“Would you believe in what you believe in if you were the only one to believe it?”
– Kanye West
Perhaps the above quote says as much about my secret passion for American Hip Hop as it does about marketing. But the reality is in today’s world, where we all seek acceptance through friend requests, follows and shares, it is a point that resonates with many.
We all want to make a difference, and we want to do it together.
If no one else believed in the purpose you were trying to fulfill, you would find yourself running out of breath pretty quickly. The good news is that no purpose is unique. The secret to being a great marketer is connecting with people who are fighting the same cause, and influencing them to grab their shield and fight alongside you.
What happens if no one comes along for the ride?
Fear of rejection comes from self-doubt, and self-doubt results in lethargy. Stop sitting there with a great vision, and start turning that vision into reality. If you are authentic about the purpose you are trying to fulfill, you will find people who feel the same way. They have already bought their tickets to the show, now it is up to you to deliver the performance.
Does it scare you that you’ll lose control of your brand’s story? The reality is that customers will be telling your story whether you like it or not, so why not empower them with a message that means something.
When you’re ready to make a change, reflect on these questions;
- Why do you do what you do? What unique purpose are you trying to fulfill? What is the story that supports this?
- Are you authentic in the way you communicate that story to the world? Do your customers understand your intentions?
- Are you fostering an environment where your customers can tell that story to the world?
If you’re authentic in the way you communicate your passion to the world, you will attract customers who feel the same way. You will inspire them to take action, and empower them to tell your story better than you ever could alone.
Image Source: Deviant Art – evangelopoulos