Running a business requires a lot of foundation building. Once you get clear about your divine ideal client, your process, and your, the real fun begins: you get to work on your brand presence – and that’s where the Zone of Brilliance comes in.

The Zone of Brilliance is an exercise I have people do when they’re ready to explore their brand awareness; it’s a way to pinpoint and highlight your unique brilliance in the market so you can showcase what sets you apart from all the others.

Here’s how the exercise works:

• Compile a broad list of adjectives. Words like, “thoughtful,” “creative,” “bold,” and “charismatic” should be on the list. I like to make the list as diverse and expansive as possible. You want it to include words that could possibly describe you but also words that describe people you admire. The list I provide to my clients includes about 65 different words
• Ask for feedback. Take your list of adjectives to at least 6 different people in different areas of your life (work, family, friends) and ask, “Will you please choose six words from this list that describe the essence of me?” It’s important to request that these people choose six words with the least amount of overlap. For example, you want to avoid seeing the words “zen” and “mellow” on the same person’s list, as those two words reflect similar qualities. Ideally, we’re looking for a spectrum of words that total up to the one wonderful you.
• Interpret the information. Now, look for themes from the feedback you received. At the end of the day you get to choose your own six words, but the feedback from the world can be delightful and eye-opening! Sometimes we are surprised how others view us because some of the things that really stand out to them may just be so second nature to you that you don’t see it. When I did this, every person wrote “courageous” and I thought, “Really? That is just what I do. What is so courageous about that?!” But it helped me realize that what feels normal for me can feel extraordinary to others.

Once you have chosen your six words, you’ll want to weave them through everything you do.

Essentially, they are meant to help you understand how the world sees you and to convey your essence effectively to everyone you work with (web designers, copy writers, VA’s, etc.).

This week, give it a shot! I bet you’ll be surprised by the wonderful responses you receive. I’d love it if you shared your results with me, so don’t be shy about hitting ‘reply’ and sharing your thoughts!