action and positive.
In 2006, one of my big goals for my own expert status was to earn a column within the Puget Sound Business Journal. I worked up to asking for this over time by earning a meaningful pattern of quality media placements for my own expertise in a variety of quality media outlets. One day, I gathered my courage to make a pitch to earn that sought-after column. The quality submissions I had made prior were compelling in demonstrating the value I could add for the readers. I asked for what I wanted, and I got what I asked for. Every time my “Media Savvy’ column runs in the Puget Sound Business Journal, my heart skips a beat. Frankly, I get a kick out of seeing my name in print in connection with my expertise. Over the last several years, being seen, heard, and celebrated for my expertise within the pages of this prestigious local business journal has contributed to new client engagements, speaking opportunities, and much more. It is a beautiful thing.
Even work-in-the-trenches publicists like me struggle from time to time with fear and self doubt. It can be easier to advocate for clients than it is to advocate for yourself. Getting over that fear and self doubt through action has made all the difference.
So, with all that said, where do you want your expertise to be seen, heard, and celebrated? And, what will you do specifically to take action to learn how to earn the attention what you seek?
When you do nothing, nothing happens. Given what you have to share with the world, doing nothing just isn’t an option, especially when such abundant rewards await.
