14: Standing Out Online Without Spending A Fortune

10/16/19 • 16 min

Visibility is a key aspect of any business, but how can you stand out in a crowded digital space? And what will work for you at your current stage of business?

In this episode, I break down what I’ve done the past three years in my own business, what I’m doing now, and how you can create a strategy that works for you. Whether you want free visibility or you’re ready to invest, this episode will help you learn how to increase your visibility online.

How I Stood Out Online

In my first two years of business, I promised myself a zero-debt business so I offered a one-to-one service.

“Persistence is the name of business.”

My free visibility strategy for those two years looked like:

Networking in Facebook groups
Going live on Facebook weekly
Hosting online coffee chats

The results of that free visibility strategy were that I:

Incurred no cost!
Spent my time networking
Learned about other business structures
Understood pain points of potential clients
Created solutions
Grew my opportunities like participating in online events and conferences
Generated $10k/month

In year three of business, I was a guest on 21 podcasts, I spoke on three stages, and traveled to business events. I was super intentional about every event and courageously connected with influencers who introduced me to their contacts and mastermind groups. I also got serious about my content strategy, e.g. posting blogs weekly and emailing my list.

Here’s My Visibility Plan Today

Now in year four of my business, visibility looks like:

Paid speaking engagements
Participating in higher-level masterminds
Growing my email list
Podcasting

How You Can Increase Your Visibility Online

I strongly encourage you to do what I did to grow my business online:

Connect with integrity
Serve
Listen
Save money
Make sacrifices
Test lots of things
Optimize and automate what works

“Visibility is a key component to a successful and thriving business.”

If You’re Still Stuck on How to Get Visible, Do This

If you’re feeling really stumped about visibility, I encourage you to join the A-Team waitlist. We spend one full month on creating your visibility plan and optimizing your current one. Sounds good right? The A-Team is designed to help you take action, become accountable, and accelerate your business growth.

Weekly Ops Activity

Look at where Visibility ranks among your seven Strategic Objectives.
If it’s in the top three, create a list of where you’re currently visible, e.g. social media, Facebook groups, opt-ins, podcast appearances, your email list.
Evaluate if these current channels are doing you good. Look at your metrics to see if your Visibility is paying off.
Post your plan (or questions!) in our private Facebook group.

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Episode 5: The Seven Pillars to Your Business Strategy with Andrea Layne

Episode 11: Behind the Scenes of The Ops Authority’s Systems with Esther Littlefield

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/14.

Visibility is a key aspect of any business, but how can you stand out in a crowded digital space? And what will work for you at your current stage of business?

How I Stood Out Online

In my first two years of business, I promised myself a zero-debt business so I offered a one-to-one service.

“Persistence is the name of business.”

My free visibility strategy for those two years looked like:

Networking in Facebook groups
Going live on Facebook weekly
Hosting online coffee chats

The results of that free visibility strategy were that I:

Incurred no cost!
Spent my time networking
Learned about other business structures
Understood pain points of potential clients
Created solutions
Grew my opportunities like participating in online events and conferences
Generated $10k/month

Here’s My Visibility Plan Today

Now in year four of my business, visibility looks like:

Paid speaking engagements
Participating in higher-level masterminds
Growing my email list
Podcasting

How You Can Increase Your Visibility Online

I strongly encourage you to do what I did to grow my business online:

Connect with integrity
Serve
Listen
Save money
Make sacrifices
Test lots of things
Optimize and automate what works

“Visibility is a key component to a successful and thriving business.”

If You’re Still Stuck on How to Get Visible, Do This

Weekly Ops Activity

Look at where Visibility ranks among your seven Strategic Objectives.
If it’s in the top three, create a list of where you’re currently visible, e.g. social media, Facebook groups, opt-ins, podcast appearances, your email list.
Evaluate if these current channels are doing you good. Look at your metrics to see if your Visibility is paying off.
Post your plan (or questions!) in our private Facebook group.

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Episode 5: The Seven Pillars to Your Business Strategy with Andrea Layne

Episode 11: Behind the Scenes of The Ops Authority’s Systems with Esther Littlefield

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/14.

Previous Episode

13: Growing Your Business without Burning Out with Jennifer Grayeb

You have a passion and gifts that you want to share with others so you decided to start your own business. Your passion comes with 1 million ideas and you’re putting in the time and energy to bring your passion to the marketplace. Then you grow.

Now you feel paralyzed by too many tasks. You feel tired and pulled in so many directions. You start second-guessing being an entrepreneur -- or at least starting this business. Sound familiar?

Is there a way to grow your business without burning out? In this episode, certified DOO and business owner Jen Grayeb and I talk about the difference between growing and scaling, what burnout looks like, the biggest contributors to burnout and what you can do about it. Are you ready to put the burnout behind you? Listen in!

The Difference Between Growing and Scaling

There are three phases in your business:

Building - Your business just launched and you are so excited. This is the honeymoon phase.
Growing - You’re all about expanding your visibility and revenue in this phase. You’re adding products, sales funnels, and people.
Scaling - You’re all about multiplying and protecting your profit margin. This phase prompts innovation and has you asking, “How do I replace myself?”

What Burnout Looks Like

You feel overwhelmed by the pressure of the CEO role. You have 1 million things you can be doing, but you’re unsure what you should be doing or how to do it. You feel certain you should make more but aren’t sure why you’re not bringing in more revenue. You may also feel unsure where to reinvest money in your business so you’ll see a return.

