Most businesses tend to grow to the extent they do because of the collective effort of a team of professionals. But sometimes, an exceptional presence can lift a business to whole new heights. If you’re a business leader, you can be the epitome of the prestige and professionalism the business needs to represent it. It’s all about living the brand.
Brand yourself
First, you’re going to actually need some platform. You need visibility and you need people to know your name if your business is going to benefit off your presence. To that end, you should be finding opportunities to build a personal brand and get famous in your field. Speaking opportunities in the industry, stage appearances at conferences, contributions to articles in print and online. These are all methods you should be actively pursuing. Of course, you need the high-quality content and commentary to go with it. No-one’s going to pay much attention if you get up on stage with nothing to say.
Show up in style
Your appearance and how you present yourself is just as important. A real professional’s brand needs to have an immaculate sheen if they’re to be taken professionally. If you’re at a trade show, make sure your booth is a little more sophisticated than just a piece of branded cloth over a table. If you’re traveling to an event or a meeting, get a private plane charter instead of flying business. Prestige, class and even a bit of opulence are going to give your appearance the kind of impact that it needs to show that you’re a cut above the rest. The king or queen needs to have a crown and a business leader needs to have an appearance that catches attention.
Build genuine relationships
That’s not to say it’s all about flash. Just as you need to have something important to say, you need to have people who are not only listening but are actively assisting. Being all show and providing little to your partners and clients is going to get you scorn more than anything else. Work on the business relationships you cultivate with clients, partners and employees. A leader is about their people, first and foremost. Do right by them and they will be the support that gives your image its legitimacy.
Walk the walk
Besides relationships, you have to have certain standards if people are going to believe you’re the real deal. Professionals tend to share some traits in common. They ask smart questions when they’re looking for solutions. They don’t show up late and they don’t waste people’s time. Of course, they don’t buckle under challenges, nor do they lash out when faced with them. If you can’t act like a professional, you shouldn’t try to carry yourself like one.
In conclusion, image and the substance of good character underneath it. That’s what you really need to be the kind of visionary leader that pulls a whole team up with them. To be a successful entrepreneur that gains respect and reverence, you have to believe in yourself. It takes confidence and conviction to pull it off as a real professional.
