StandOut Authority

Remember my 📘 book, "Balance is Bullsh*t"?  Yeah, well, that was 2020. Some things about LinkedIn have changed.    It's not just a digital resume anymore – it's a whole freakin' ecosystem ⛰️ . This month's Dopamine Dose newsletter is diving deep into the new LinkedIn landscape, showing you how to leverage this platform for real connection, authentic growth, and (let's be honest) some serious opportunities.    We're talking real-life stories, strategies that actually work, and insights from my own journey (which, let's just say, has gotten a whole lot more interesting since Ava arrived).    Think you know LinkedIn? Think again. Check out my Dopamine Dose edition below 👇   #DopamineDose #StandOutAuthority #LinkedIn #Leadership #ContentMarketing #ContentStrategy #ContentCreation

I don’t think I’ve met anyone who buys someone’s course or purchases a high value product from a brand they don’t know and trust. 🙅🏻♀️  Because it’s simple, really.  People won’t buy what you’re selling if they don’t know and trust you.  And you can’t build trust unless you’ve established a digital process for people to FIND you and know more about you through a human touch.  Trust is a key 🔑 element in B2B purchasing decisions. Business buyers tend to favor companies they view as dependable and trustworthy, but it’s challenging to build trust when 75% of people don’t want to take to a real human in their decision-making process. Here are 3 ways to establish trust in a digital led buying journey:  🟣 Publish high-quality content. Our StandOut Authority mantra, “Content isn‘t king anymore, QUALITY CONTENT IS QUEEN.” still holds true. You can’t build trust if people don’t know you exist, and for people to know you exist—you need to make your mark online.  To make your mark online, you need to add value, thought leadership content that authentically reflects who you are, what you know, and how you can help your audience through evidence.  🟣 Become a thought leader in your industry, no matter which position you hold at your company. According to LinkedIn, 60% of buyers say thought leadership builds credibility for brands that are entering new categories.     It’s not enough for you to publish content and become an influencer. You need to have a voice and speak your mind about things you’re truly passionate about. This will help pull people through the buying journey and talk to you when they’re ready to purchase.   🟣 Connect your marketing and sales teams' efforts. The B2B sales cycle is at least 6 months long or even more depending on the size of the purchase. If your marketing messaging is completely disconnected to what the sales team is talking about with current and potential customers, it’s not going to close deals and certainly will not create long-term value.   How do you build trust with your audience?  #b2b #marketing #leadership #b2bmarketing #b2bsales #standoutauthority  

Microsoft's recent decision to drop its observer seat on OpenAI's board has sent shockwaves throughout the tech world.  It's like the scene in the latest Marvel movie where Captain America's shield is about to take a huge hit. But in this case, the "shield" 🎯 is the regulatory scrutiny that big tech is facing.     Let's get real, Microsoft's pumped $13 billion into OpenAI, and they're seeing the progress they wanted. So, they're thinking, "Hey, we've got this, we're good to go." But regulators in the UK and US are freaking out, wondering if big tech is getting too much control. It's like the Wolf of Wall Street, but instead of just getting rich, they're getting powerful.    Now, AI is changing the game in marketing, but let's not forget the human touch. We can't let AI be the boss, or we'll end up like that one character in the movies trying to build a robot partner while neglecting the human connection. It's like, AI can crunch numbers, predict trends, and make our lives easier, but it's our creativity and intuition that make those connections genuine.    OpenAI's new approach is pretty cool. They're ditching the board observer role and going for a more collaborative approach. It's all about transparency and collaboration, no strings attached. For marketers, this is a wake-up call. We can use AI to boost our game, but we should never let it run the show. It's like having a superpower, but we still need to use it wisely.    So, what do you think about Microsoft's move? Is it a bold move, or are they just trying to get out of the way of the regulators? Share your thoughts, and let's keep the conversation going 💭 #ai #microsoft #marketing #artificialintelligence #standoutauthority #businessadvice  

Meet these four Longhorn business owners who are connected through the Longhorn Business Network. 🤘    Ouro, co-founded by Roy Sosa and Bertrand Sosa, is a global, vertically integrated financial services and technology company dedicated to the delivery of innovative financial empowerment solutions to consumers worldwide. Abilitie and CEO Bjorn Billhardt develop award-winning leadership development programs for rising leaders and executives in more than 50 countries. Abilitie is also a 2024 Longhorn 100 winner. StandOut Authority and co-owner Rachel B. Lee support high-powered business professionals to attract, engage, and convert their audience into customers through personal branding, content creation, and LinkedIn.     Freedom Day Solutions, founded by Ryan Krueger, is a financial advisory service focused on financial planning, investment management, and ongoing guidance.   The goal of the Longhorn Business Network is to amplify, connect, and celebrate Longhorn businesses. Join today → txex.us/JoinLBN 

