Electing autonomy and freedom over traditional 9 to 5 careers, millennials have been dubbed the “true entrepreneur generation.” In fact, a survey by Bentley University reported that 67% of millennials say their career goals involve starting their own businesses.
In a world where millennials will comprise 75% of the U.S. workforce by 2025, this makes for a lot of entrepreneurs—totaling in the tens of millions.
So, if building a business is on your list, you’ll now need to know more than just how to attract clients, close deals and scale profits. With so much competition, your most important skill may be standing out.
Who better to learn from than a woman whose business has been named a Top 100 Most Influential Digital Media Site by the White House? Meet Britt Hysen, founder and editor in chief of MiLLENNiAL Magazine, a media lifestyle brand showcasing millennial influencers that boasts 380,000 monthly pageviews and reaches an audience in 197 countries.
Hysen shares her secret to capturing the spotlight on the latest episode of Unconventional Life, “How To Stand Out: The Secret To Getting Publicity Organically with MiLLENNiAL Magazine Founder Britt Hysen”
Hysen’s journey began with a three-year acting career that saw her appear on popular shows like Drake & Josh, Mad Men and Criminal Minds. As she advanced in her career, however, she found the “Hollywood sweet life” to be unfulfilling and decided to seek exposure through a different outlet.
She picked up a mic, rallied some friends, and began interviewing them on camera, which eventually inspired her to create a platform that would broadcast their stories on a larger scale.
“There’s no platform that’s actually telling these people’s stories. They deserve to have their stories told; I’m going to be the one to do it,” Hysen says.
Now, Hysen features celebrities involved in causes, CEOs disrupting industries, activists taking a stand, and everyday people making a living doing what they love.
“We focus this magazine on the do-gooders of our generation,” Hysen says. “We really want to provide valuable content that is inspirational in telling somebody else’s story or giving you the reader something concrete that you can add to your life.”
When you’re just starting out, it can be challenging to stand out from and get the exposure you need to thrive. Below, Hysen shares the five biggest tips that have helped her capture attention and stay relevant.
Target a niche. “I think everybody needs to have a niche: What is it that separates you from other people? Figure out what you’re most passionate about and then really dial in on that very specific topic, because you can’t be general. The second you go general you’re going to lose your audience.”
Become an expert. In order to attract an audience, you’re going to need to establish yourself as a credible source for information. Spend time researching, seek out direct experience and work with people who are already established figureheads in your industry. The more you become a primary source, the more people will consult you first for their needs.
Be picky. Don’t settle for producing just any old product. Develop a specific set of criteria that represents your brand and stick to it. Set the bar high, and you will become known for consistently producing top-grade content and products. Businesses that accomplish this get talked about, recommended and shared.
Tap into your network. Hone your resources by finding out who’s already in your network that you can leverage. The more you grow your network, the more opportunities will show up to get noticed. You never know who might have an “in” with the editor of a big publication or who knows somebody influential who could seriously benefit you.
Host your own event. Once you’ve assembled a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, bring them together at a focused event. The goal is to provide a space where people within your sphere can get to know each other, make connections, collaborate and benefit from the information you provide. This gets your name out and keeps you fresh in mind when your friends decide to host their own events. Hosting a summit is particularly effective; check out Christine King’s Millennial Shift Summit for inspiration.
This article was originally published on Forbes
