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Posts in category Blogging

How to Build a Platform (pt.2)

May18
2012 19 Comments Written by danonleadership

In 4 Factors to building a Platform I shared 4 factors to know and think about before building your platform. In this post I would like to share some ways a person can begin to build their platform so they can be increasing their influence and be moving forward.

Ways to build your platform:

  • Blog- The past several years the blogging world has exploded, creating a way for anyone to establish influence and authority through their writing. If you want to build your platform then think about starting a blog. Whether you have or are thinking about starting a blog here are two aspects every blogger needs to know:

1.  Consistency- When it comes to blogging, consistency is key.  Have a goal to write X amount of posts each week then deliver on that goal. I found if you are consistent then people will consistently come back to your blog.

2. Content- Become a good writer who produces unique and quality content. This requires taking the time to become a better writer and finding your writing voice. When you do this people will want to read what you’re writing.

  • Speeches or Presentations- If you begin to publicly communicate your message then it helps build your platform. This might be done through speeches or offering trainings. When you do present or give a speech it should be aligned with your niche and passions and you should be adding value.
  • Products and resources- Another way to build a platform is to create and produce products or resources. This takes creativity and thinking about what you should produce, and then requires hard work and time to accomplish your product(s). If you do this it will expand your message and expertise.
  • Consulting or mentoring-consulting and mentoring others within your area of expertise can help in building your platform. This allows you to bring value to an individual, company, or both. Through helping them become better and advance forward.
  • Social media- Social media allows you to connect and network with like minded people. If you want to build a strong platform then begin to connect and build relationships with others through Facebook and Twitter.

Remember if you build a platform it will increase your influence and impact onto others.

Question: Do you have a strategic plan to build your platform?

Posted in Leadership - Tagged , ,

4 Factors to building a Platform (pt.1)

May16
2012 29 Comments Written by danonleadership

If you want to maximize your leadership and move toward your dreams then you might want to build a platform. It would be beneficial for leaders to begin or continue to build a platform so they can share their expertise and add value to others which can increase their influence. In this post I want to share with you 4 factors to know and think about before and while you build a platform. In the next post I’ll share some of the ways you can begin to build your platform.

4 Factors before building your platform:

1. Niche- A person needs to know their niche areas before beginning the process of build a platform. I have learned the importance of being more narrow than broad when it comes to a niche area. For example right now my niche areas are in leadership and talents. More than likely in the future I’ll expand those areas within the same genera.  I first want to become an expert in those areas before broadening my niches. I suggest finding and focusing on 1-3 areas you can become knowledgeable and the best in.

2. Passion- A person who want to successfully build a platform need to be focused within their passion areas. Finding your passions is not difficult. To help you identify your passions then ask yourself this question: If you had all the money and time you would ever want or need then what would you do? You need to get past the material factor like buying a big house and nice car and begin to think about what you would start doing. The things you would choose to do point in the direction of your passions.

3. Strength and talents- I have found if you want to build a platform then finding, developing, and using your strengths and talents is essential. When you have found and are focusing on them you begin to produce better results within the platform your building. This is because you are working within your strongest areas.

4. The why- Before embarking on the journey of build your platform you need to ask yourself the why factor. Why it is that you want to build your platform. It might be because you feel your purpose or a calling to share your knowledge, expertise, or story with others. The why aspect in building a platform can be the most reveling and important question you can ask yourself. I believe a significant purpose in building a platform should be to help and add value to others. It should not only be for the potential personal benefits but should be others focused. If you make a point to help and add value to others it will also begin to benefit you.

Questions: What other factors does a person need to know and think about before building a platform? How have you started to build your platform?

Posted in Leadership - Tagged ,

Creating An Environment To Write

Aug01
2011 4 Comments Written by danonleadership

Successful writer’s know the importance of creating an environment which allows for maximum productivity.  They have systems which produce focus and results. If you desire to be an effective writer, then the environment you create matters. Here are 5 ways to help you create and have an effective writing environment,

1. Play music- Music stirs your emotions and stimulates your mind. Which can motivate and spark a desire to write. I have found having music in the background helps while writing. Try playing music the next time you write and see if it helps.

2. Work Area- The area you write at should be clear of unnecessary clutter or anything which might distract you from writing. Having a clean and designated work area is essential for being focused while writing. This might require you to clean and organize before writing.

3. Have resources near you- When writing, drafting, or thinking I always have resources handy. Most of the time I have a few books on the topic I’m focusing on, a bible, dictionary, my thought and note journal, paper, and a pen. These are things which allow me to maximize my study and writing time. Make sure to have resources around you while writing  (This also helps with writer’s block).

4. Drink- I’m not talking about alcohol. But I am talking about coffee, an energy drink, water, or something with caffeine or sugar. This helps spark some energy and focus while writing.

5. Separate from distractions- Make sure you are separated from distractions. Which include anything that might cause you to lose focus. (This might include the internet so the best thing you might do is to use paper and a pen). Make the effort to be in an area away from potential distractions.

These 5 things have really helped me create an environment which allows me to have the maximum writing results.

Question: What are some things that allows you to be focused and see results while writing?    

Tagged , , ,

Find Your Optimal Writing Time

Jul20
2011 2 Comments Written by danonleadership

Besides blitz of motivation during the day to write, I have found the best time for me to write is in the evening. One of the reasons I believe this is my optimal writing time is because I’m a night person. It is easier for me to write and think during the evening time.

I believe each person has a optimal writing time. It might be in the morning, afternoon, or like me in the evening. The key is to figure out when your best writing and thinking time is, then rearrange your schedule to write during that time.

A perfect example of someone who has found their optimal writing time is Ian Cron the author of “Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir. . . of Sorts“.  In an interview he did with Michael Hyatt (You can watch the interview here) He talks about writing from 6 A.M. until Noon.

If I had to guess, I would say he writes in the morning because he sees the best results in his writing and thinking during that time. But if people like me tried to write and think during the morning time, then nothing great would be written. Finding your optimal writing time can be done if you find the time of day,

When you are the most creative.

When you have the most energy.

When you are the most focused.

When you are free from distractions.

When you are the most relaxed.

When you feel the most inspired.

When you are able to think clearly.

When is your optimal writing time? How have you found this to be true?

Why Writers And Bloggers Should Always Carry A Voice Recorder

Jul11
2011 8 Comments Written by danonleadership

I have lost numerous ideas and thoughts because of not having a pen or paper around me. I would always say, I’ll remember it and write it down later but this was often not the case. And when I did remember to write down the thought, I found it was not as good as the original one. So I started to use my phones voice recorder.

I have found it very helpful in capturing my ideas and thoughts. Or when I’m listening to a leadership CD in my car and want to record what the person is saying. I then write down and expand on the original thought. Usually turning it into a blog post. I have found it very beneficial to my writing and blogging. I would like to encourage you to always have a voice recorder around you. So all your thoughts would be captured.

Do you use a voice recorder to help you remember your thoughts? (When paper or pen or not present)

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