You’ve been hearing more and more that leading with value is the way to go. It’s the best way to build your reputation, generate leads and grow your business.

Here’s how.

Leading with value: build your reputation, generate leads and grow your business

When I tell clients to lead with value on social media, this is the short list of questions that I receive from them:

• How much value is too much value and how much is not enough?
• How do I offer this so-called “value” and where do I start?
• If I provide free tips and advice on social media, will my audience still need my services?
• There are already so many people doing the same thing. How can I stand out?

I decided it was time to answer all of these questions so that those of you who are concerned about this can feel a little bit better about leading with value after reading this article, feel free to grab a free mini social media audit that could help you get clarity!

How much value is too much value and how much is not enough?

The answer to that is quite simple: it’s whatever works best for you.

If you feel that you are giving away the farm and find yourself uncomfortable with that, chances are, you may be overdoing it.

It’s important to lead with value, and I recommend starting slowly so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.

I would suggest posting free, actionable advice at least once per week; I do it twice per week.

So how can you proceed with this without giving away the ingredients to your secret sauce?

First, make a list of tips and advice that you would like to share with your audience.

Scan your lists, identify what your clients typically pay you for, and then remove those points immediately.

Have a look at what’s left and craft your posts around those, as long as they are actionable tips and you think they may help your audience.

Once you’ve done this a few times, identify the chosen topic that generated the most interest and try to shift your focus there.

Again, if it feels right, then it’s right. Since there is no one way to run a business, there is no right or wrong answer here.

How do I offer this so-called value and where do I start?

Simply put, it’s best to offer this value where your targeted audience is.

If you’re most active on Facebook, you can offer it via Facebook live video, on your Facebook business page, or even within the various groups that you are apart of.

If you’re most active on LinkedIn, publish your tips on your feed, in LinkedIn Pulse, and within your LinkedIn groups.

Start with one post, see how it goes, analyze, and do it all over again.

If I provide free tips and advice on social media, will my audience still need my services?

One of the biggest misconceptions about providing FREE actionable tips is the idea that clients won’t need you anymore or hire you for your services.

While this is a legitimate fear, rest assured that neither my clients nor I have come across this dilemma.

Free advice helps your prospects a lot, but they don’t normally hire you JUST for what you offer for free.

The value that you offer someone may help them get a head start while they aren’t able to afford your services, and as they grow and get busier, who do you think they’ll turn to after receiving so much value from you?

The same thing applies to your current clients; you educate clients and provide value along the way, but this doesn’t mean they have the complete skill set needed to complete the job that YOU do.

There are already so many people doing the same thing. How can I stand out?

There is no better way to stand out than by being yourself and doing what works best for you.

Try not to get overwhelmed by comparing yourself to others on social media.

Looking to others for inspiration is one thing, but comparing yourself to your peers won’t help you get ahead.

Everyone who runs a highly successful social media account started in the same place as you did.

So be yourself, work hard, shift focus when needed and enjoy the amazing results about to come your way.

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