There is a constant and pervasive message in our culture to do more, be more and get more. In the wellness industry, that translates into "impacting millions" with our message or becoming a lifestyle guru like Kate Hudson or Gwyneth Paltrow. I am just as vulnerable to these messages as anyone else. I see the celebrity healers with a big social media following, best-selling books, or jet-setting lifestyle and I feel small and insignificant in comparison.
Then, I think about the women I serve in my courses and coaching and I feel elated. It's such a gift to be able to share advice, resources and support with people who truly appreciate what I have to offer. I am making a big difference in my community and I feel the satisfaction on a daily basis.
So, how do we serve our clients in an authentic and meaningful way while building a brand that has the potential to reach a much bigger audience? Here are some tips:
1.Grow local
The most important people in your business right now are the people in your neighborhood. Think about the healers and teachers who had the greatest impact on your life - the ones who held your hand when you were vulnerable or helped you put the pieces back together after a breakdown. It likely wasn't Oprah or Dr. Oz. Celebrity personalities are great for inspiration, but it is the real practitioners in our lives that empower and uplift us. Growing local means teaching a workshop at a nearby yoga studio or inviting friends over to try essential oils. The most sustainable businesses start small and develop over time. Gabrielle Bernstein started her career teaching in a studio apartment in New York City. Then she moved to the church across the street and finally ended up on national TV. It was her dedication to her local students that made her successful.
2.Be Personal
I've seen so many coaches encourage their clients to "stand out" by using conventional marketing techniques. The funny thing is that with so many entrepreneurs using the same approach, it doesn't take much to really be unique. While most of my competitors are hosting webinars or broadcasting on Periscope, I call about 25 women a week and talk to them on the phone about their holistic businesses. The calls are met with amazement and the insights that I get are priceless. Personally responding to emails or offering a free consult is a great way to connect with potential clients and tap into the needs of your community. Most of the time, we receive automated responses or generic marketing messages, so you shine when you add that personal touch. Plus, listening to people reveals common problems - and wildly successful businesses are built on practical solutions.
3.Stay True
You got into this business because you love health and wellness. You had some experience of transformation or healing that you want to share with others. Don't get sucked into the fake online world of people pretending to have perfect careers. Social media has brought a wave of practitioners who do photo shoots on beaches in exotic locations to prove how successful they are. Not to mention the hairdressers, make-up artists, stylists and plastic surgeons that help to create the flawless celebrity guru. Post on Instagram as much as you like, but don't forget that your work is built on people and relationships - not fans and followers. Your job is to heal the world and elevate and uplift everybody - that means staying true to your purpose and your message. The world needs your gift - let that be the light that guides you.
Looking to join a community of like-minded women who are working in wellness? Check out the Women in Wellness Club today.