“I know it when I see it.”
In 1964, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart said this in a case that sought a ruling on whether a Louis Malle film was obscene.
His opinion was that all obscenity was constitutionally protected except for hard core pornography.
The problem, he admitted, was that it was too difficult to even attempt to define this kind of obscenity. All he could say for sure was, “I know it when I see it.”
Okay now that I have your attention, let me tell you how this ties it to today’s email about attention.
Last week I shared the minimalist biz framework for becoming a fulfilled kickass entrepreneur with an uncomplicated and profitable business.
One of the essential components of the framework is getting quality attention. When you aim for quality attention, you can build an audience filled with right-for-you people.
But how do you define quality?
While obscenity and hard core pornography are weighty and controversial concepts, they highlight just how difficult it is to agree on the meaning of words when applied to real life and subjective experience.
For most of us, when it comes to quality, we know it when we see (or feel) it.
Of course, how we feel or perceive something depends on context.
In the context of building an audience as a solo entrepreneur, quality is influenced by 3 key factors for the people who care about what you do.
3 Key Factors in Getting Quality Attention From People Who Care About What You Do
1) You share the same values.
There are many skilled and effective entrepreneurs doing what you do and using similar strategies and tactics. But what matters most is how you apply the tactics and strategies you do use.
Your approach is informed by your values.
While one coach might emphasize faking it until you make it, another might advocate for radical transparency.
When you live by your values, your work will reflect that.
And you’ll get the attention of those who feel this.
2) You share similar beliefs.
Up until a few months ago, I thought I should work with people to simplify their messy businesses.
But I discovered that while many of them loved the idea of simplifying, they didn’t believe it was going to work for them. They believe that being busy is necessary to succeed.
Getting quality attention does not involve having to convince someone of the foundational beliefs of your approach. They’re already there with you.
3) Your style, your vibe, your way of thinking resonate.
We aren’t all attracted to the same things. And something about you and your approach will appeal to some people and not others.
Have you ever stopped listening to an audiobook or podcast because you couldn’t stand how someone talked? Or how much they name-dropped? Yeah, me too.
Being as fully yourself as you can be (in a way that feels okay online) will filter out people who don’t like your style. That’s a good thing and it elevates the quality of your audience.
So other than being yourself and being clear on your values and beliefs, what can you do to get quality attention online?
Next week, I’ll share 5 (maybe) surprising ways you can amp up the quality of the attention you get so you can build an audience of people who would love to work with you.