Our purpose at GradBlogger is to help you create a profitable business to affect change in the world with your research and experience. The first step on that journey is to ensure you and your GradBlog are visible.
To make change in the world, you must first allow yourself to be seen.
Putting your research and experience out into the world is daunting to many. It’s been suggested that standing in front of the crowd goes against our deeply ingrained predator/prey relationships. Which shows how normal these feelings are.
For many, the anxiety takes the form of imposter syndrome. Looking at things from a student’s perspective, you may feel like you’re still learning and not an expert to be “telling other people what to do”.
Becoming comfortable in front of an audience is an exercise in authenticity.
To overcome this instinctual resistance, Seth Godin suggests leaning into it rather than avoiding the feeling. In his book [Affiliate] Leap First, Godin says we can find the courage to share our work with vulnerability and generosity. Even GradBlogger Founder Chris Cloney has a quote on his wall from that book: “Here I made this, I hope you like it. Here I made this, I hope it changes you. Here I made this, I hope to be able to make something like this again.”
The suggestion to lean into vulnerability doesn’t mean that you lay yourself down at the feet of your audience and say, “I don’t know anything. Love me anyway.” Instead, share your growth mindset and let your audience know, simply, that you are still learning.
This can also be demonstrated by diligence in updating your blog with new information on a regular basis. Consider, also, revisiting and refreshing older blog posts to share new information.
Begin your journey to visibility by creating a clear and easy to understand elevator pitch for your GradBlog.
Most people will tell you, Seth Godin included, that you are unlikely to sell anyone anything in an elevator. However, being able to succinctly explain what your GradBlog is and what it does will go a long way toward being visible and creating awareness.
If you were to share it in an elevator, your speech would need to be quick and to the point. It should be memorable and easily repeatable so that your new friend can also tell their friends about it.
Here’s one template that may work for you:
My name: ____________. I share my research and experience about [SUBJECT] with [AUDIENCE] at [YOUR WEBSITE]. I am working toward [WORLD-CHANGING GOAL] in order to [WHY YOU CHOSE THE GOAL].
It’s an imperfect formula but it will help you create a quick introduction for your next networking event or meeting. Let’s use Chris as an example:
My name is Chris Cloney. I share how I built an online business as a grad student at GradBlogger.com. I show academics how to create their own self-tenure track so they can develop a permanent position of freedom in their lives.
Being visible is key to being trusted, to making change, and to success.
Without diving into a deeply philosophical discussion, we can all agree that the person who doesn’t speak isn’t heard. We can give ‘speak’ a broader meaning, though: if you don’t share your thoughts, your work, or your efforts, nobody will know about them.
The world needs your research, your expertise, and your leadership. Be visible. Make change in the world.
Ready to be seen? Let’s get started on those introductions! Share your ‘elevator pitch’ in the comments below.
Want to learn more on this topic? Check out:
>>> Listener Question: Fear of Sharing My Work | GBP042
>>> Building a Business on the Tenured Track with Dr. Caitlin Faas | GBP056
>>> Live Interview and Lessons Learned from FlynnCon 1 with Dr. Dave Eng | GBP024
