Tell your own story

Embracing the Power of Your Own Voice

There was a time when there were two ways to share your news. You
could either buy an advertisement targeted to the masses or you could
hire an expensive publicist to "pitch" your news to the media and hope
for editorial coverage in a magazine or a talk show that your
target audience read or watched. While both of those methods can still
be effective in the proper context, there's an even better way to share what you
have to offer, and it's available to everyone: tell your own story.

Photo credit: Media Swirl

Consider Tiger Woods. He's
been sidelined since June 2008 when he underwent reconstructive knee
surgery. Since then, the golfing world has been wondering if and when he would
return to the game. In the meantime, his wife gave birth to their second child.

Friday, USA Today and probably numerous other publications
reported the big news that Tiger would compete in the WGC Accenture
Match Play Championship this week in Tucson.

And where did the
newspaper get this big scoop? It was not through Tiger's publicist. It was
not through the journalistic prowess of a sports
journalist. It didn't come from a scavenger hunt through Tiger's trash or from a friend with loose lips. Instead, the news came from Tiger when he posted it on his website. That's right, Tiger scooped himself and then the mainstream media reported on it.

What
does this mean for Indie Business owners? It should be obvious. You are your own news
outlet. Using your website, blog and the social media networks of your choice, you can share news about you, your business and what you are doing anytime you want and on your own terms. You can positively influence the
people who care about you and what you are doing using tools that you own and control.

Yes, I know it's a challenge and it takes time. But it's not hard. You need to build a system. Not all at once, but
slowly, consistently and relentlessly. How do you do this? Well, it's different for
everyone, but there are some basic principles that apply to all
Indie Businesses no matter what they make and sell. You can get some tips by
clicking on the Related Posts links below.

Live Workshops Anyone?

If you would like to
attend a live video workshop where I introduce you to the concept of
being your own media outlet from the comfort of your own home, leave a comment below and share your
questions and comments on the topic. I am considering leading a series
of live video workshops using UStream. You'll be able to attend without leaving your home or office. There will be a live chat and you can also talk with me and other attendees live during the workshop. If that would interest you, let me know.

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