“What do you want to be known for?”

This is a key question that leaves many entrepreneurs starting in the online space looking blankly into the mid-distance. And without an answer it means your online business strategy is not set up for success.

It's especially hard, for those of us more introverted in nature, who aren’t in this for the fame, the celebrity.

Honestly we don’t want to be “known” in that way with the spotlight shining brightly and all the attention in the world on us.

But, inside we absolutely do want to be known, and respected for our expertise. To have acknowledgement from those in our world that what we provide has true value and is meaningful, it helps others gain the transformation they are looking for.

This is why we are service-based coaches or consultants. We have a deep longing to support and aid others do better. And to do that we need to craft a successful business strategy that pulls to our strengths. 

So, I ask again, what do you want to be known for?

Defining this question upfront will make your whole business strategy so much easier and will help you reach your goals faster.

If you're struggling with this... then in this article I am going to walk you through 3 key components for your business strategy that need to be in balance as you think through crafting your own successful online business strategy.

1. You need to have clearly defined and connected offers 

A vague coaching package just won’t cut it these days. 

For someone to hand over their credit card and invest in your support, they need to be happy in the knowledge that they know exactly what they are signing up for. 

And not only should you clearly define your offers, you also need to create offers that connect together and lead your customer through to the end result that they are after.

TOP TIP: A single offer will never answer everything.

Each offer needs to have one defined finished line, one answer to the main question that the client wants solving. There may be bonus insight given along the way to supplement getting to the finish line, but the end needs to be kept in sight at all times 

Moving from Time to Value Based Offers

It is absolutely normal as a coach or consultant to have simple 121 coaching or service packages that are based on a certain amount of time that you will spend serving the client. 

This is how we all start out. 

But then there comes a time when you realise that you have hit an income ceiling and you can’t carry on in that format.

You are also likely to have recognised that there are elements of your work that feel very repetitive. Areas that you need to teach or train your clients in at the start of every new job. 

It is these areas that make the great starting point to creating online offers that move to value based packages rather than time based services. These can be online courses, or productised services, or memberships.

Every business will have a model that suits them better than the others.

The goal of a successful online business strategy is to free up your time, increase your income and focus on doing more of what you love.

Starting out, I recommend that coaches look at creating 3 offer types to serve to clients:

Once you have your offers set up, it is time to really show your true colours and shine in the valuable experience that you provide with the second component... 

2. Provide Great Experiences

Once you’ve done the hard work and collected email addresses through your Touchpoint Offer, it’s important to realise that this is just the start of the journey.

You are now the information host, and as any good host knows, it’s your job to make sure that you bring a great experience to your client, to nurture them, to listen to them and most importantly, to connect to them and serve their needs. 

Many business owners drop by the wayside at this point. 

But you and I are different, we are in business to create a transformation in someone’s life or business. We care.

And therefore we understand that every client is a person, who needs to be seen and heard. And your purpose after collecting the email addresses is to do exactly this.

From the very first person who signs up to your Touchpoint Offer to person 100, 1000, 10,000 or onwards. Every person matters.

Some great ways to nurture your clients, beyond the simple newsletter are:

• Check-in with video or audio messages
• Invite them into your community
• Offer exclusive member training to keep them engaged
• Reward public testimonials and shout outs 
• Use gamification to encourage engagement and sharing

Showing up for your people, will grow your audience with quality leads, with people who are listening and taking action on your advice. 

They will understand what you do, who you are and want what you are talking about for themselves.

But you can’t do this hiding behind your computer… which leads me to the next point.

3. High Visibility Needs To Be Part Of Your Business Strategy

These two words “high visibility” can strike fear into many an introvert’s mind. But working online means this is a fear you need to overcome, if your business vision is one of a flowing income supporting a flexible lifestyle. 

It is something that you can overcome with baby steps, as you stretch out of your old comfort zone one action at a time. No human runs before they can walk, and it is the same with showing up and becoming visible online. 

Why do you need to be visible?

So the people you can help can find you! You might have the most amazing offer in the world, but if no-one knows your name or your system, or your product, then they will not buy from you.

My top 3 ways to show yourself as an expert in your field are to utilise the following

• Commenting and giving value in communities and forums
• Being a guest speaker on podcasts and/or host your own a podcast (or partner withYouTube Vloggers here if you prefer)
• Share your blogs and articles regularly across social media, so people can read more about you as a person and how your company supports others.

When you are starting out, consider allocating about 50% of your working week to client getting activities. These include everything that is keyed around showing up on social media, being visible, to getting on private calls with prospects.

In summary, to craft a successful online business strategy, you need to have the right mix of offers, experiences and visibility.

Do you have these 3 elements working in harmony together?

In my book, The Introvert Way® ROADMAP, I take readers through each step of the business growth journey and how these 3 elements need to combine and build as you develop.