What is the
PLATFORM?
BUILDING A PLATFORM
The most common building blocks to a platform include the following:
1.
A website and/or blog with a large readership
2.
An e-newsletter and/or mailing list with a large number of subscribers/recipients
3.
Article/column writing (or correspondent involvement) for the media—preferably
for larger outlets and outlets within the writer’s specialty
4.
Guest contributions to endorse success
5.
A track record of strong leadership
6.
Individuals of influence that you know—personal contacts (organizational, media,
celebrity, relatives) who can help you market at no cost to yourself, whether through
blurbs, promotion, or other means
7.
Public speaking appearances—the bigger, the better
8.
An impressive social media presence (Twitter, Facebook, and the like)
9.
Membership in organizations that support the successes of their own
10. Recurring media appearances and interviews—in print, on radio, on TV, or online
Not all of these methods will be of interest/relevance to you. As you learn more about
how to find success in each one, some will jump out as practical and feasible, while others
will not. My advice is to choose a few and dive in deep—and don’t be afraid to concede
failure in one area, then shift gears and plunge into something else. It’s better to show
impressive success in some areas than minimal success in all.
Lastly, know that building a platform takes time. Strive for something real—strong
channels that will help you. Simply being on Twitter and having a website does not mean
you have a platform. Those are just the first steps.
-Bruce Davis
Bruce is author of Your Book Is Your Seed, Truth of the Matter, The Power of Publishing,
Take Note, The Marketing Machine & Sinful Greed
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