Latest / Black Girls Consult TOO! / Episode 91: Bland to Bold: A Consultant’s Guide to Thriving Online by NOT Competing with Influencer Content and Pushing Against the Status Quo (Audio Guide)
Transcript
- 0:01Speaker 1: There's a misconception that we don't exist, that somehow our ability to excel at the highest level of our industry is limited, that overcoming barriers as a woman of color would be insurmountable.
- 0:13Speaker 1: But what would happen if we decided to venture out on our own, despite everything we're up against?
- 0:20Speaker 1: I'll tell you Welcome to the Black Girls Consult 2 podcast.
- 0:24Speaker 1: I'm your host, dr Angelina Davis, a healthcare consultant, consulting coach, high performance fanatic wife and proud girl mom.
- 0:33Speaker 1: I help transform female professionals into thriving solo consultants and, just like you, I'm wearing all the hats and doing all the things.
- 0:42Speaker 1: So this podcast is to empower the busy female professionals to move past fear to start and grow a successful consulting business, despite the obstacles you may encounter.
- 0:52Speaker 1: We'll dive deep into consulting practice, business strategy, mindset and more.
- 0:58Speaker 1: So grab your cup of coffee or tea, if that's your thing, and let's get started.
- 1:02Speaker 1: Hello, hello, hello.
- 1:13Speaker 1: Welcome to the Black Girls Consult 2 podcast.
- 1:15Speaker 1: I'm your host, dr Angelina Davis, and I'm so excited about this episode because I want to share something that has been near and dear to my heart.
- 1:26Speaker 1: This is a framework that I have been working on and tweaking and trying to just improve and enhance over time for us to find a way to stand out more boldly in our space.
- 1:41Speaker 1: I think oftentimes as women in consulting, especially as women of color we feel uncomfortable sharing our ideas and being innovative and being more creative, because we're afraid of being vulnerable and what that may mean and whether we're going to be judged or how someone may view us and whether we are going to be seen as possibly unprofessional.
- 2:04Speaker 1: All these things they occupy too much space in our heads, and so I wanted a way for us to be able to communicate more effectively, more boldly, and to do so in a way that's not just for the sake of making noise, but truly to resonate with our ideal clients, whether they are in the business to consumer or business to business space.
- 2:31Speaker 1: I want to speak in the same language.
- 2:33Speaker 1: I want us sharing ideas in a way that really hit home for the right people, and I think that this will be so helpful for so many of us.
- 2:47Speaker 1: It's been helpful for me, it's been helpful for my clients.
- 2:50Speaker 1: As I have tested out some of these different strategies with them.
- 2:54Speaker 1: I've seen how they have had positive outcomes and responses to making shifts in their messaging and what that has done.
- 3:04Speaker 1: I have really been just all in on this, but I know you're probably wondering what in the world are you talking about?
- 3:12Speaker 1: Well, I want to share more with you and, although I have written a whole guide on this, and I know some of us don't necessarily have as much time as we would like to read a full article or guide, so I wanted to put in an audio form, and I've done that here.
- 3:29Speaker 1: I've tried to put it in a form that I hope is entertaining, that I hope drives home the message that I'm trying to share and also that I hope begins to spark some ideas, even for you, in terms of how you can begin to think about these things differently and how you can begin to incorporate these various elements, these four pillars that I'm going to share with you.
- 3:52Speaker 1: So I can go on it all day, but I want you to hear it.
- 3:58Speaker 1: So, without further ado, let me share with you and introduce Blaine de Bold, a consultant's guide to thriving online by not competing with influencer content and pushing against the status quo.
- 4:10Speaker 1: You know, the rise of influencer marketing has completely shifted the digital space and, let's be honest, it's got a lot of us scratching our heads.
- 4:21Speaker 1: How much time do you spend trying to decode what the digital gods want from you.
- 4:27Speaker 1: You're bursting with knowledge and hard won experience as a consultant, but you wrestle with how to communicate your standout expertise and philosophies on social media and beyond.
- 4:40Speaker 1: And what's worse is witnessing all the virtual stages and actually physical stages too occupied by others who seem to effortlessly draw in crowds, while their message feels well superficial.
