5 Mistakes Authors Make with Their Platform
If you want to make a difference and change lives, you NEED a platform.
Otherwise, how are people going to have access to you? You simply cannot reach and connect with others, if you don’t have a platform.
Your platform is a representation of you and your brand. It will define how people think of you and the associations they build with your message.
How do you want to be remembered? Avoid these common mistakes to build your platform and leave a legacy with these tips.
Your platform supports your passion. If you don’t know your passion, you can’t build your platform.
Think of it this way: if your passion is a destination, your platform is the roadmap.
What do you want to tell people? Your core message will influence everything you do, from what you write, to how you speak, to how you interact with clients.
Your message is your purpose or “why.”
You already have a network: your family, friends, peers, and colleagues. Use your already established network to build your platform and reach more people.
Networking should be a mutually beneficial interaction. How can you work together or help each other?
For example, as an agent, networking with other agents in your real estate community will introduce you to new opportunities, partnerships, and advice, which can go both ways.
Relationships are more meaningful and lasting than “connections.” A good rule of thumb is always to give more than you take and lead with a generous heart.
Social media plays an important role in your brand and platform. As a new author, you want to get word of your book out, so it can get into the hands of those who need it most.
Consistently supply your audience with a stream of valuable, engaging content, such as blog posts, videos, podcast, etc. Inconsistent, sporadic posting looks uncredible and will not be useful for your audience.
Engage your readers online, through your website or with an email campaign. Learning who your audience will help you reach more people and impact more lives.
It can be as simple as asking a question in a blog post and replying to reader comments or posting a video on Facebook. Find what works for you and your audience.
Building your brand and platform means putting yourself out there! After you write a book, you will be THE EXPERT in your industry and people are going to want to hear from you.
Authors often attract speaking engagements, guest appearances and will be more sought after than ever before. Embrace the opportunities and step into your greatness!
As an author, you have the privilege of telling your story and changing lives — don’t be afraid of the challenge or success.
Remember, you are a published author with a story to tell, and you will leave a legacy.
How will you build your platform? From experience, I can say authorship is an amazing way to build a platform and leverage credibility in your industry.
Ready to finally become a published author? Join us at “Book Bound by the Sea!”