 When working with my clients, one of the first lessons I teach is, "You are not called to minister to everyone. Your books and leadership platform will focus on one type of person. Know who that person is, for there will be thousands more just like him or her."In the business world, we call this "niching down." In other words, we teach why one of the best ways to differentiate yourself in this crowded space is to focus on a segment within the general population, and create content, services, and products that solve that segment's problems. For example, back in 2016 when I started taking my business and ministry seriously, I focused my attention on Christian authors and speakers. I created a coaching program that helped each one thrive in their venture. When other people observed my work, some asked if I'd be willing to work with those outside my niche (of Christian publishing). Nine times out of 10, my response was "no," because I wanted to be known in this virtual space as a Christian Writerpreneur's coach. I identified this niche or market by locating a problem that needed solving. I knew God had anointed writers in the earth who could help spread His message. But such folks knew little about thriving in their calling. Many of them wanted to know how to generate wealth using their gifts, because they wanted to commit to their work of ministry full-time. A couple of years later, my leadership platform morphed into the political powerhouse that many people know today. But the strategies I learned in the early stages of my online business worked, and that's what I want to teach you today. When it comes to walking in your calling and creating your leadership platform, you must identify the EXACT people you are called to serve. One of the easiest ways to start this process is by examining the story you will use as the center for your work. In other words, your life's experience will often indicate the people you are called to serve. For example, if you've been sexually assaulted and God brought healing and restoration to you, perhaps you're called to minister to other women in that situation. Maybe you're a single mother who learned how to navigate this world without government assistance. Your ideal readers, consumers, and platform followers will be other single mothers. Even if other leaders are tackling the same issue you want to address in your work, no one can reach everyone. It will be your unique proposition -- your virtual thumbprint -- that will set you a part from others. Your Leadership Platform Should NOT Look Like the RestOne of the challenges confronting my clients is their fear of standing out in the crowd. Sometimes they worry their platform will not be as big or successful as The Foundation or that of others. Sometimes they feel the need to replicate another brand. Perhaps you feel the same way, Beloved. But your leadership platform should NEVER look like the rest. You have a unique calling and mission. You have a unique brand and reputation. You are an individual, and this is what the virtual space needs to see. When it comes to my brand, I make a point not to fit within the confines of people's expectations. For example, as you may know, a part of The Foundation includes discussing Black Conservatism. Back in 2018, this national conservative movement (led primarily by Millennials) began reaching mainstream audiences. My name and that of others started gaining more attention. As our followings grew to millions, I noticed people (mostly White Conservatives) tried to box all Black Conservatives -- especially the women -- into a controlled think tank by which we would be forced to say what they wanted to hear. But my message could not be contained to man-made confines. So, I purposely promoted a brand and virtual work distinct from other Black Conservatives: The Conscious Conservative Movement; and in doing so, those who were destined to remain associated with The Foundation stayed. In like manner, you will find your leadership platform does not look like the rest, and that's a good thing! But the key to making it a national powerhouse is to employ effective branding techniques. Let's dive more into this teaching. Understanding the Importance of BrandingWhen building your leadership platform, branding is crucial. Inside my CCM Leadership Network, I teach my clients that their brand is essentially their online reputation. It’s how the market differentiates their works from the rest. Now, quite often, my clients wonder how their works will stand out, especially when many of them write about topics that have already been discussed. In such cases, I teach them that while the message may be similar, their unique experience gives their works a different flare. To give a more definitive understanding, here is my program’s working definition: "Branding involves the core values, principles, and truths that characterize a leader's platform. It entails marketing techniques that solidify an organization's reputation among a target market. It encompasses a phrase, a color scheme, a logo, a tone of voice, and a story that transforms average followers into platform fans.’’ When considering your own brand (and its voice in the online space), you want to pinpoint the recurring message, values, and principles behind your work. You want to shape your business’s reputation around certain truths so the ideal readers are drawn to your message. And for those who are visual learners, you want to create a uniformed persona that represents your brand’s values (i.e. logos, social media images, avatars, colors, etc.) Take The Foundation, for example. When I first launched my virtual ministry and business, my name and online reputation had previously been smeared (a story I discuss in my memoir, To My Beloveds: A Memoir of My Personal Comeback in the Aftermath of My Scandalous Story). Three years after defeating a criminal case that nearly killed me, the Holy Spirit asked me to launch a virtual Bible study to which I obliged. As I began hosting these weekly sessions on Facebook, I reclaimed my online brand and name by positioning myself as a principled woman who desired to empower others. I also used the virtual space to teach about the call of God to write; and as my content reached new viewers, folks began seeing my platform as an empowering, professional one. The values I hold dear and the manner in which I deliver my content all speak to my professional brand; and when readers come to my site, I maintain that presence with a sleek, welcoming design. Now, my designs and my brand presence are deliberate. I’m purposely attracting a certain kind of reader, author, and leader. I only work with writers, speakers, and leaders who want to take their ideas to national heights. I only attract individuals who have an entrepreneurial mindset, folks who value their calling and how to maximize their potential. My brand does not attract people who want “Dollar Tree” results. (No shots to that store, because I love it!) My brand isn’t for folks who want get-rich-quick solutions. To get started, ask yourself:
