How well do you know the people you want to serve? How well do you know their interests, the kind of content they enjoy, where they hang out? If you don’t know all of this information already, check out my other video in this series on how to identify your ideal customer avatar.
When it comes to finding and building an audience – it all comes down to conversations. Whether you are on social media or at an event, focus on the people you are talking to and be interested in them. Answer their questions, help with their problems, celebrate their wins – and show that you care.
Starting up a conversation
You can find plenty of relevant conversations to join in on, right here on online. You just have to look for them. Search hashtags. Look for community groups on Facebook. Look at what people are discussing on LinkedIn, on Instagram stories and Twitter.
The beauty of social conversations is that what you say is not just seen by the people you are talking to. There’s potential to reach a much wider audience and connect with people who may become part of your community at some point in the future.
Is there an industry event you can’t get to? Don’t let that stop you! Follow the event hashtag to take part in the conversation and fun, despite not actually being there! This is a great way to talk to people with a genuine interest in your niche from all over the world.
Building connections at live events
Speaking of industry events. If possible, try to commit to one or two networking opportunities a month. It can be an online or offline community but you need to invest time in getting to know people and building relationships with them. Most importantly, you need to be a familiar, friendly and helpful face.
Another useful tip to keep in mind when it comes to attending live events is to get to know the hosts of events you attend regularly. Not only might they mention you to someone asking for a recommendation, but they have an audience you can get in front of. One opportunity can lead to another.
I have many people come up to me at our annual conference, the Youpreneur Summit, which we hold every November in London – asking to either speak on stage or be introduced to someone. Whenever possible, and if it makes sense, I will always make those intros.
Every conversation you have whether online or offline, helps you build genuine relationships with people. These are the conversations that can turn a casual website visitor, or social media follower, into a lifelong customer.
You need to invest time in getting to know people and building relationships with them. Most importantly, you need to be a familiar, friendly and helpful face. #Youpreneur Click To TweetWrap Up
If today’s video has helped you in some way… perhaps answered a few questions you’ve been having, or helped you develop a new idea or two.. let me know what your biggest takeaway was! I’d love to hear from you.
And don’t forget, you can watch my free training course ‘The Youpreneur Launchpad’ over on YouTube… it’s focused on helping you build, market and monetize your expertise better than ever before. I’ll see you in the next video!
Chris founded Youpreneur® in 2015. He is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker and author of the bestselling books “Virtual Freedom” and “Rise of the Youpreneur”. He hosts our podcast, live events and coaches our clients inside the Youpreneur Incubator. Chris is based in Cambridge, UK.
