Reciprocity and Your Online Brand
End of year musings
A few days ago I was on a Twitter Space and an attendee brought up something important. As you know, I love Twitter Spaces. I may dislike the new owner of the platform and have a lot of problems with how he’s running the platform-but, Twitter Spaces is the diamond experience on the platform. Put simply, Twitter Spaces function the same way as Clubhouse does-participants are able to speak with each other in community lead conversations. I’ve been a listener and speaker in spaces for other creators, politics and even a quick pop-in on a space with Cardi B.
This person brought up reciprocity. They were making the point that if you participate in a space that you should host a space as well. By hosting a space you’re sharing your audience and expertise with the people whose spaces you’ve been a listener and speaker in.
While I did agree with their point, I felt like I had a much more expansive idea related to how we can build reciprocity into online our connections. But first, what in the hell am I even talking about? Continue reading on.
I am also sharing my Twitter Space Strategy for 2024 at the end of the newsletter (for paid subscribers)
Affiliate Disclosure
“In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Also, “As an Amazon Associate I may earn income from qualifying purchases that you interact.”
Hang out details will be shared tomorrow
Related Posts
What (Exactly)is Reciprocity?
Especially as it relates to building out your community and online business. The way that I think about it is that you give without intention. What you give is where people get stuck. Are too analytical and overthink.
I want to bring up reciprocity because we’re at the end of the year and I’m reviewing not only what worked in my business, but how I was able to help others. That help was more often than not unpaid. And there were moments when I had to lean into faith. That if I give something for free, share someone else, give a discount, etc. that “the Universe” would return that good will back to me.
How?
In support, shout outs, income, opportunity and good vibes.
Yes, it’s woo woo.
Reciprocity goes hand in hand with another concept.
Abundance
The idea that there is more than enough out there for everyone. There’s enough opportunities, connections, experiences and yes-money for everyone out there.
I like to think about the concept of abundance from two different perspectives.
Perspective #1-Have you worked your numbers?
If you’re receiving this newsletter then it’s likely that you’re at some stage of building an online brand. But, have you thought about the following…
Your minimum earn each month
How many product sales does it take to get there?
How many sponsorship or similar collaborations?
Does affiliate income get you there?
Or, do you have a mix of opportunities to earn the minimum amount that you must earn in order to create a sustainable business?
Most people will discover that they need to convert a much smaller number of sales in order to hit their minimum earn per month. If your brain is telling you that you need 10,000,000 sales but you literally need to make 12 $250 sales to hit $3,000 a month-that changes everything.
Perspective #2-People Love People Who…
Connect them with opportunities. It’s not rocket science. It’s literally that simple. And people most people don’t forget when you treat them well.
What does this look like?
Share opportunities that would be difficult to find-Perhaps there’s some type of barrier to connecting with the opportunity. An example is that I share freelance writing opportunities that pay $300 or more. Why? Because when I was trying to build my freelance business I was stuck at $250 a project and it was so frustrating getting past that earnings threshold. I had to earn more or things weren’t going to work financially. In fact, this week I shared an opportunity posted by Cosmopolitan Magazine. Other opportunities to share could include, but aren’t limited to the following:
Sharing a speaking opportunity
Uplifting someone’s brand via a YouTube Live, Podcast Interview or local opportunity.
Co-hosting a Twitter space.
Advertising a resource that someone has built out (Unpaid or paid)
Sharing scholarships, grants or unique other resources
Connect people with other people-You know, the ones who actually make the decisions. You have to use discernment if you’re making introductions between people.
Uplift and highlight their work-I know people doing some amazing things and there’s nothing better than shouting out the work that they are doing. Why? Because they’re amazing humans doing good work of service to others.
Sharing a gift subscription, course or workshop-To a beloved community member, someone who is showing that they are doing the work but need are needing some support now (I was this person)
This is my favorite part of reciprocity is giving to give. Without expectation. Because you can. Because it feels good and you get that endorphin rush.
Services and Resources
End of Year Coaching hours-I have decreased my coaching hours and now have 7 coaching hours a month. You can book a coaching session here. Once you book that session I will reach out to schedule the time. Cost: $300 (price will go up in 2024)
Mastermind spots still available-Please note that the Mastermind is capped at 15 participants.
Creators Getting Paid Mastermind-Details in the linked to post
Payment Plans-will be available after the deal ends. Reach out to me at: thebrandbuildinglab@gmail.com for more details.
January
Save the dates!
Free Workshop: Creating an Impactful (And Paid) Vision for Your Online Brand in 2024-Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 6:00 pm MTN/8:00 pm EST
Free Workshop-How to Design Award Winning Podcast Content in 2024-Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm MTN/8:00 pm EST
IN-PERSON Workshop-How to Build and Grow a Newsletter that Pays (in 2024) I break down what works, what doesn’t and mistakes to avoid in 2024. Every person who runs an online brand who is serious about making money within their brand MUST have an email list or newsletter.
Leave the workshop understanding how to monetize your specific newsletter
Learn Michelle’s affiliate strategy
Get a chance to ask Michelle questions specific to your newsletter
Learn how to “sell” within your newsletter
How often to send out your newsletter and more
Cost: $97 (sale price until Friday, December 1, 2023)
When: Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10:00 am MTN/12:00 pm EST
Zoom details will be shared the week of the workshop
Plan for at least 1.5-2 hours
How to Host a Twitter Space
Last week I shared how to grow your brand via Twitter spaces as a “Listener” But, there’s another strategy which is to host spaces regularly. Not sure where to start? I share some strategies.