Do You Really Want To Make It Big?

I discovered this video on Problogger, and I think it is important for everyone to watch.

While you are watching, think about how you could apply these concepts to your internet business or blog, if you really want to make it to the big time.

The first thing that struck me was this statement by the host:

“Do you want to hit it big? I mean really big? And before you say ‘yes’, think hard. Because everybody thinks they want the big time, but they actually do things to insure that they don’t get there.“

For me, this is so true. I want to hit it big, but I am afraid of the publicity too. I am a quiet, private person. Do I really want to become famous? (Even famous within our little circle of internet marketers?)

I know I sometimes find myself hesitating on promoting myself because I do have a fear of being noticed or of standing out. So this is definitely food for thought.

The five ways of getting big that are covered by Gary Vaynerchuk in the video are: (this is just a recap – you really need to watch the video to get the full effect)

1. Find the “hoopla factor”. Love what you are doing and love who you are. You are different from anyone else, so show that. Celebrate your differentness.
2. Get ahead of the pulse. Don’t follow the trends, create them. Learn from your customers. Follow your passion and your knowledge of the subject.
3. Put your chips on talent. Instead of paying yourself a big salary, reinvest in your business by hiring talented people.
4. Spread your bets around. Make yourself known far and wide (not just in your narrow niche). Be involved in social networks and in the real world.
5. “Social equity” trumps “private equity”. It’s not how much money you have – it’s how many friends you have. People will spread the word about you. Word of mouth travels even further now.

I can clearly see the implications for us internet businesspeople:

1. Differentiate yourself from others. This is what your greatest asset is. You need to find out just how you are different from the rest, and how you can use that to brand your business.
2. Don’t just regurgitate what everyone else says and does. Create your own path. No one wants to follow another boring blog that is saying the same thing as every other blog. Give your own ideas and opinions. Don’t follow the crowd.
3. Reinvesting in your business is crucial. As you earn money, use it to grow your business, not to party or buy a big car.
4. Be everywhere. Well, not literally everywhere, but get out of your comfort zone and become active in new places. For example, I started twittering even though I don’t really know what to twitter about. But that’s where people gather, so I better learn it. The same for social networks such as Stumbleupon. But it’s not just social networks. Gary talks about himself as a wine guy talking at tech conferences and the like. You will stand out more if you become known outside of your niche.
5. Make friends, both online and off. You can’t get ahead just on your own. You need some allies to help spread the word about you.

The most important thing is to be brave and just show yourself to the world. Don’t try to hide. We all have our faults. Just let people get to know you – you don’t have to be perfect.

You can start small – create an “about” page on your blog and tell a little about yourself. Sign up for a social network. Do a guest post on a blog outside your niche. The possibilities are endless, once you start thinking about it.

So do you want to become big? What are you willing to do to get there?

- Pat Doyle