Build a Business Around Your Message
This blog post best serves an individual who has either contemplated starting a business or is currently running a business as themselves. It also includes Authors wanting to brand themselves better.
How many times have you heard someone say - your message (or story) matters? Lately, it's been on repeat like it's a buzz phrase everyone is using to convince you to take action and start doing something. But...what is that something? Most of the time this phrase is connected into instructions to write your story in a book. But...what if you aren't a writer or don't want to write? Let me ask you this...what do you want to do?
If the answer to that last question was that you want to start a business, then I say, go for it! Let me try to help you determine how you can build your business around your message to help you get started today.
The first place to start is with your story. Your message is often found in the most vulnerable parts of your story. These are places where God met you, you had the most growth, and you were transformed in some capacity. Your assignment is: Write down all those places and determine which of them you can use to create your mission. Your mission defines the purpose of your business.
The second place is to get clear on the problem you solve. Let me remind you: you don't have to do all the things. I know, I know, you really want to! I felt the same way and actually believed I could do it. This set me up for my first failure in business. We want to be intentional in meeting a specific need. Your assignment is: Consider the ways you can help people overcome something. Write them down. Also consider the shift you want them to experience when they work with you. Write down what that transformation will look like for them. The answers to these two areas will help you determine what it is you should be offering your customers.
The third place is to turn your message into a method. Did that panic you? Don't let it, it doesn't have to be difficult to do this. Here's something to consider...maybe your story involves healing from burnout, stepping into confidence, or overcoming fear. Though these are common experiences, they are also relatable and unique to you. We are going to turn these experiences into a signature process. Your assignment is: Brainstorm ways you can take your message and turn it into a method. Is it a course, a coaching framework, or a product that encourages growth? Write down what comes to mind the moment it comes to you. Spend about 15 minutes in this exercise and write down every single thing that pops into your mind. After 15 minutes, weed it out and circle the things that jump out to you most. Start there. (aka build the thing!)
The fourth place is to keep faith centered in all you do. When you root your business in faith, you aren't chasing trends. Do you know why you aren't chasing trends? Because you're following the voice of God. This doesn't mean your business needs to be religious. Hold up...let me repeat that. This doesn't mean your business needs to be religious. Maybe your business isn't going to be reaching the audience who is looking for a solution that is tied in with faith. Perhaps this means your values, your leadership, and your mission all reflect Christ's heart in a way that reaches beyond the circle of religion. Your assignment is: Consider who your audience will be. What are their characteristics, values, and morals? What is important to them? Write down all of these things from their point of view and determine how you can reach them best while holding true to your faith and belief in God. How can you best honor God if you aren't actively leading a business that shares His love in a traditional sense? (Hint: perhaps the answer is in how you are showing up for your people and how much God's love is reflected in and through you).
The fifth place is to share from the heart. Pretty sure I sound like a broken record when I say this, but I always feel like it's worthy of repeating. Consider this analogy: you are at your favorite restaurant and order a burger with their famous secret sauce, fries, a side of extra pickles, and a side of extra secret sauce because it's literally the best. Friend, your voice is your secret sauce!!! It comes straight from your heart. It's literally you on a plate. You don't have to be the loudest or the flashiest. You don't have to make six figures or even five if that's not your goal. You don't have to have all the tools and software programs everyone else has. You just have to be the most honest. Let people see the why behind what you do in the most authentic way possible. Your assignment is: Write out why you feel this is what you should be doing and where you hope it will take you. After you've written that, come up with ten characteristics you want your business to have that would draw someone to you. If honesty and integrity is important, that is one of them! Speak from the heart. This is your vision and core values for your business.
Building a business around your message means bringing together passion, purpose, and impact. It's not about being the loudest in the room. It's about standing in your truth and inviting others to grow through it
If you need help turning your story into a business, let's talk! I offer coaching and consulting packages that were created specifically to help you through this. My goal is that after our time together, you'll feel confident in the direction your business is going. Book a free introductory call today.
With Grace, Shonda Ramsey