Attention is the new currency. Standing out is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re an author, entrepreneur, speaker, or professional looking to grow your business, building a solid platform is the key to establishing yourself as an expert and getting noticed by the right people. But what exactly does building a platform mean? And how can you leverage it for opportunities like speaking engagements, media interviews, and long-form content?
Let’s dive into what a platform is, why it matters, and how you can strategically build and promote yours with the help of Ready, Set, Go, Speak—a proven framework that helps experts get out there and get known.
What Is a Platform?
Your platform is the foundation of your visibility, credibility, and authority in your industry. It’s how people know who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re the go-to expert in your niche. Your platform isn’t just your website or social media presence—it’s the combination of your:
- Personal Brand – Your unique message, expertise, and style that sets you apart.
- Audience – The followers, fans, and communities that look to you for guidance.
- Content – The books, blogs, podcasts, videos, and speeches you create to share your expertise.
- Media Presence – The articles, interviews, and features that showcase your authority.
- Network – The relationships and partnerships that amplify your reach.
When built strategically, your platform becomes your launchpad for bigger opportunities, such as being invited to speak on stages, contribute to major media outlets, and land those coveted long-form interviews or features that establish your credibility even further.
Why Your Platform Matters
If you want to get booked as a speaker, invited onto podcasts, or featured in media outlets, you need to show that you’re not just good at what you do—you’re the best at it. Decision-makers in the media and event spaces want to know:
- Do you have something valuable and unique to say?
- Can you engage and inspire an audience?
- Are you visible enough to bring your own followers to the table?
Without a strong platform, you may struggle to answer these questions. But when you intentionally build your visibility and position yourself as an expert, opportunities will come knocking. You’ll find yourself on stages, in interviews, and in high-profile articles—not because you’re begging for attention, but because you’ve proven yourself to be an authority worth featuring.
How to Position Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Building your platform begins with positioning yourself as a subject matter expert (SME). Here’s how to get started:
1. Define Your Niche
Focus on one area of expertise where you can truly shine. What are you the go-to person for? Your niche should reflect your passions, skills, and the specific problems you solve for your audience.
2. Share Your Expertise Consistently
Start creating content that demonstrates your knowledge and value. Whether it’s blogs, social media posts, videos, or books, make sure you’re consistently putting your insights out into the world.
3. Build Credibility with Quick Media Coverage
Small media hits—such as podcast interviews, online articles, or mentions in local outlets—build credibility over time. These “quick wins” stack up and position you as someone the media can trust.
4. Be Your Own Publicist
You don’t have to wait for someone to “discover” you. Start pitching yourself to podcasts, magazines, and conferences. Highlight the value you can bring to their audiences.
5. Network Like a Pro
Relationships are everything. Connect with other experts, journalists, and event organizers. A recommendation or introduction can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Leveraging Your Platform for Opportunities
Once you’ve built a strong platform, you can leverage it to land speaking engagements, media features, and long-form interviews. Here’s how:
1. Speak on Stages
Use your content and media presence to position yourself as a sought-after speaker. Create a compelling speaker one-sheet that highlights your expertise, past speaking engagements, and key takeaways for audiences.
2. Be Featured in the Media
Leverage your quick media coverage to pitch yourself for larger features and interviews. Journalists love experts who are active, visible, and have a unique point of view.
3. Expand Your Reach Through Partnerships
Collaborate with influencers, organizations, or other experts to amplify your message. This not only grows your audience but also strengthens your credibility.
4. Keep the Momentum Going
Remember, building your platform is a continuous process. Stay active, consistent, and adaptable as you grow.
How PamPerryPR.com and Ready, Set, Go, Speak Can Help
At PamPerryPR.com, we specialize in helping experts build their platforms and position themselves as authorities in their industries. Through our Ready, Set, Go, Speak framework, we guide clients in creating a strong foundation for visibility, credibility, and long-term success.
- Ready: We help you define your unique brand and craft a compelling story.
- Set: We provide tools and strategies to set you up for success, including speaker one-sheets, media kits, and pitch templates.
- Go: We connect you with the media, stages, and platforms that matter, helping you get the exposure you deserve.
- Speak: We show you how to shine on stages, in interviews, and across digital platforms, ensuring you make the most of every opportunity.
From quick media coverage to national features, from speaking on local stages to headlining major conferences, our framework is designed to help you get out there and get known.
Your platform is your most powerful asset as an expert. It’s what transforms you from “just another professional” into a trusted authority people want to hear from. By building and leveraging your platform, you can open doors to speaking engagements, media features, and other opportunities that elevate your brand and expand your influence.
Ready to start building your platform and becoming the expert everyone’s talking about? Visit PamPerryPR.com and join Ready, Set, Go, Speak to take the first step toward getting out there and getting known.
The world is waiting for your voice—don’t keep it waiting. We can get you #quickmediacoverage
