J.J. Hebert landed on an Influencive top entrepreneurs list with Barbara Corcoran and Jordan Belfort (The Wolf of Wall Street) last month, so we took some time to get to know J.J. and learn about his rise to the top as the CEO and Founder of MindStir Media, an award-winning self-publishing company. He stated that there are three secrets he has used to propel himself to the top.
Actively pitch your story to journalists without fear.
Contrary to popular belief, most successful entrepreneurs don’t land featured articles by sitting back and waiting for them. Entrepreneurs need to reach out to journalists that cover their industry and offer themselves as a resource. “Journalists, especially young journalists, are hungry for the next big story to cover,” said J.J. Hebert. “What makes your business story unique? You have to learn to tell your entrepreneurial story in such a way that resonates and inspires. You see these articles about young entrepreneurs with a social mission or a unique mission in general and they can get a lot of attention. How are you different?”
The key, Hebert adds, is to pitch your unique story to journalists and don’t fear rejection. “Rejection is part of the territory. Who cares?” he elaborated. “You pitch your story to a few hundred journalists online in places like Twitter or through Help A Reporter Out and all it takes is one to say yes. Just one.”
Use your published articles and features in your marketing and watch the clients roll in.
Once you get some coverage for yourself and your business, use it in your marketing plan. “I can’t tell you how many entrepreneurs garner some coverage online and then forget to promote the articles on their own website and their social accounts. It’s a shame because press coverage builds credibility, but only if you actively promote that you’ve been covered.”
Hebert recalled several stories he read about trust badges on websites, how they can increase conversions dramatically. “Don’t be shy about placing ‘as seen on’ badges on your website. Make the badges prominent. If you’ve been seen on a news outlet, display their logo. This instantly builds your credibility and signals to potential clients that you’re an authority or expert and can be trusted. People want to work with experts.”
Once you land those clients from your marketing efforts, exceed their expectations and grow your social proof through testimonials.
So you’ve been persistent with journalists, landed some coverage and used that coverage to earn trust and get clients. Now you have to deliver on your promises. You must over-deliver whenever possible. “Clients want to be wowed. Wow them! Then gather as many testimonials as possible and post them all over your website and socials. This sort of social proof, coupled with your media coverage, will help you grow your company at an incredible rate.”
J.J. Hebert is the founder and CEO of MindStir Media. He has been featured as a business expert in publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider. To learn more about J.J. Hebert, visit his official website or follow him on Instagram.
