Somehow we are at well into July, and 2024 is already halfway over. It's summer in the northern hemisphere (not that it feels like that in the UK...), and before long we'll be working on our New Years Resolutions again.

My 2024 New Year Resolution was to send to be more engaged on LinkedIn! Well, we can see how this went... But late is better than never, right?

Visibility matters more than ever in an increasingly noisy world. Sports events like the Euros, Wimbledon and the Olympics are baying for our attention. Plus everything else that goes on in the world, from elections to conflicts and natural disasters, and then there is "just" daily life...

So how can we as solopreneurs, small business owners, artists or authors stand out without giving up right from the start, locking ourselves away in despair, or spending fortunes on Facebook ads for our posts to be seen by the wrong people?

But before I get to that, let me mention Bridgerton. Yep, that raunchy, fantasy period drama on Netflix which apparently has boosted the UK economy by £275 million over the years.

My Facebook feed is full of Bridgerton - it's mind blowing how many fan groups there are who can discuss the benefits of the books vs the series, the clothes (mind you - have you seen the sleeves on Cressida's dresses?!?), the hairdos, the storylines etc etc . You'd think that a globally successful Netflix show which inspires and sets trends could allow themselves to rest on its laurels and just send the third season of the series into the lovingly waiting fan universe.

However, the main cast of the show have been on a worldwide press tour since January. Till now. They have given endless interviews, appeared on TV talkshows and podcasts, answered loads of questions, and made the world fall in love with them - and watch the show.

The story Luke Newton ('Colin') told on the Jimmy Fallon show is a prime example of how 'visibility' works: Luke, who can go unnoticed to his coffee shop in London, wanted to go to the beach in Brazil. And probably nobody would have noticed who he was. But the organisers insisted on sending four 6 foot 11 security guards with him who were positioned around Luke's sun lounger. And guess what? Everyone 'knew' he was a celebrity and it caused quite a stir on that beach.

So what I am saying in a very long winded way: Creating a story helps creating visibility. Now we can't all surround ourselves with very tall Brazilian security guards, but we all have stories to tell. Stories which help us endear ourselves to our (potential) clients, shape our businesses and get us seen (and heard). It goes well beyond just posting on Social Media - we need to pitch stories to the traditional media, find hooks, make connections, and use events to get the eyes of the world (or at least a small part of it) on us and what we have to offer. And all this without overwhelm.

I have worked in PR & Events for over, ehem, 35 years. It all started when a friend and I wanted to see another show by a Scottish folk group, The McCalmans. And as they had no plans of coming back to Germany, we just went and organised the gig ourselves, and a whole, very successful, 'British Week' around it at our university. This was in 1988, and I have been organising events and promoting people/ organisations/ businesses ever since.

I'd be delighted if you decided to stay in my world to let me help you get noticed, increase your reach, your impact (and your income).

With love

Elke

PS 'Visibility Matters' is my new programme which helps people gain the skills and confidence to step out into the limelight. No more hiding in the wings, while someone else, braver and more brazen, steals your show, takes the applause and gains the recognition you deserve.

I am working on a new beta group programme - a three-month-intensive with trainings and a clear roadmap towards visibility, and a PR strategy to boot. If you think this could be for you, just comment/DM me and we'll have a chat.

In the meantime, you could enter The Foyer on my website, join the conversation in the Community and my Facebook group. If you have questions or suggestions, just let me know and I'll try to help.

PPS: Watch the Luke Newton interview on the Jimmy Fallon Show here.