How to discover what makes you unique
Jennifer wanted to start a podcast, "But the whole process just feels very big, so I'm not really sure what the easy next step is! The idea of having a podcast is completely overwhelming."
She had a million ideas, but wasn't sure which direction to go. And honestly, the problem wasn't WHAT to talk about.
The problem was that she was searching for her unique, brand message.
Once you know your unique message, everything else becomes easier.
I shared with Jennifer the importance of having a core message and identifying topics that resonate with her audience. The way to do this is to reflect on life experiences and select the most engaging content from previous work to help generate speaking topics.
{I see you, slumping in your chair, chin in hand, staring out into space. You're wondering about your own message, aren't you?}
When looking at your own life, you can't see the forest for the trees. Your magnifying glass is too close, making this exercise harder than it should be.
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"In all aspects of life, the competition is highest for average goals." ~Dan Sullivan
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There may be 20,000 people online doing the same thing as you. Book authors with similar topics, podcasters in your same niche, educators, coaches, service providers offering like answers.
The key is to stand out. To embrace your unique-ness, your personality, your PIZZAZZ (picture me doing jazz hands over here).
You may have the same, overarching topic as someone else, but only YOU can put your spin on it! (That's 'cause you're YOU. You're cool like that.) ๐
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But it's not that easy!
(I just heard you say that. Hang on, this is the good part.)
There's a very simple solution to determining your unique message:
Talk to others.
In Jennifer's case, I advised her to guest on other podcasts and present 3 topics to speak on. You have to start somewhere, so go with your gut. There is something you know from experience, and from learned or inherent traits.
Once you start talking about those topics, questions arise, just like a candid conversation.
Think about it - when you chat with someone informally, there is a general question-and-answer flow, right? Often, we learn more about ourselves from these conversations.
Podcast guesting is no different. In guesting on my book podcast tour (by the way, feel free to ask me over), I've discovered new topics related to the empty nest. My own story makes me unique, which makes my book unique, but these podcast conversations spark even more areas for exploration.
Even now, I'm honing and crafting my message (we never stop, friend. If we do, curiosity dies, and ideas dry up like my two-week-old Valentine's flowers. Stay curious)!
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The answer: Podcast guesting for message clarity
On the Authentic Online Marketing Podcast this week, you'll hear the exact conversation I had with Jennifer and my advice for honing her message:
- Guest pitching before podcast hosting for message clarity
- How to prepare sample questions/media kit
- Podcast recommendations from my own tour
Jennifer came away with a toolkit of podcasts to pitch to, more pitching ideas, and renewed energy to find her message for starting her own podcast!
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Another helpful resource for honing your message
It's super important to share your unique message. But first, you have to find it. If you need more ideas after listening to the podcast, may I humbly suggest my book, Empty Nest Awakening, Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose.โ
Chapter six, "But What am I Qualified To Do?" is pivotal, with questions at the end to walk you through your own background, experiences, and behaviors that qualify your unique message.
Trust me, if I can figure this out, anyone can! ๐
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โ Has it been hard to pinpoint your unique message? Let me know if you found the podcast helpful. (I'm staying curious!)
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Capturing Joy in Marketing
Ruthie
PS Are you here from the Shh (private) podcast? Welcome! This is my weekly newsletter, but you'll also get an email each time a new episode drops so you won't miss a thing. If you're not subscribed to the Shh podcast, you can do so here. (It's different from my regular podcast. Be sure you're subscribed to both!)
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