- 4:55Speaker 1: It's like they've cracked a mysterious online code to gain followers and rake in the big buzz, but their mediocre content isn't giving you any clues as to how they saw the puzzle, frustrating right.
- 5:09Speaker 1: You're in the right place if you want to solve this once and for all.
- 5:13Speaker 1: Today we're talking about a specific messaging model that is perfect for results-oriented consultants.
- 5:20Speaker 1: It's a system you only have to learn once, because it moves and evolves with you as you expand your knowledge, your consulting practice and the platform you're building for yourself, online and off.
- 5:35Speaker 1: The year I graduated from high school, things started buzzing about the world entering into a new digital era.
- 5:41Speaker 1: I headed off to college with my fancy new brother work processor with a detached monitor, feeling pretty tech-saddy.
- 5:49Speaker 1: Little did I know that it was the same year that Don Tapscott's book the Digital Economy came out.
- 5:56Speaker 1: The whole world had this new shiny toy called the Internet and suddenly everyone was setting up shop online.
- 6:05Speaker 1: Seemingly overnight, the world became this small place where you could have breakfast in New York and a business meeting in Tokyo before lunchtime, all without leaving your desk.
- 6:16Speaker 1: No need to break the bank on marketing with a laptop.
- 6:20Speaker 1: In some digital savvy, you were in the game.
- 6:24Speaker 1: Unfortunately, consulting did not move as swiftly.
- 6:27Speaker 1: For decades, the consulting world was a fortress, with its secrets guarded behind closed boardroom doors, privileged networks and exclusive golf course meetings.
- 6:39Speaker 1: As a woman, and more so as a woman of color, I found those doors closed to me.
- 6:44Speaker 1: The networks were inaccessible, despite the fact that more women than men were graduating with advanced degrees I mean supposedly a sign of expertise.
- 6:54Speaker 1: The power in consulting remained dominated by the Old Boys Club.
- 7:01Speaker 1: So the thought of the many opportunities that the Digital Economy could bring felt like a breath of fresh air to me.
- 7:08Speaker 1: Suddenly, the gates to the once exclusive consulting party that few were invited to attend were open.
- 7:15Speaker 1: It was like we had been handed a shiny VIP pass promising access to a vast world of online opportunity.
- 7:23Speaker 1: Back in the day, having the right credentials was pretty much a golden ticket.
- 7:29Speaker 1: Now not so much.
- 7:31Speaker 1: Credentials alone carry less weight now.
- 7:34Speaker 1: That were decades deep in the Digital Economy.
- 7:37Speaker 1: In fact, we can safely call this at this point a revolution, and the digital revolution has shaken things up.
- 7:44Speaker 1: More types of people can embark on their entrepreneurial journeys and share their ideas with the world.
- 7:49Speaker 1: That is a great thing and it's long overdue, but it's also challenging our conventional ideas and understanding of what defines expertise and credibility, which can be problematic in the consulting world.
- 8:05Speaker 1: Gone are the days when titles and advanced degrees alone garnered attention.
- 8:11Speaker 1: The rise of influencer marketing has completely shifted the digital space and is reshaping the offline market as well.
- 8:19Speaker 1: It's got a lot of us scratching our heads.
- 8:23Speaker 1: Sure, influencers are successful at racking up likes and status online, but does that mean it's the one size fits all blueprint we need, as consultants to become more successful in our business journey?
- 8:39Speaker 1: If you take your time to carefully scroll through your feed on any social media platform yes, even including LinkedIn you'll likely notice a pattern Influencers seem to gravitate to topics that have a certain universal appeal.
- 8:54Speaker 1: From the latest celebrity-promoted products to exotic destinations, to loom or centurini or the newest health craze.
- 9:02Speaker 1: These subjects, undeniably glamorous and quote-unquote in, are the low-hanging fruit that gets the masses talking and double-tapping.
- 9:13Speaker 1: Remember the popular kids in high school.
- 9:15Speaker 1: You may have been one too.
- 9:16Speaker 1: They had the trendiest shoes and the latest tech.
- 9:19Speaker 1: Like today's influencers, they were in the spotlight not just because they had style, but because they were echoing what was hot.
- 9:29Speaker 1: It's not about hopping on the latest trend.
