What does the image of an entrepreneur look like? Is it old and wise or young and fresh? Is it more masculine or feminine in strength or strategy? Is it financial success or is it duress that ignites the fire from within the eyes of an entrepreneur?
Image and publicity expert Starley Murray reveals the Five Star Pillars for Success discovered while working with entrepreneurs during a 20-year study.
Starley started her own company in San Antonio at the age of 21 and now coaches top executives and millionaires from New York and L.A. every month.
This simple formula is not optional for the success of an entrepreneur, she says. These five pillars are irreplaceable stars of your show: First Impressions, Effective Communication, Lasting Relationships, Rewarding Reputation and Personalized Publicity.
1. First Impressions
Most of people are quick to judge, whether they realize it or not.
Consequently, the very second someone is seen as an entrepreneur, people form opinions that can be very difficult to change. A first impression can last a life time.
The first impression of an entrepreneur can start earlier than with an in-person encounter. It can start through the Internet, a business card and even through a text message.
Consider how you want others to perceive you when deciding how you want to represent yourself.
2. Effective Communication
An entrepreneur’s image is further built on effective communication.
The best way to catch the receiver’s attention is to explain how the message is significant to the recipient.
Communication takes two sides, a sender and a receiver - which leaves a lot of room for error.
A good communicator will include feedback to confirm the facts at hand while building rapport.
Remain sincere, as this could be two more potential interpretation mishaps if not presented or taken with mutual respect.
3. Lasting Relationships
An entrepreneur may feel at times like an individual island. But be assured, it’s the relationships with the ocean, earth and sky that define the quality of an island.
Relationships with clients, colleagues and supportive team are necessary for success.
Intentional lasting relationships should be mutually beneficial. Invest quality time and get to know what is important to clients and colleagues. Let them know your needs as well, and discuss win-win opportunities.
4. Rewarding Reputation
It is important to understand a reputation is a relationship with others that can produce either positive or negative results. Secondly, a positive reputation can take years to create and only minutes to destroy.
Thirdly, a positive reputation is not a one time accomplishment rather than a never ending process to support the image of an entrepreneur.
5. Personalized Publicity
Today’s society is a reputation driven economy which is supported by public relations. With the rise of social media and an emphasis to better our planet, an incredible focus is placed on public relations to support reputation, relationships, communications and the image of an entrepreneur.
Find and grow passions that help others. Consider being active in your community and professional organizations which are specific to your business.
Stay up to date on affairs that affect your industry and consider sharing ideas as an author or speaker with your areas of expertise.
Develop strategies for your 5 star pillars of success!
• Learn to attract positive opportunities with a positive first impression.
• Develop effective communication to grow valuable opportunities.
• Invest in lasting relationships to keep mutually beneficial opportunities growing.
• Understand the power of a rewarding reputation that works for you 24 hours a day.
• Educate yourself on today’s public relations and get support with the new emerging technology.
Image is more than what you wear. Image is how you represent yourself in life. Understand, enjoy and invest in your image as an entrepreneur.
National televised publicity and image expert Starley Murray has been coaching Fortune 500 CEO's, millionaires, the media and celebrities on advanced image marketing techniques for more than 20 years. You can learn more about her publicity and image services through free checklists and video tips at StarleyMurrayLive.com.
