My Venn Diagram for Building Authority

Let’s talk about something powerful that can radically shift the way you show up in your online business: Becoming an authority.

Now before your mind runs to “more followers” or “viral reels,” let me stop you right there. Building true authority as an online service-based business isn’t about how loud you can shout or how many likes you can get — it’s about your thought leadership and how you're impacting lives and growing your business from a place of service, connection, and conviction.

What Being an Authority Actually Means

Being an authority means being a thought leader that your audience trusts, learns from, and wants to be around.

• It doesn’t mean having the biggest audience.

• It’s not about posting 24/7.

• It doesn’t mean being a 6-figure globetrotting coach.

• It’s not about daily sales or flashy success posts.

• And it’s definitely not about dancing on Instagram for attention.

Being an authority means:

• Standing for something.

• Sharing a consistent, intentional message.

• Serving with heart.

• Connecting with your community.

• Being the reason someone feels seen, heard, and understood.

It's Not What You’re Doing — It’s How

You might be telling yourself, “But I am posting, Sam. I’m showing up!” And my loving nudge back to you is: Yes, but how are you showing up? When you scroll through your own content — are you inspired by it? Do you feel the fire, the energy, the message? Or are you ticking boxes and wondering why it’s not “working”? The how is just as crucial as the doing. It’s the conviction behind your words, the energy behind your presence, and the clarity behind your message that builds authority — not the number of posts you’ve scheduled this week.

My Venn Diagram for Building Authority

At a recent summit, I shared a Venn diagram that beautifully captures what building authority really looks like. Imagine three overlapping circles. And right in the centre? One word: Connect.

Here’s the breakdown of the three circles:

1. Audience Participation, Engagement & Conversation

This is all about how you’re inviting people into your world. Ask yourself:

• Are you asking questions that create conversations?

• Are you encouraging your audience to DM you?

• Are you building space for them to interact with you in the way they feel comfortable?

Reminder: Just because someone doesn’t comment doesn’t mean they’re not watching or engaging. People often reach out directly — and that still counts.

2. Purpose, Next Steps & Calls to Action

Every piece of content needs a reason to exist. It's not just about being visible — it's about leading your people somewhere. Think about:

• What's the purpose of this post?

• What next step am I giving them?

• What journey am I inviting them on?

Stop relying on algorithm hacks and start remembering buyer psychology. People need direction, purpose, and the emotional safety of a journey.

3. Invitations, Options & Offers

You cannot be the best-kept secret in your industry. If you’re not talking about your offers, your services, your transformation, or the way someone can work with you — how can they say yes? Ask yourself:

• Am I creating consistent opportunities for people to buy?

• Am I showcasing the transformations I help facilitate?

• Am I inviting future clients in — even if I’m not launching right now?

And please hear me: you can (and should!) still talk about your offers even when they’re not currently open.

Authority Is Built Through Connection

At the centre of all of this — connection. This is where the magic happens. Connection is what turns strangers into clients. It’s what turns casual followers into raving fans. It’s what allows your message to land, your offers to sell, and your presence to matter. You are the leader, the guide, the mentor. And when you lead with service and conviction — when you stay grounded in connection — you become the authority you were born to be.

My 8-week Sales Sprint experience kicks off June 2nd — designed for 5 women ready to sharpen their sales strategy, align their offers, and start locking in “where do I sign?” clients before Q4 hits.Want in? DM me “SPRINT” on Instagram or respond to this email to grab one of the final spaces and get your personal invite.