- 9:30Speaker 1: Instead, you're out there sparking epiphanies, challenging norms and sometimes introducing concepts that, let's be honest, won't always make the trending list on X.
- 9:43Speaker 1: You know the platform formerly known as Twitter.
- 9:45Speaker 1: You're offering a journey of transformation, bespoke strategies and a detailed grasp of the nuances in a specialized industry.
- 9:56Speaker 1: Things like these demand more than a quick skim.
- 10:00Speaker 1: They need a deep dive.
- 10:05Speaker 1: Consultants navigate a distinct terrain.
- 10:07Speaker 1: Unlike influencers who aim to sell low-cost services to a vast audience, consultants seek to resonate with a niche group willing to invest in premium services.
- 10:20Speaker 1: It's not about simply chasing vast attention, but instead zeroing in on a select, high-quality audience.
- 10:29Speaker 1: We're playing a deeper, more targeted game, and this is where the challenge comes in.
- 10:37Speaker 1: It's one thing to cast a wide net, hoping to snack whatever you can influencer style, but as a consultant, you're looking for something that's more elusive.
- 10:49Speaker 1: Think of it as the difference between grabbing a ready-made outfit off the rack and having one that is tailored just for you.
- 10:59Speaker 1: The ready-made outfit is sold wholesale, but the tailored one, it requires skill craftsmanship.
- 11:06Speaker 1: Although we may recognize that these differences exist, it's not how we often approach our day-to-day work.
- 11:12Speaker 1: In the midst of all the digital frenzy, we are blurring the lines In our race to resonate and build audiences of digital street cred.
- 11:22Speaker 1: We are simplifying our rich, layered messages to fit them into 15-second soundbites.
- 11:29Speaker 1: By taking this approach, what essence, what depth might we be leaving behind?
- 11:35Speaker 1: And here's where things get even more interesting.
- 11:38Speaker 1: If the influencer model isn't the perfect fit for consultants, what other messaging models are there?
- 11:45Speaker 1: The messaging matrix One size doesn't fit all.
- 11:57Speaker 1: In a space that can either amplify transformative insights or distort them into likable bite-size formats, understanding the different messaging models becomes more important than ever.
- 12:09Speaker 1: Each model not only has a unique approach, but also a different way of engaging with the audience.
- 12:17Speaker 1: There are five messaging models that we commonly see used in the digital space.
- 12:22Speaker 1: They create a matrix of sorts in the sticky digital web.
- 12:28Speaker 1: So let's unpack this.
- 12:31Speaker 1: The first is the influencer messaging model.
- 12:34Speaker 1: At its core, this model isn't about products or services, but aspirations.
- 12:41Speaker 1: It sells a lifestyle.
- 12:44Speaker 1: It paints a vivid picture of a dream life sun-drenched vacations, perfect home decor and the ideal morning routine, while it thrives on portraying authenticity.
- 12:57Speaker 1: Ironically, much of what you will find in this model of a quote-unquote perfect life is staged.
- 13:05Speaker 1: It works for those who desire to attract you by showcasing the things you desire to attain and they want to promote in other's cell.
- 13:14Speaker 1: But can true, profound insights really be found in surface level perfection?
- 13:23Speaker 1: The second the e-commerce messaging model.
- 13:27Speaker 1: This model relies heavily on instant gratification.
- 13:30Speaker 1: It speaks to the digital marketplace, where the narrative of needs, wants and desires sells products that can be obtained in most cases by a simple click.
- 13:41Speaker 1: But in consulting, solutions aren't always instant or tangible.
- 13:47Speaker 1: So how does one convey value in a marketplace driven by immediacy?
- 13:53Speaker 1: The third the provider messaging model.
- 13:58Speaker 1: This is the world of services for sale that offer straightforward promises to meet a specific need.
- 14:06Speaker 1: The common equation is you have an issue, we provide the solution.
- 14:11Speaker 1: Faster, cheaper.
- 14:13Speaker 1: With bells and whistles, there's an innate simplicity, a directness.
- 14:18Speaker 1: But in a digital space where users are bombarded with pitches all day, how does a consultant avoid being considered a commodity and communicate depth and complexity in a world that often values quick fixes?
