Client Spotlight: N. Chloé Nwangwu, the brand scientist, is a former international conflict mediator and the founder of NobiWorks, where she partners with underrecognized brands, leveraging science to ensure they are impossible to ignore. A graduate of Pathway to Publication, she recently published Why We Should Stop Saying "Underrepresented" in Harvard Business Review.

Good morning, ,

One of the things I shared at last week's Pitched to Published event is that your BIG idea — your bold, insightful, and galvanizing idea — is the foundation upon which you build your business and reputation.

That's a bold statement.

It's also true.

You started your business to help your clients change their mindset, thinking, or behavior. You started your business so you could make a difference.

The future you envision for your clients is at the heart of your BIG idea.

Your BIG idea doesn't have to be new.

It doesn't have to call everything we hold dear into question.

It doesn't have to be provocative.

Small ideas can be BIG. (Indeed, they usually are.)

So, what is required of your BIG idea?

Your BIG idea needs to be bold.

It needs to clearly state your position in favor of a particular outcome. Achieving that outcome may require your clients to dismantle something, but destruction is insufficient; transformation requires a creative act.

Your BIG idea needs to be insightful.

It needs to be based on your understanding of the transformation you want for your clients, the barriers they will encounter, and how you can guide them.

Your BIG idea needs to be galvanizing.

It needs to inspire your clients to take action, even when it's uncomfortable.

So, what is your BIG idea? What do you most want for your clients?

I'd love to hear your response to these questions. (Just reply to this email or join the conversation on LinkedIn!)

Oh, and it doesn't have to be perfectly stated or wordsmithed.

It just needs to be honest.

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"What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it."

~ Maya Angelou, Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now

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Join the Conversation

What is the BIG idea at the heart of your business?

In this LinkedIn post, I share a simple question you can ask yourself to help you clarify your BIG idea. I also share an example from the oh-so-brilliant Chloé Nwangwu. And in the comments, I share an exercise I encourage people to try if they feel a little stuck. Join the conversation.

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Recommended Resource

Intellectual Property Inventory

You already have a body of work, but is everything in your body of work directly related to your BIG idea? Or does it wander a bit? To find out, conduct an inventory of your intellectual property, including articles and social media posts. Start with the last three months, going back further if warranted. Get your copy.

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Featured Appearance

Podcast: Smashing the Plateau

I recently joined David Shriner-Cahn on his podcast, Smashing the Plateau, where we talked about my transition from the practice of law to writing, the role mentors have played in my life, the importance of community, and overcoming doubt and learning to trust myself (a work in progress). Take a listen!

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Upcoming Events

Pitched to Published™ 

Interested in learning how to pitch, write, and publish articles for industry trade journals and high-visibility publications? Join me Wednesday, April 10, at 11:55 AM Eastern for a free mini-training on selecting the right publication to pitch, followed by a Q+A. Register here.

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That's all for now.

The next cohort of my small group program gets underway next month. You'll be hearing more about it soon, but if you'd like to talk about whether that program is the right next step for you, book a call. 

Take good care,

P.S. Are you looking for a guest expert? I'd love to share my SILVA Method with your community. Interested? Reply to this email, and let's talk!