You cannot build an authentic personal brand in business without being bold. If being a business blogger is on your agenda, you need to develop and share real opinions.

Don’t like making waves? Read on.

Have you noticed how polite and unassertive you are? You’re lovely and agreeable and don’t want to cause any offence. Perhaps it’s the ‘customer is always right’ belief that holds you back? Perhaps you’re trying hard not to look or sound too different from your competitors? Perhaps you’re a follower?

You may prefer not making waves, but if you don’t make at least a few waves, how will you build your own, unique reputation?

I do a lot of work with business owners who want to be the go-to person in their industry; they know they need to stand out from the crowd, but are afraid to take that stand.

I also read a lot of shy business bloggers who happily quote others and reference every idea they express. (A business owner asked me why editors weren’t publishing articles he was sending them. I asked to see the articles. They were all written by other people!)

People are very afraid to use their own true voice, and yet that’s the one thing everyone wants to hear.

Two exercises to help you ‘get your bold on’

Exercise one: Write an opinion-based piece

I want you to write about a topic that everyone in your industry has an opinion about. If you’re an architect it’s the high rise or housing development being touted for your city. If you’re an accountant it’s the latest ruling by the ATO. If you’re a clothing designer it’s the Winter Olympic uniforms. Get my drift?

Don’t hide behind what anyone else has said. Don’t reference anyone or anything, just share your own opinion.

Scared yet?

Want more articles like this? Check out the small business blogs section.

Exercise two: Write about something that fires you up

I want you to take a stand. I know it will feel like climbing a high ladder with a megaphone in your hand. But let’s give it a try. Here’s the brief – write 400 to 800 words about something that fires you up.

As with the above exercise, you’re not allowed to quote or reference anyone else. To make the tasks easier, write the article as though you’re writing a letter, because this is where we fully express ourselves and allow our true voice to flow.

Be bold. But be measured.

I’m not suggesting that you have a blurt and post online immediately. Practice using your bold voice weekly or fortnightly for a while. Think, write and speak about your new opinions. See how it feels and take notice of how people respond.

Being a bold business blogger can boost business

When you start sounding like an expert, some amazing things start to happen. First you’ll start feeling like an expert. Then, the people closest to you will see you as an expert, and then everyone else will catch on too. Eventually you become the ‘go-to’ person you always wanted to be.

Good luck being bold!

Do you think it’s worthwhile being a bold business blogger? Are you one? Or do you know of one?