- 14:36Speaker 1: Number four the affiliate messaging model.
- 14:39Speaker 1: It's like having a well-informed friend who always has a recommendation of their sleeve.
- 14:44Speaker 1: There's an implied trust.
- 14:46Speaker 1: Yet in the background, commissions change hands and endorsements might not always be as impartial as they seem.
- 14:56Speaker 1: For consultants, the challenge is authenticity and conflicts of interest.
- 15:01Speaker 1: Can one maintain integrity and genuine client advocacy while also benefiting from affiliations?
- 15:09Speaker 1: How does this impact our reputation?
- 15:14Speaker 1: Then, last but not least, number five, the expert messaging model.
- 15:19Speaker 1: This is the domain of the thought leader, the pioneer, the deep diver.
- 15:25Speaker 1: Here, knowledge isn't just power, it's currency.
- 15:30Speaker 1: The emphasis is on depth research and genuine expertise.
- 15:34Speaker 1: However, in a digital landscape peppered with self-proclaimed gurus, how does one prove genuine expertise?
- 15:43Speaker 1: And, more crucially, how does a consultant armed with profound insights ensure that they're not perceived as just another voice in an already noisy market?
- 15:54Speaker 1: All right, so we've seen the lineup and it's clear that the expert messaging model is the gold standard for consultants.
- 16:03Speaker 1: But it's not just about recognizing this.
- 16:06Speaker 1: It's about diving deep and really understanding it.
- 16:10Speaker 1: To truly thrive with the expert messaging model, there's a certain mindset a belief system, if you will that we need to hone.
- 16:19Speaker 1: That will differentiate us from the swarms of so-called gurus and instant experts.
- 16:29Speaker 1: Time for some myth-busting.
- 16:30Speaker 1: One you don't have to live online to compete online.
- 16:36Speaker 1: If you're a consultant feeling the pressure to always be on.
- 16:41Speaker 1: It'll give you comfort to know that you don't have to live online to make your voice heard.
- 16:46Speaker 1: It's not about frequency.
- 16:49Speaker 1: It's about potency.
- 16:50Speaker 1: It's not the sheer volume of your posts, but the value within them that matters.
- 16:56Speaker 1: The more meaningful and impactful your message is, the longer it will live in the digital space.
- 17:03Speaker 1: It becomes evergreen rather than easily discarded.
- 17:07Speaker 1: Two attention is currency, but the right attention matters.
- 17:14Speaker 1: For many, the allure of digital fame tempts them into a fanatic chase for likes, retweets and follows.
- 17:20Speaker 1: But for consultants like you, it's not just about having a million followers.
- 17:25Speaker 1: It's about quality over quantity.
- 17:28Speaker 1: Every like doesn't carry the same weight and every follower isn't a potential client.
- 17:35Speaker 1: Instead, it's about zeroing in on those who truly resonate with your message and genuinely benefit from your expertise.
- 17:44Speaker 1: When you meticulously craft your message to appeal to a specific audience the ones genuinely seeking your consulting services you're laying the foundation for lasting relationships.
- 17:57Speaker 1: These aren't just fleeting digital interactions.
- 18:01Speaker 1: They're deep-rooted connections built on trust, mutual respect and shared goals.
- 18:07Speaker 1: It's the difference between an audience that passively scrolls past your content and a community that actively engages, values your insights and ultimately seeks your services.
- 18:21Speaker 1: Three if you're tired of mediocrity selling, you have to change the narrative.
- 18:26Speaker 1: The consulting world doesn't need more noise.
- 18:30Speaker 1: It needs voices that matter, voices that echo depth, wisdom and experience.
- 18:35Speaker 1: Your distinct voice, shaped by unique experiences and insights, has the strength to rise above the noise in the online space.
- 18:43Speaker 1: It's more than just having a unique perspective.
- 18:47Speaker 1: It's about understanding the power of your individuality, your experiences, your struggles, your triumphs and your wisdom.
- 18:56Speaker 1: There's something no other consultant can replicate by leaning into your authenticity, not only do you captivate your ideal clients, but you also craft a narrative that's unapologetically genuine and builds deeper relationships instantly.
- 19:13Speaker 1: In a market filled with noise, standing out requires more than just attempting to scream louder.
