Pro wrestling is often dismissed as pure theatrics, but beneath the spectacle lies a shrewd marketing strategy that can be applied to freelancers looking to build a magnetic personal brand. Wrestlers create larger-than-life characters and stick to those personas both in and out of the ring, a tactic known as Kayfabe. This consistency in character helps wrestlers maintain the illusion and storyline, even when they are not performing.
In today’s crowded freelance market, standing out is essential. With 1.57 billion freelancers worldwide and 64 million in the US alone, competition is fierce. Just like wrestlers, freelancers can create compelling online and offline personas that highlight their strengths and resonate with their target clients. By accentuating what makes them unique and consistently maintaining this persona across all platforms, freelancers can attract amazing clients.
One example of a freelancer who has successfully built a personal brand is Sarah Townsend, a copywriter and author known for her obsession with good grammar and spelling. By incorporating this passion into her freelancer persona, Sarah has attracted clients and gained recognition for her work. Another example is Sam Laliberte, a digital nomad and host of the Freedom Lifestyle podcast, who shares her journey and expertise to empower others in the freelance world.
Freelancers can adopt different personas based on their strengths and skills. The Boffin is an expert in their field who positions themselves as an authority and shares their knowledge through various channels. The Fixer is a problem-solver who consistently delivers results and builds long-term relationships with clients. The Grafter is organized and reliable, delivering projects on time and within budget. The Creative Spark is innovative and original, bringing fresh ideas to every project.
To discover their ideal freelance client, freelancers can create a dream profile of a client and work from there. By identifying the type of clients they want to work with and focusing on their strengths and long-term goals, freelancers can shape their freelance persona to attract the right clients. Resources like Comparably and Glassdoor can help freelancers research potential clients and industries.
In conclusion, freelancers can learn valuable lessons from the world of pro wrestling when it comes to building a personal brand. By creating a compelling persona, highlighting their strengths, and consistently maintaining their online presence, freelancers can attract amazing clients and stand out in a competitive market.