How can I use being featured on a media list, such as Forbes 30 Under 30, a part of my brand online?
The following answers are provided by members of Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched BusinessCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.
1. Optimize the Article to Rank for Your Name
“You should link to the article using your brand name as the anchor text, which will help the article rank when your name is being searched. This will look great for your brand online, because when someone searches your name, Forbes’ 30 Under 30 will show up.”
Raymond Kishk, Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating
2. Add It to Your Email Signature
“When you send email to new and existing customers, adding third-party endorsements can help validate you. Existing customers are reassured that they are dealing with the right person, while new customers are given confidence to start doing business with you.”
3. Start Your Own Blog
“I recently consulted with Brand Yourself to discuss personal branding. One of the key takeaways was to have my own blog as a hub for content, achievements and strategic content. Now I have a place to publish significant achievements that would be weird to post on our company blog. Relevant posts, like Forbes’ 30 Under 30, would be perfect for your blog and to share on on your business media.”
Josh Sprague, Orange Mud
4. Don’t Flaunt It
“While that kind of award is a big deal, flaunting it everywhere is obnoxious. Anyone who wants to know your background is going to Google you. If it’s listed in LinkedIn and anywhere else you have a formal bio, people will figure out that you’re awesome (without having to shove your awesomeness in their face).”
Erin Weed, evoso inc.
5. Leverage It for Bigger Opportunities
“Media lists are great for business/trade pub, but few outside your industry will care. The key is leveraging honors into bigger opportunities. When my co-founder and I were the only self-funded company on the 2014 Inc. 35 Under 35 list, we parlayed that sound bite into an appearance on Shark Tank. All of a sudden, an industry accolade became nine minutes on prime-time TV in front of millions of people.”
Brittany Hodak, ZinePak
6. Blast It
“When receiving such prestigious mentions by media outlets, blasting them out across all social media platforms is a must. I would definitely use the particular media outlets logo on your personal and business website for credibility purposes. In my opinion, getting such recognition is a huge deal and shouldn’t go unnoticed.”
Engelo Rumora, Ohio Cashflow
7. LinkedIn Is Key
“Update your LinkedIn profile. Other social media outlets are a flash in the pan, but LinkedIn lasts and is the first place people go to assess your professional credentials and experience. While you’re there, you can push it out through your other channels, and drive traffic back to your profile.”
Christopher Kelly, Convene
8. Add It to Your Elevator Pitch
“On a daily basis, you interact with various people who have the ability to help you extend your personal brand and grow your business. Every time you see someone you haven’t seen in a while or engage with a business prospect, you need to deliver a clear, super-exciting and passionate elevator pitch that highlights recent awards and business milestones. Embellish with confidence and a smile.”
Kristopher Jones, LSEO.com
9. Share the Back Story
“If you’re featured on a top media list, share the story of how you made it with your customers, brand advocates and target market. People are more likely to become emotionally invested in your successes when they learn how hard you had to work for them and what they mean to you. Share your joy with them, and they’re more likely to share your story with other people.”
10. Tie It Into Other Online Content
“The beauty of online content is the doors it opens to other online content. Online articles, videos, social media posts and more can be easily linked to other online content that boosts your credibility as an online brand. Take the opportunity to link to other media list features through as much content as you can, so online readers are effortlessly led to links that boost your brand!”
Miles Jennings, Recruiter.com
11. Create a Formal Press Kit
“Go beyond simple press hyperlinks by creating a well-designed press kit you can use to help open doors and demonstrate rapport. Your PR and marketing teams will thank you.”
Sam Saxton, Salter Spiral Stair and Mylen Stairs