- 19:20Speaker 1: You also need to increase the intensity of your message.
- 19:24Speaker 1: It needs amplification.
- 19:31Speaker 1: Unveiling the Expert Messaging Model what if your path to being on the stages you want to be on and in the rooms you want to not just exist in but own, is a new model for how you approach messaging?
- 19:45Speaker 1: What if we could build a roadmap tailored just for you as a results-oriented consultant who has unique ways to solve client problems?
- 19:54Speaker 1: Allow me to introduce you to the Expert Messaging Model, a framework that keeps you from watering down your message or sharing common advice in an influencer type way, a framework that helps you become the sought after voice, igniting demand and commanding investment from clients who value the relationship from start to finish.
- 20:19Speaker 1: So why is this a game changer?
- 20:21Speaker 1: This model ensures your voice isn't lost in the echo chamber of the online world.
- 20:27Speaker 1: It sets you apart as an invaluable authority in your field.
- 20:31Speaker 1: It completely redefines the game we have traditionally played in the consulting industry.
- 20:37Speaker 1: Here's how it works.
- 20:40Speaker 1: The Expert Messaging Model amplifies your messaging using four fundamental pillars.
- 20:45Speaker 1: One personal code Think of this as your essence.
- 20:50Speaker 1: The core believes in values that define your individuality.
- 20:54Speaker 1: Two philosophy your distinctive lens for deciphering problems and solutions that sets you apart in your approach.
- 21:04Speaker 1: Three proof Beyond mere testimonials, it's the tangible evidence that demonstrates you know your stuff.
- 21:15Speaker 1: Four prescription your one of a kind solutions crafted specifically for those you serve.
- 21:26Speaker 1: Let's dive a little deeper your personal code.
- 21:30Speaker 1: At the heart of every memorable consultant, leader or influencer lies an authentic identity.
- 21:36Speaker 1: It's your compass and the unique signature that defines you.
- 21:41Speaker 1: It's a combination of your experiences, your beliefs, your values and everything that makes you who you are.
- 21:50Speaker 1: This isn't about what you do or how you do it, but rather the why behind every action and decision.
- 21:58Speaker 1: It's the driving force behind your professional persona.
- 22:02Speaker 1: When others attempt to mimic your styles or strategies, your personal code remains distinctive and irreplicable.
- 22:10Speaker 1: But how do you translate this code to content and conversations, to presentations, pitches and calls where you close clients?
- 22:20Speaker 1: I'll tell you about a private online event in a second.
- 22:24Speaker 1: That's training, just for this Philosophy.
- 22:30Speaker 1: While many might be working in the same field, what differentiates the good from the great is often not knowledge, but perspective.
- 22:38Speaker 1: Your philosophy is the unique lens through which you interpret challenges, process information and formulate solutions.
- 22:47Speaker 1: It's the approach you take to situations, the way you connect the dots others might overlook and the fresh angles you introduce.
- 22:57Speaker 1: It's not just a way of thinking, it's your intellectual fingerprint, and you can start creating content that leaves this fingerprint everywhere.
- 23:08Speaker 1: In the upcoming Today event I'm hosting, I'll share with you prompts and content formulas designed around your intellectual fingerprint Proof.
- 23:21Speaker 1: In a world saturated with self-proclaimed experts, gui credibility is a prized asset.
- 23:26Speaker 1: Proof isn't just about showcasing glowing testimonials or endorsements, though they do have their place.
- 23:33Speaker 1: It's about the tangible evidence of your expertise.
- 23:36Speaker 1: Think of it as your professional showcase, a living portfolio that speaks volumes about your abilities and achievements.
- 23:44Speaker 1: This can include projects you've led, challenges you've overcome, milestones you've achieved or transformations you've spearheaded.
- 23:53Speaker 1: It's the real-world validation that you don't just talk the talk but walk the walk, offering undeniable evidence that you're a master at your craft.
- 24:03Speaker 1: You already know that proof is important, but when you go to create this proof content, you're at a loss for what to share other than the same few client quotes.
- 24:16Speaker 1: We get into seven-plus ways you can share proof as a consultant during the upcoming workshop I'll invite you shortly.