Becoming a birthmamma (already a stepmamma) and running StandOut Authority with my hubby, Joshua B. Lee, has tested my limits in ways I never thought possible.    When I became a stepmother, it was a choice of unconditional love and devotion to Josh. I knew it would not be easy as a blended famiLEE but trusted that Josh was my soulmate and that the universe put me here to support Jayden and Skylar in a way I would understand later in life. Then when I wanted to have my own child, I struggled through IVF.  To be honest, I was rebirthing my career as an entrepreneur AND trying to create a child and that just isn’t possible. Trust me ladies.  Through cancelled IVF transfers and challenges as a blended family, I shared my vulnerable moments that allowed me to connect with others on a deep emotional level. Authenticity has become the guiding principle of my personal and professional brand, and the more I stay true to myself, the more opportunities come my way.    I've learned to prioritize, adapt, and pivot. I've discovered that when my work aligns with my purpose, even the toughest days are worth it 💫 The journey of being a mom and an entrepreneur is one of resilience and surrender, and it's incredibly rewarding despite heart wrenching challenges. To all the incredible women navigating the complexities of career and family, know that you are not alone. Your story is powerful, and I want to hear it. Here's the truth: it's okay to focus on different parts of your life at different times 💥 Don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't be too proud to prioritize your own well-being.    So, what's your story? How do you integrate the demands of work and family life?    #motherhood #womeninbusiness #entrepreneurship #standoutauthority #careeradvice  

I'm always learning and hustling, and I've come to realize that the people around me can either propel me forward or hold me back.  Think about it - you become like the 5 people you spend the most time with. Does that make you proud or uneasy 💥    As I look back on my life, I used to think I had a tight-knit circle, but I realized they weren't really pushing me to be my best self. I had to cut ties and surround myself with people who share my vision and goals. You know the saying: "We become a product of our environment." And it's true.  When I surround myself with people who prioritize their health, I start to prioritize mine too. Same with positivity and focus. So, take stock of the people around you. Are they lifting you up or holding you back?    As a CEO, leader, or entrepreneur, you have the power to choose who you spend your time and energy on. 📢 Don't settle for energy vampires who don't want to see you succeed. Cut those ties and surround yourself with people who are on their game and push you to be more.    Remember, being the best version of yourself attracts supportive, success-minded people into your life. Don't be afraid to make tough decisions and prioritize your own success. You got this! So, which is it? Proud or Uneasy? 💡    #leadership #mindset #success #standoutauthority #entrepreneur  

Watch our #BOLDTalks [video] series with Joshua B. Lee at StandOut Authority our own Epi Ludvik at Crowdsourcing Week. All Things Marketing, Growth and Brand Innovation... 🔗 📽️ https://lnkd.in/g5U5-MGM #beBOLD #BOLDAwards #innovation #digital #marketing #brand #voice #relationship #linkedin

Nobody else is you. So why try to be anybody else?? 💫  According to a Gartner survey, 90% of HR leaders believe that being a HUMAN leader is super crucial in today's work environment yet only 29% of employees actually feel like their leader is a real human being.     WTF right?     It's all about connecting with your team on a deeper level and showing that you care. It’s about being truly authentic and embracing your true self, imperfections and all. It's about being vulnerable, sharing your real story, and owning your unique perspective.     When you're authentic, you attract like-minded individuals who appreciate your genuineness and want to collaborate with you. In the business world, authenticity is a superpower. It's what sets you apart from the competition and creates meaningful connections that propel your career forward, especially if you want to move up into leadership. People want to work with, hire, and follow leaders who show up as their authentic selves, online and offline.     At StandOut Authority, we've made it a core value. When we hire new team members, we're not just looking for skills; we're looking for authenticity, integrity, and a willingness to be vulnerable. It's what makes our team unstoppable.     As you navigate your career journey, don't be afraid to be yourself – quirks and all. Your authenticity is what will transform your professional life.    What does authenticity mean to you in your career? Share your thoughts below 🔽  #branding #careeradvice #leadership #personalbranding #standoutauthority