So what are the characteristics of a good platform?
Let's start with the idea that a platform can come in many forms. It can be digital or print. It can be based in social media or web based. The key is to choose a style that fits your personality. I can't emphasis that enough because you are going to get a ton of people saying that "blogging/facebook/twitter/etc is dead and you should really get with Pinterest/Tumblr/whatever."
Ignore that. Do what fits your style. Experiment a bit if you need to find out what works, but when you find that thing stick to it.
Let's talk about some other keys to building a your own platform:
- A platform is a means of spreading an idea, it's not a forum for selling stuff or self promotion.
"But Adam, don't you sell coaching packages and workshop packages on your blog?"
Sure, but that's not the point of this blog. The point is to put my ideas on the arts, marketing, diversity, leadership, etc. into the world. If the idea spreads, good. If the idea spreads AND people buy something, great, but I don't wake up in the morning trying to sell things.
So what ideas are you trying to spread?
I know you're an actresses, that's cool but that is also common. What do you think about the industry? What are your thoughts about proper acting technique? What do you think the proper role of live entertainment in the 21st century?
Those ideas, those thoughts, are what can spread. Find a way to express them.
- You need consistent content. Notice that I said consistent not constant. When I started blogging I wrote a post every day (including weekends). Now I post about three days a week.
Ideally, you should deliver a steady stream of content. Writing something every day helped me to find my voice and develop a style. That may not be realistic for you. The point is that you should make a promise about content and stick to it.
If you promise a new video every 2 weeks, do it. If you promise a new set of artistic sketches every month then do it.
- A good platform has an intended/target audience. My audience is individual artists and people who either run or work within small to midsized arts organizations. I write with those people in mind.
Who is your platform for? This is something you may know right away or it may be something you figure out over time. Either way, remember that you aren't creating content just for the helluva it. You are making it for an intended audience. Keep them in mind.
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To sum up:
People believe what they see. A platform is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills and spread your ideas. If those ideas spread, you win. That win may equal being hired by a great company. That win may be a great artistic comission.
Your platform should have consistent and relevant content that is intended for a defined audience. You will not start at that place. When you start you'll thrash around for a while and figure out. I wrote 200 blog posts before I got even close to figuring some of this stuff out.
It's an effort but it's a worthwhile effort.
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