Vanessa Wood
Design to Spec LLC – Website Design in Darien, CT
I now have to shamelessly admit I’m really interested in American Idol. I got hooked on Project Runway right away as the creativity and insight into individual approaches to the creating was quite obvious. AI always seemed like a glorified talent show.
I’ve watched the first episodes this season. I know there are parts that are staged and people are encouraged to act outrageously to get noticed, but through the fog some little stories appear that explain business and more importantly the business of self-promotion. So, the first few tips of 2009 will be tips for American Idol that can be applied to promoting your business on the web.
When contestants walk into the audition room the judges are already flipping through paperwork and seem to be familiar with each person. Even before we hear the contestant’s voice, we see interviews, background film, and teasers. The show gets us to start feeling an affinity to the contestant right from the beginning. Here are pointers from American Idol you can incorporate into your own compelling story on your website’s “About” page.
Don’t Hide Your Weakness: Everyone loves a good “underdog” story. If you’ve conquered a defeat, share your climb to the top!
Don’t be Shy, Share: Contestants unabashedly share who they are. It can be easy to forget how special a business is because you live with it everyday! You may have to ask your repeat customers of what they like about your business or solicit testimonials, but this is the root of why clients and customers will want to do business with you. Yes, give concrete examples: instead of saying “We deliver great service” tell the story of how you went out of your way to solve one specific service dilemma.
Go for the Heart: If you’ve overcome illness or tragedy to become stronger and more accomplished it’s OK to share that. Does your pain give you a better understanding of your clients or customers? Does it show you’re a business with heart? One local business has shared a young family member’s fight with cancer and rallied the public to donate to the research.
Give a Glimpse at How Hard You’re Working: Everyone loves the dream of over night success, but no one likes someone who achieves it without working damned hard to get there! Idol hopefuls come from garage bands, bar gigs, church choirs, music conservatories. Share where you cut your teeth in your business.
