I love the promise and potential of that word wayfinding. January is International Wayfinding Month. Wayfinding refers to the principles of signs, maps, and other indicators to help users easily navigate an area. Do you like to hike and explore different parks? Or does your comfort level of wayfinding focus on finding the nearest restroom and the shortest distance to the food court? Even if your navigating skills excel as you stand at a map at the mall trying to figure out which level your car is parked on, you know about wayfinding.
Traditionally wayfinding has tangible reference materials. Physical signs get us from place to place, direct us to the right road, find the appropriate train track, and point us to the correct gate at the airport.
Let's consider how wayfinding applies to business. As business owners, it's up to you to create the systems to communicate and connect with your clients and customers. You have a variety of physical means available to stay visible (blog posts, articles, and social media to name a few) to your clients and customer; you make it a simple choice for them to choose you as you inform, educate and inspire.
Now let's consider the subtle wayfinding strategy you have at your disposal. And what do you think I mean by your subtle plan? Your transformational story, of course! It's at the heart of all your messaging and the essence of all of your communication. When you share those pieces of who you are and why you do what you do, your knowledge and expertise, your audience transforms from readers into clients. For instance, my path to becoming Your Writing Mentor began long ago when I sought help writing my book, and I realized how crucial it is to have someone cheering you on as you transition from longing to write to becoming a published author. I map “signposts” were journal entries that chronicled the many life experiences that changed the trajectory of my story. I started my journey in a very small town in Middle America. I had a dream of traveling and writing, yet I had no idea how to accomplish either dream. Now six decades later, I've done quite a bit of traveling and am proud to say I'm internationally published. All because I was willing to be vulnerable and transparent in sharing my life's experiences. And in doing so, I shared hope and inspiration with my readers.
The act of writing is a solitary business. The art of writing is a collaboration among the writer, the intention of the piece, and the reader. I intimately understand how writing is a fantastic accomplishment, and at the same time, it is a daunting task. It takes commitment and passion for being a writer. I believe that when you keep on your writing journey, you will know that your story matters because you've had the impact that you are designed to have.
Your wayfinding business strategy to consistently sharing your transformational story keeps readers finding their way back to you.
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