Whether you're an entrepreneur trying to sell more products or a consultant hoping to sell more services, the very best thing you can do right now is to increase your Discoverability Quotient (DQ). This is the percentage of times someone is looking for a person with exactly the skills, expertise, product or service you offer and they land on YOU rather than your competitor.  

Since the Kauffman Foundation estimates that 514,000 new companies are started in the US every month, getting heard above the noise is more important than ever. So how do you make yourself more discoverable? How do you ensure that you are top of mind at just the right moment? Here are seven things you can do this month - or even today - to increase your DQ. 

1. Create a Snappy Signature Line

No matter which email system you use, it's easy to add some details beyond your name to your standard email signature line. Add links to your blog, product page, LinkedIn profile or Twitter feed. Include a customer testimonial, a pithy quote or details about an upcoming event where you'll be featured. Update the links frequently.

2. Get a Hollywood Headshot

Most people are highly visual and a great headshot is worth every penny. Add it to your social media profiles and company website. If you're blogging or writing an article or OpEd, include that same headshot everywhere. People will start to recognize and remember you.

3. Create and Practice a Short Intro

Do you have one well-practiced line or phrase you can say that introduces you and clarifies your target market? A line that is intriguing but not overwhelming? Take the time to write and then refine one with the feedback of others. If it’s easy to repeat, you’ll make it all the more likely people will remember it when they introduce you to others at cocktail events or networking venues. 

4. Assure Company-Wide Consistency

Have you ever listened in when members of your team are explaining what your company does? Is there a consistency to the message and is everyone well-practiced in their pitch? This is worth spending a company meeting discussing - but make it fun by giving a prize to the person with the best pitch. 

5. Angle for Awards

Almost every industry or community has awards. Check your trade association website, industry magazine or city’s website for deadlines and get your nomination in. Either nominate yourself or trade nominations with another (non-competitive) business. Award events are often great networking events with press in attendance so don't sit that out when you win.

6. Ask a Great Question

Next time you attend an industry event, be the first in line with an interesting question that showcases your ideas or expertise. Start by introducing yourself with your short intro (see #3) and then mention one idea or concern you have about where you think the industry is headed and ask for the speaker’s or panelists' response. Be sure to stick to the topic of the program and make it short! Then stay around for the networking so attendees have a chance to approach you to discuss your ideas.

7. Convene Your Competitors

This may sound counter-intuitive, but there are often reasons to pursue a co-opetition (cooperative competition) versus a competition model in your industry. Businesses can do a better job serving their customers and move their industry forward if they learn from each other and share ideas. Be the one that convenes a roundtable discussion on a challenge you are all facing – regulatory, legislative or a developing national trend that may not be in your favor. This will put you front and center as the one to watch and may also lead to partnering opportunities and referral business.

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