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Modeling Success is created to bridge the gap between talent and brand. Putting everything out on the table, addressing current situations and hot unspoken topics that are happening in the industry that need to change. We will address topics such as the models and brand's point of view on industry topics. As well as discussing success in the industry, what it is to be a model and what agencies and brands are looking for when seeking talent. Just because you get paid for pictures does not make you a model. A model is "a system or thing used as an example to follow or imitate". A model is someone or something one aspires to become, someone who works their butt off and is someone people can look up to. This podcast is here to assist Talent in learning pride and true tactics for success in the industry.
I, Rian Donatelli, will use my 25+ years experience within this industry to discuss all these topics and more through conversions and panels with other people in the industry from talent to brand executives to the venues and establishments that we are operating in. We are going to find some hard truths that need to be heard on all fronts.
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to another episode of modeling success. I'm your host, Ryan Donatelli, and it's been a minute. So happy to be back. There's been a lot of conversations that have come up recently about go to market strategy and avatar, and I want to discuss something that seems to be extremely overlooked, and that is truly identifying your avatar. In every brand and every activation and everything you're doing, this can relate back to personal skills in everyday life.
Speaker 1:So it boils down to active listening and what an avatar truly is. So first and foremost, let's discuss active listening, and it this is often underestimated. Yeah. It's so powerful because it can transform your personal and professional relationships. So this goes beyond just hearing.
Speaker 1:It's about actually noticing and understanding and then responding to what others are saying. So I think everyone can agree, like, in today's fast paced world, everyone's eager to speak and time is of the essence. And taking the time to actually and actively listen can set you apart and open doors and so many possibilities. People just don't see it because they're not paying attention. So don't get caught up in the busyness and be present so you can hear what other people are truly saying to you.
Speaker 1:What does their body language tell you? What is their demeanor, the vibe they're putting off? Like, where is this person coming from? And in order to understand what is happening right in front of you, you have to be actively listening to them, so be present. And then it's about identifying your avatar.
Speaker 1:So all brands, all companies, everyone who is running a business should have an avatar outline and several of them. This is your target market. This is your target consumer. This is your, you know, just your target of where you are going, towards your with your brand. So in the context of marketing and brand communication, an avatar refers to, like, a fictional representation or a profile of a brand's ideal customer.
Speaker 1:It lists out their target audience. This is a detailed yet semifictional character key listing the traits, the demographics, their interests, their behaviors, their challenges, and what the brand aims to connect with. So what are their pain points? What are their struggles? What where do they hang out?
Speaker 1:Where what what do they pay attention to? So if you're in the construction world and you know that Home Depot is a place that you can market, where else are these individuals? And, you know, you have drivers. Drivers are often at gas stations. So getting in front of this person because you know who they are, think, feel, and act allows you to have a targeted marketing approach where to put your brand because advertising on the pumps at the gas station could be something great if you are driving, you know, a vehicle that actually goes to the pumps, and that could be a great place and not so competitive as Home Depot.
Speaker 1:So thinking outside the box there, but you have to know what this person, this avatar that you're describing, this personality that you give it and you name it, now you can dive into who these people are so you know you can effectively market to them, build these meaningful connections, and be effective with your marketing. So it's a strategic tool that, you know, helps you identify your exact intended audience category by category, as many as you can come up with, and then you can tailor your messaging and products and services to meet these specific needs and preferences that these avatars have. So the importance of identifying your avatar is is huge. And whether you are a brand ambassador, an entrepreneur, like anyone striving for success, knowing your target audience is essential, and your avatar represents your ideal audience. So these individuals will resonate most with your message and your messaging.
Speaker 1:So understanding their needs, preferences, their behaviors, and having this secret weapon of this lookalike of them is effective for communication and engagement. So it starts with active listening and, you know, to 5, like, tips for active listening, I would say, is, you know, first and foremost, clear your mind of distractions. Put away your phone. Turn off you know, recently, I turned off all of my notifications unless it's a phone call so I can be present in you know, at my desk. And tabs on your computer, like, focus on the conversation that's truly in front of you.
Speaker 1:Always make eye contact would probably be number 2, using nonverbal cues to show that you're engaged and, you know, remembering to pause to consider what was just said versus just reacting. You know, respond, don't react. And number 3, I would say, when you're in front of your target avatar, think about where they're coming from, what their challenges are, their frustrations, likes, dislikes, identify their body language and their feelings and emotions that they're expressing. Actually pay attention to that. Number 4 would probably be consider their hobbies, their interests, and their everyday life and build that connection by understanding what they're into.
Speaker 1:And then, you know, number 5, build that connection. Think of avatar identification as creating a detailed profile of your ideal audience and what their interests and challenges and aspirations are. What are their behaviors, and where do they hang out personally? Are these people, you know, in everyday life fitness gurus? Are they at the gym?
Speaker 1:Do they go to yoga studios? Are they at Whole Foods and Sprouts? You know, the the example of the vegan lifestyle is a great something to think about and where they are hanging out. Like, online, they might be in vegan recipe groups. In person, they're in health food stores.
Speaker 1:They're at farmers markets potentially. And then you can tailor your messaging in these targeted demographics and resonate with their needs and provide solutions to their obstacles. So, you know, businesses soar because they solve a problem. So the better you understand them, the more effectively you can tailor your messaging and resonate with their needs. Whether you're in business or building personal relationships, this is all extremely valuable and can be used in both ways.
Speaker 1:So I want to leave you with this. If you can master the art of active listening and take the time to truly identify your avatar, This is like a compass for you just right towards success so you can foster meaningful connections and align your efforts with the needs of your audience, your family, your friends, whatever it may be. So just think about that and be present. And, you know, I'll leave you on that. Thank you for tuning in.
Speaker 1:Until next time. Keep modeling success in every aspect of your life, and we will see you on the other side.