The Law of Recognizable Credits

While browsing in your local bookstore, a title catches your eye. You're intrigued by the blurb inside the cover, so what do you do next? If you're like me, you'll flip the book over and check out the reviews. If the praise comes from respected sources, you may well find yourself at the checkout, book in hand.

As social beings, we can't help but be influenced by the views of others. The same goes for your prospective clients. Being able to show them that your work of art, product or service has won recognition instantly boosts its value.

Dawn Chiang (in photo), an award-winning Broadway lighting designer and member of one of my Mastermind Groups, coined the term The Law of Recognizable Credits to describe the power of endorsement. I first experienced this law in action when my work was selected for a White House event at the beginning of my career. It was an honor and I was thrilled, but the public recognition I received far outweighed the art involved and the event itself.

Building credibility can seem challenging to a business-owner new to the market, which is why I coach my Mastermind Group members to seek out recognizable credentials. It's incredible how raising the bar, setting time lines and providing support, so often leads to powerful results.

Textile artist and coaching client, Liz Alpert Fay (http://lizalpertfay.com/ ) recently upped her credibility quotient when she was awarded a grant from the Artist Fellowship Program. She modestly reported:

"It's so amazing to think that a group of people would give me money to continue doing what I love," Liz said recently. "It makes me feel like what I'm doing is valid, and all I had to do was complete some paperwork in return."

Painter Mary Quinlan also enjoyed a boost of recognition, as well as a shot of self-validation, when she was one of 41 fine artists handpicked from a field of 1,077 entrants to exhibit at a prestigious art show.

Writer Victoria Cummings, another Mastermind group member, was inundated with Internet buzz when she received a recognizable thumbs-up. Her online blog (http://vict oriacummings.blogspot.com/) was recommended by Google as a "Blog of Note," and she watched in awe as her average count of 30 visitors a day shot up to 900 in two hours.

To discover how the Law of Recognizable Credits will boost the perception of your enterprise, explore these simple steps:

• Decide which credential, validation or recognition will help you grow in your business/ life
• Research ways to attain that credit
• Request an application and complete it
• Photograph your work and submit it
• Enroll for certification relevant to your field
• Sign up for a class that will give you that missing piece

Obtaining just one or two recognizable credits can have a huge impact on your career. So go ahead, make it easy for prospective clients to select your business with confidence.