What is a common mistake people make in their online communications as they transition from employee to independent?
They keep showing up the same way!
As employees, people mainly focus on showcasing their job titles, their academic or other accolades, courses that they took, promotions that they recently obtained, and ‘job well done’ moments. Basically, how great they are.
In a way, it makes sense: Employees want to be visible for the next promotion, climb the ladder, be seen by recruiters to be considered for their next corporate challenge, and look good among their colleagues and industry stakeholders.
When we do make that shift from employee to independent, the main focus in how we communicate goes from ‘look how fantastic I am’ to ‘look how I can solve your specific need’.
New business owners’ focus is to build their reputation as problem solvers for a clearly-defined ideal client, consistently providing value by ‘educating’ them in a relatable, authentic way. Sharing experience and stories are a part of that. This builds trust.
To have a real business (versus an expensive hobby), new business owners need to establish genuine connection with their aligned ideal clients.
So, in the transition from employee to independent, the shift in communications goes from ‘MY OWN GREATNESS’ to ‘SERVING YOU’.
This shift in my approach to (online) communications has personally helped me to go from corporate executive to thriving business owner.
That is also something I focus on with my clients as they prepare to quit their corporate job and start living on their own terms by setting up their own values-driven business.
How have you approached your online communications during your life transitions?
About the author: Jarmila Zářická is a loving mother, wife, friend and mentor. She is a Czech-Australian global citizen having lived and worked on numerous continents – with Germany the current stop on her exhilarating life journey. A few years ago, Jarmila decided to leave her 20-year international corporate career in communications and public affairs – to launch her own service- and product-based online business from scratch. Today, Jarmila is passionate about helping others to also live independently by sharing her knowledge, hands-on experience and lessons learned on how to go from employee to launching their own company. Details on her website (emeraldjaaz.com). For inquiries, get in touch with Jarmila via email (jz@emeraldjaaz.com).