Knowing Your Brand VoiceWhenever working with rising leaders, I teach them about creating an online brand voice that reflects their personality. In the online business space, there are at least 5 brand voice types from which to choose:
On my platform, the Prophet and Professor voices are STRONG! (Follow me in Twitter Class to see what I mean.) When it comes to solutions, I punch hard to awaken Conservatives out of their stupor. And when it comes to actionable strategies, I use the Professor voice to bring clarity and insight. Both voices reflect who I am in the Kingdom and the professional work I performed as a teacher. As Beloveds have to come realize, my voice represents my personality. At times, I have to deliver “strong meat” or a prophetic word. At other times, I have to deliver that “spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down.” And this works for my platform. I am true to myself and my Beloved audience. Authenticity breeds increase. And that’s the message I want to give you right now. Your voice must be true in the online space. People will receive the message based on how you convey it (your voice type) and whether that voice is authentic. For example, while the prophetic voice works for my platform, it may not be right for yours. Don’t try to replicate another leader's message or voice, because the fake burns in these online fires. But the real ones are refined by this fire. Your message and voice are unique to your experience and what YOU have to offer the masses. As such, you must remain authentic if you desire to make an impact with your content. In Conclusion ...Thought leadership is a powerful method for elevating your platform and bringing your message to millions of people nationwide. But to be most effective, you will need proper training from an expert coach who has delivered the kind of results you desire. Beloved, in this new era, I want to teach you how to tap into your God-given abilities so you thrive as one of His leaders in the earth. Whether your vision focuses on the social, political, or economic spheres, you can fulfill God's calling on your life when you have the right spiritual and practical training to make it a reality. Today, I invite you to join our growing rank of leaders who are learning to do things God's way so we get His results. Your training is crucial to this development, and at The Felecia Killings Foundation, we've crafted a dynamic leadership program and event just for you. Register for Our Bi-Annual CCM Leadership Convention | Build Your Thought Leadership in the Social, Political, or Economic Sphere  Join Coach Felecia Killings and her guest speakers for our annual 3-day event hosted in Atlanta, GA.
Sponsored by The Felecia Killings Foundation, The CCM Leadership Convention will help rising leaders like you establish powerful thought leadership in the social, political, and economic spheres. During our intensive training, you will learn key principles that will help you bring your ideas to the national forefront. Event topics include:
Don't miss this exciting time to receive our in-person training. Our Convention Schedule Day 1 — Establishing Powerful Thought Leadership in the Social, Political, or Economic Spheres
Day 2 — Packaging Your Thought Leadership in Books
Day 3 — Packaging Your Thought Leadership in Online Courses and Coaching Programs
Register Today!
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The Felecia Killings Foundation: Transforming Ordinary People into Extraordinary Leaders and Helping Them Manifest Their Visions in the Social, Political, and Economic Spheres
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The Felecia Killings Foundation is a Conscious Conservative think tank and leadership organization. Through our research, publications, and outreach, we teach rising leaders how to activate their thought leadership in the social, political, and economic spheres.
The Conscious Conservative Movement is a branch of our organization, which helps bridge the gap between conservative politics and Black voters. Through our national work, we teach Black Americans how to access the Republican apparatus while also selling principled-based Conservative candidates who will serve on their behalf at the local, state, and federal level.
Donations to The Felecia Killings Foundation and The Conscious Conservative Movement help sponsor our research, publications, and online community workshops.
Each year, our research team engages in evangelistic efforts to develop qualitative articles based on the needs of diverse Black voters. Our research focuses on school choice, homeschooling, marriage, family, entrepreneurship, faith, and effective communication strategies for conservative evangelism.
We compile our findings in annual publications (The Conscious Conservative Collection) that help inform Conservative Leaders on how best to make political inroads with Black voters.
Our publications then serve as marketing tools that help our CCM Leaders deliver FREE online community workshops that teach Black voters how to access conservative politics that protect what they build.
The Felecia Killings Foundation, in compliance with regulations, functions as a for-profit organization that allows us the freedom to fulfill our God-given vision and mission. A significant portion of all profits covers salaries, research, publication fees, travel, online and offline outreach, and more. As a token of our appreciation for your financial support, you will receive new rewards as a Beloved Giver.
The Conscious Conservative Movement is a branch of our organization, which helps bridge the gap between conservative politics and Black voters. Through our national work, we teach Black Americans how to access the Republican apparatus while also selling principled-based Conservative candidates who will serve on their behalf at the local, state, and federal level.
Donations to The Felecia Killings Foundation and The Conscious Conservative Movement help sponsor our research, publications, and online community workshops.
Each year, our research team engages in evangelistic efforts to develop qualitative articles based on the needs of diverse Black voters. Our research focuses on school choice, homeschooling, marriage, family, entrepreneurship, faith, and effective communication strategies for conservative evangelism.
We compile our findings in annual publications (The Conscious Conservative Collection) that help inform Conservative Leaders on how best to make political inroads with Black voters.
Our publications then serve as marketing tools that help our CCM Leaders deliver FREE online community workshops that teach Black voters how to access conservative politics that protect what they build.
The Felecia Killings Foundation, in compliance with regulations, functions as a for-profit organization that allows us the freedom to fulfill our God-given vision and mission. A significant portion of all profits covers salaries, research, publication fees, travel, online and offline outreach, and more. As a token of our appreciation for your financial support, you will receive new rewards as a Beloved Giver.
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All rights reserved. No part of this website, network, or blog may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.