Get Their Attention: Your Power is in Your First Four Words. Attention is a precious commodity and the key to success. Whether you're posting on social media, writing email newsletters, or engaging in everyday conversations, those first few words are crucial. They dictate whether someone will stop and listen or scroll right past. If you aren’t capturing their attention from the start, you might be unintentionally telling people to look past you, missing out on valuable opportunities to connect, engage, or share your message.
Mastering the art of grabbing attention is a skill you can learn. John Jay Wiley and other thought leaders regularly share these principles in the "Breakfast with Champions" rooms on the Clubhouse app. Every Monday at 7 AM Eastern, you can join these conversations and gain valuable insights into how to make your message stand out.
For even more in-depth strategies, explore "Facebook Success with John Jay Wiley" on Patreon. This platform offers a wealth of free information and step-by-step guidance on expanding your reach and mastering social media messaging, available for just $9 a month.
The First Four Words: Why They Matter
The formula is simple: when promoting yourself, your products, services, or talents, the first four words must spark curiosity. They serve as the gateway to your offering—hooking your audience and inviting them to learn more. If you fail to catch their interest immediately, they move on, and your potential impact is lost.
It’s essential to remember—it’s not about you, it’s about them. People are naturally focused on their own needs, schedules, and priorities. It’s not that they’re ignoring you on purpose; they’re just busy. If your first four words don’t show them what’s in it for them, they’ll likely never take the time to explore what you have to offer.
Are You Playing Small?
Many of us unintentionally play small. This can mean downplaying our potential, avoiding risks, or hesitating to step into leadership roles. Often, it’s rooted in fear—fear of failure, judgment, or feeling inadequate. By playing small, you shrink back from opportunities and may go unnoticed, even when you have much to offer.
But here’s the thing: this message may not be intentional. You might not realize that your actions and choices are signaling to others that you don’t want to be seen. When you play small, you’re sending a subtle yet powerful message: “I’m not ready,” or “I don’t want attention,” even if that’s far from the truth. Are you inadvertently causing people to pass by your talents and potential?
Bold Leaders, Humble Messengers
Many of history’s greatest leaders balanced humility with boldness, ensuring their message was heard without making it about themselves. They focused on the causes they believed in and used their platform for something larger than personal gain.
1. Mahatma Gandhi:
Known for his simplicity and humility, Gandhi’s message of nonviolent resistance was powerful and clear. He wasn’t promoting himself—he was advocating for justice and freedom for his people.
2. Nelson Mandela:
Even after rising to international fame, Mandela remained humble. His unwavering message of equality and reconciliation helped heal a divided South Africa.
3. Mother Teresa:
Mother Teresa’s message of compassion and care echoed around the world, but she consistently avoided the spotlight. Her work wasn’t about her—it was about helping those in need.
4. Abraham Lincoln:
Lincoln was humble enough to acknowledge his mistakes, but he never wavered in his mission to preserve the Union and end slavery. His humility made him relatable, while his steadfast leadership made him unforgettable.
The Balance Between Humility and Boldness
These leaders exemplified the power of humility without shrinking back from attention. They used their voices to elevate a message bigger than themselves. When you think about your own message—whether personal or professional—ask yourself: are you being humble, or are you hiding behind humility to avoid stepping into your full potential? Humility doesn’t mean staying silent—it means focusing on the value you bring rather than on self-promotion.
Talk About the Value of What You Do
The key to grabbing attention is shifting the focus to the value of what you offer. People are drawn to solutions, ideas, and insights that help them—things that enhance their lives or solve their problems. If you make it about them, they’ll listen. If you focus on how great you are, they won’t.
By talking about what you do and how it benefits others, you’ll build trust and engagement. It’s not about promoting yourself; it’s about showcasing what you can help people achieve. This approach allows your audience to connect with you and your message on a deeper level.
Learn the Secrets to Attention-Grabbing Messaging
John Jay Wiley and others regularly share these principles in the "Breakfast with Champions" rooms on the Clubhouse app. Every Monday at 7 AM Eastern, you can join John in these conversations and gain valuable insights into how to make your message stand out.
Be sure to explore "Facebook Success with John Jay Wiley" on Patreon. This platform offers a wealth of free information and step-by-step guidance on expanding your reach and mastering social media messaging, available for just $9 a month.
Final Thought: Stay Humble, But Get Their Attention
Humility doesn’t mean fading into the background. It means confidently sharing the value of what you do while helping others achieve their goals. By using the right words to capture attention, you allow your message to resonate—ultimately making the impact you’re capable of.
In the end, it’s about balance: stay humble, but be bold enough to make your message heard.
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