Ascend 101

Lessons about building a one-person business, writing, and self-improvement

Last week I promised that today’s issue will be on the one-person business foundations.

I lied.

It’s not just today’s topic. It will be the topic for the coming 7 issues!

That’s right. I’ll take you all the way from start to finish and teach you everything you need to know (in no more than 7 emails).

So let’s not waste any more time!

Crafting the perfect profile

You’ve no doubt heard all the cliche advice about creating the perfect profile picture, header image, and bio.

And sure they may be necessary. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle.

How often have you heard people talking about the why’s? About the bigger picture tying everything together?

Probably not a lot.

That’s where people have it backward. Creating your profile is the third or fourth step. Definitely not the first.

Do you have an idea what the first step could be?

Hint: it’s about you.

It’s your hero’s journey. The road you’ve gone down in life.

Your story is the central piece of your brand.

Your Hero’s Journey

And before you go on to say “But Alex, I don’t have a story!”

Yes you do. That’s why you’re here. That’s why you’re reading this email right now.

Everyone has a backstory. And here’s a simple method to figure out yours.

Ask yourself the following question:

How did you get to where you are now?

Whatever your interests are. How did you get interested in them? What made you decide on taking the path that you’re on right now? Which events in your life all participated in steering you in this direction?

Somewhere along the road you received your call to action — maybe you even needed multiple before you took action.

Discover what it was. What made you decide to change? What made you venture from the known to the unknown? What made you start your adventure — your hero’s journey?

Why is this important?

Simple.

You’re not some big multinational with hundreds of employees and a near-infinite bank account to spend on marketing.

You’re a one-person business, a solopreneur, a personal brand.

You have to play to your strengths. And that strength is that people resonate with other people, not with big corporations.

Craft your story so others can resonate with you. This is how you build trust. This is the difference between gaining followers and creating fans.

That being said, I’ll give you some homework. Yes, homework.

I want you to create your story.

Find an hour of your day to think about it.

Write down the main highlights in bullet points first. Then go into more detail for each bullet point.

Seriously do it.

It’s what separates you from the competition.

We’ll also be using your story in the upcoming emails. Be sure to get it done by then.

Hint: Do it now (or at least today). Don’t let procrastination take over.

Cheers,
Alex.

P.S.

If you’d like more help, I’ve got your back:

Schedule 1:1 coaching: We'll talk about how you can start building your one-person business and set you up for success in the long run.

And if you've got a moment, I'd love to hear what you thought of this edition of Ascend 101.

Send me a quick message – I reply to every email!