The Biggest Contributors to Burnout

You’re spread too thin. You’re putting time and energy into areas that aren’t growing your business.
You’re financially stressed.
You’re failing to break down your vision, idea, or strategy into an actionable plan.
You’re not leveraging data to make decisions.

“When you’re approaching burnout, one of the most actionable things you can do today is to create a dashboard of metrics.” - Natalie Gingrich

What We Recommend When You Feel Like Quitting

Get really clear on what you’re trying to accomplish, your strategy for how you’ll accomplish it, and the tasks that need to get done in order to execute your strategy.
Break your big idea down into smaller actionable projects. Break down those projects into specific tasks.
Get ideas out of your head and onto paper.
Establish KPIs.
Focus on building the operations side of your business through systems and processes.
Hire a team so you can get back to your zone of genius.
Find accountability partners through the A-Team, a business coach or another system of support.

“We’ve seen the backend of a lot of businesses... they have all experienced what you are feeling right now. They have all experienced overwhelm and burnout.” - Jennifer Grayeb

What I Did When I Felt Burnout: Created a Framework

I had a severe case of overwhelm but wanted to help as many small business owners one-on-one. I suffered from “special snowflake theory,” believing that I was the only one out there who could help clients with the operational side of their business. Then I realized I wasn’t the only one!

For six months, I took notes on what I did with my one-on-one clients that made them happy and their businesses effective. I created a framework that became the licensed Strategic Mapping Model. This became a course, which turned into the certified Director of Operations program over time.

How I Multiplied My Efforts: A-Team

I created the A-Team so I could multiply my one-on-one efforts with clients and increase the number of people thinking strategically about the backside of their businesses. The program was created for the small business owner who is still operating the day-to-day of her business. Through this program, you’ll learn operational systems so you can step back from your business.

Jen’s Experience with the A-Team

She found the program super productive and fun. Jen loved the dedicated time she had to work on the strategy of her own business. Through the monthly themes, she set goals and was held accountable for doing the work.

Join the A-Team Waitlist

The doors open in November so you want to get on the waitlist now! Just head here if you’re ready to turn your burnout into productivity.

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Next Episode

15: Where to Invest Next in Your Business

Have you ever wondered where to invest in your business? Do you ask yourself who’s trustworthy? What makes a business investment smart? There are countless ways to invest in your business. Which one is right for you?

In this episode, you’ll learn the types of investments available, what to consider before you make a financial investment to grow your business, and what paid options are best for each phase of business growth. If you’ve ever wondered where to invest in your business, this episode is for you.

“I fully believe you should invest in programs and people to grow your business.”

Entrepreneurship can be lonely. As business owners, we’re never satiated. Let’s dig into your available investment options so you can grow your business.

Types of Growth and Development Investments Free + Small Investments

Webinars
Summits
Templates
Opt-ins
YouTube tutorials
Podcasts
Books

Paid Investments

Courses
Coaches
Group Programs
Masterminds
Specialty Coaches

How to Determine Where to Invest in Your Business

To help you decide the right investments for your business, you can ask yourself the following questions:

What is your current business stage?
- Building phase: You’re unsure what to do but have a passion. You may have lots of offers to see what works.
- Growing phase: This stage is both exhausting and exciting, and it’s where you’ll spend the bulk of your time. You have income coming in, but want to make business easier.
- Scaling phase: In this phase, you’re ready to bring in teammates, resources, and systems. Your revenue is over six figures. You’re ready to step away from your business or multiply yourself through offering programs or certificates.
How many years have you been in business? Or how many years have you sold what you’re currently offering?
What are your available funds?
What problem will this investment solve for you? What gap will this investment fill?

What Paid Options are Best for Business Growth Courses

For those in Building or Growing phases.
Good decision for those who want to learn or add to their skillset.
Steer clear of courses if you lack the time or follow-through.
Ask yourself if you need this training right now.

Coaches

For those in between the Growing and Scaling phases.
Good decision for those who feel stuck.
Don’t invest in a coach until your idea has been validated.
Can be expensive.
Find someone who complements your gaps, has figured out how to solve your specific problem, and understands your business model.
Make sure your personalities match by interviewing the coach and talking with someone she’s coached before. Confirm your compatibility and her ability to deliver on her promises.

Group Programs

Good for those who don’t have the money to hire a one-on-one coach
Are cost-effective, offer robust support, and allow you to connect with others
Think about joining the A-Team Accelerator waitlist. The A-Team is perfect for those who:
- Have revenue coming in,
- Want operational support,
- Need to streamline what’s working,
- And desire a cost-effective way to get coaching and mentoring.

Mastermind Groups

Are collections of people who support each others’ struggles and celebrate their successes.
Allow you to bring a problem and let others help you solve them.
Perfect for those looking for support, guidance, and accountability.

Specialty Coaches

Best for those in the Scaling phase.
Examples are mindset coaches, money coaches or service providers (like me!).
For those who seek specialized education or innovation, extra hands, or decision-making support.

Remember that investing in your business shouldn’t come from fear. If you’re unsure where to start, make a dream list of investment opportunities. When the time comes to invest, you’ll know when you’ve answered those four earlier questions.

Weekly Ops Activity

Tell us your next investment step in our private Facebook group. Join in the fun right here!

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

Website

Private Facebook Community

Facebook Page