The Importance of Being Seen

Take a Chance Be SeenIf you’re going to be running a business, you need people to know about it.

How well you’re known–and what people know you for–is a key component to your success.

Some people have issues with this. They’re afraid to step into the spotlight. Worried that something they say will be misunderstood. Concerned about what people may think when they start “selling” their business in public.

Every last one of those worries will kill your chances of success.

The good news, is you can get past them.

I don’t want to be in the spotlight!

Fine, then don’t be in it. Put your business in it, though. While having a face to go with a company is a long-ago proven way to connect with customers, you can do it in creative ways. You can bring on a spokesperson. You can use video presentations (ones that feature recorded PowerPoint presentations with voice overs) to get your point across. The important thing is that you have something relatable to share with your audience. Something that lets them know who you–and thereby your company–are. By doing this, you create an image–one that can carry you far. Even if you’re afraid to step into the spotlight at first, you may find that, as you get more comfortable with the image you’re creating, that fear melts away.

If people don’t know what you stand for, they won’t buy into your company. If they don’t feel a connection with a person, everything you do will be a much harder sell.

I don’t want to be misunderstood!

Misunderstandings happen all the time. People don’t always listen all that well, the read into things, they simply ignore what they don’t want to hear… and, on top of those factors that are beyond your control, the simple fact is that a lot of people aren’t good communicators to being with, giving all those external problems fertile vagueness to take root in.

If you don’t want to be misunderstood, practice your pitch. Hone down what it is you want to say into its simplest form. Be direct. Repeat your main points. If a misunderstanding crops up, address it immediately… then learn from the experience and, if you need to, adjust your message.

A fear of being misunderstood can keep you from ever saying or doing anything. If you never say or do anything, no one will ever see you or take advantage of the products or services that you offer. Get over this fear by being pro-active. Practice, practice, practice, present, review, adapt.

I don’t want people to think I’m a sleazy salesperson!

First and foremost, there’s nothing inherently sleazy or questionable about salespeople. Unfortunately, there have been more than a few over time who’ve really lived down to the worst stereotypes ever presented. The trick here is that if you don’t want to be lumped in with that group, work hard to differentiate yourself from them.

There isn’t a business out there that’s successful without some sort of selling. It’s how you conduct those sales that make the difference between being seen as someone shady and someone who’s genuinely trying to help their customer or client.

Present yourself how you want to be seen. Think of yourself as you want to be seen. If you banish “sleazy” practices and self-images from your mind, others won’t see that. If they do think poorly of you, find out why and address those concerns.

Take Action

Don’t let fear hold you back. If you want to have a successful business, you need to take action. You need to be seen in a good light, as personable and clear and helpful as possible. For some, this comes naturally. For others, it takes a little bit of work. No matter who you are, it is achievable.

What are the fears holding you back from being seen? What are you doing to work through them?

About KierDuros

Hi, I'm Kier. I've been on the web since there's been a web to be on. In that time I've used it to tell stories--both my own and other people's--and help numerous organizations and businesses find their niche while making the best use of available technology.