- 24:26Speaker 1: Prescription how the market is filled with one-size-fits-all solutions.
- 24:30Speaker 1: True value lies in customization.
- 24:33Speaker 1: Prescription is your ability to offer bespoke solutions tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of those you serve.
- 24:41Speaker 1: It's an affirmation that you don't just see clients as mere numbers, but as unique entities, each deserving of a solution crafted with precision.
- 24:52Speaker 1: This is where your depth of expertise shines, allowing you to design strategies, advice or solutions that resonate deeply with your clientele.
- 25:02Speaker 1: It's the promise that when clients come to you, they aren't getting a recycled answer but a solution crafted with care, insight and keen understanding of the unique challenges and goals.
- 25:14Speaker 1: So if all your prescriptions are so customized, how can that possibly translate to articles you can write or content you can publish on social media?
- 25:25Speaker 1: I'll share a system for exactly how to do this in a way that shines and seem so obvious once you know it.
- 25:32Speaker 1: Inside the two-day experience I'm talking about, in addition to the system, I'll also invite you to use a series of prompts I'll be giving you as well, to kickstart your creativity.
- 25:43Speaker 1: When the four elements combine, you create a cohesive message that transcends the online space.
- 25:52Speaker 1: It's a message and framework that simplifies decision-making, boosts confidence in sales conversations, increases perceived value and compensation for your services, and is nearly impossible to replicate, which insulates you from your competition.
- 26:10Speaker 1: And the best part is that this framework is not static, but dynamic, ever-evolving cycle, which each cycle, you gain for the clarity and confidence your message grows stronger, it resonates further and your business grows in scales as a result.
- 26:29Speaker 1: Now I want to let you in on one last secret.
- 26:31Speaker 1: The expert messaging model isn't simply a tool or strategy.
- 26:35Speaker 1: It's an invitation to embark on an extraordinary journey.
- 26:41Speaker 1: This journey isn't just about elevating your consulting business to new levels.
- 26:45Speaker 1: It's about transforming your message into a revenue generator using the digital landscape.
- 26:53Speaker 1: Now your success as a woman, especially a woman of color in consulting is not about if anymore.
- 26:59Speaker 1: It's about when.
- 27:02Speaker 1: Need to learn more about mastering this model so you can change the game.
- 27:07Speaker 1: I'd love to invite you to the Amplify Messaging Workshop, a live two-day virtual experience for consultants who are tired of fighting for visibility and growth online and want to land more qualified clients in lucrative contracts without solely relying on referrals.
- 27:28Speaker 1: This is the intimate event for you and is happening soon.
- 27:34Speaker 1: For more details, click the link and read more.
- 27:39Speaker 1: Okay, so what did you think?
- 27:44Speaker 1: I hope that you enjoyed that audio guide.
- 27:49Speaker 1: I had a lot of fun just composing it, putting it together for you and allowing you to think about these ideas in a different way.
- 27:58Speaker 1: Listen, if you're interested in learning more about the workshop, you can find more details in the description.
- 28:03Speaker 1: It will tell you everything that you need to know.
- 28:05Speaker 1: And if you have thoughts, if you have feedback, make sure you share it with me, either on Instagram or on LinkedIn.
- 28:11Speaker 1: I love to hear from you and chat with you.
- 28:14Speaker 1: And then also, if you enjoy this episode or any other episode of the podcast, don't forget, make sure you number one, subscribe.
- 28:22Speaker 1: Number two, tell a friend.
- 28:24Speaker 1: And number three, leave your review and rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and I hope that you will join me for one of the workshops, and I will look forward to talking to you again soon.
- 28:39Speaker 1: All right guys, take care Bye.
- 28:41Speaker 1: Thank you for tuning in to the Black Girls Console 2 podcast.
- 28:47Speaker 1: If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to leave your review on Apple Podcast, subscribe and share it with a friend.
- 28:55Speaker 1: We're on a mission to increase the success and longevity of women in consulting, and you can help us do that.
- 29:01Speaker 1: Also, I'd love to hear from you, so let's connect at Dr Angelina Davis on Instagram or LinkedIn, and don't forget to visit excelatconsultingcom for more information to support your consulting journey.
- 29:14Speaker 1: Until next time, take care.