“Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself.”

I recently came across this quote as I was preparing for a presentation on how to be more visible and connected to a group of small business owners.

I feel this by far defines what it means to be visible and connected in today's business world. Truly, as a business professional, you have succeeded when you no longer must introduce yourself or the products and services your company provides. Nothing is more pleasing to my ears than, “Oh, you're Laurean, I have been wanting to meet you, I heard all about The Launch Collective EXPO and I want to be a part of it!" Who in their right mind does not want that?!? And how do we get that to happen?

Here are my personal fundamental rules that have helped me to become more visible and connected. Through my journey as an entrepreneur and consultant, the more I live out these 5 fundamental rules, the more visible and connected I am!

Rule #1 Answer the following questions: What is your why? What is your vision for your business? What is the message you are conveying to the world about what you do and why you do it? If you cannot answer these questions then do not expect anyone else to do it for you. Know your why and be excited to share it!

Rule #2 Get outside of your comfort zone. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. It is the same in our businesses. Growth cannot happen without us being willing to stretch beyond our current circle of influence and to embrace new opportunities. WRITE THIS DOWN and UNDERLINE it: The things we resist doing are often the things that produce the most growth for our businesses and lives!

Rule #3 Evaluate, Evaluate, Evaluate! Take time at least each quarter and stop and ask some questions: What is your current state of your business ? Are you growing in referrals from your connections? What activities are you spending your time and money on? Are these activities producing growth? If not, why? And you need to be honest here, the why maybe you. It will do you no good to be a part of any group if you never take the time to get to know the members or step out and let them get to know you!

Rule #4 Less is more! Don’t try to hit every group and join everything. Be intentional and make sure you get the full benefits of the groups and relationships you have already started establishing. Do you really know the people in your groups? You cannot be every place at every time and you cannot be everything to everybody. To build solid connections that know you, like you and trust you takes time. There are no short cuts. A relationship is not an exchange of a business card.

Rule #5 Give, share and serve with excellence! Nothing will help make you more visible and connected than your willingness to help and serve others from a place of excellence and integrity! Follow through on what you say you are going to do, be kind and willing to help. Look for ways to bless or to help others, as it will return to you in more ways than you can count! I like to say: share your cookies! This, in my opinion, is the most vital key!

Keep on keeping on until you no longer have to introduce yourself!

~ Ciao, Laurean