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    • Sep 4
    • 7 min read

Finding Your Unique Marketing Message Through The 3-Word Rebellion Approach

In this article, we're diving into the fascinating world of crafting a powerful three word rebellion. Dr. Michelle Mazur, founder of Communication Rebel and author of "The 3-Word Rebellion," has developed a process to help experts effectively communicate their message and attract clients. Join us as we explore the steps to distilling your ideas into a concise and impactful three-word statement that resonates with your audience.


"My job is to translate their expertise into a message that moves people to wanting to work with them and also into a marketing strategy that helps them do less but better." - Dr. Michelle Mazur

 

**This was also a podcast episode (episode #206. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message.


 

Tapping Into Your Uniqueness As An Entrepreneur


Like many of us, the realization of our unique talents and strengths often comes through a process of self-reflection, coaching, and personal development. Dr. Mazur speaks of her own journey, acknowledging the imaginary nemesis, Donald Miller, who once made her feel inadequate in the messaging world. However, she emerged from this self-doubt by recognizing her own expertise and the need for a different approach.


"I started seeing that and seeing how I was different and how we could both coexist, it really helped me start owning what I'm great at and not apologizing for it." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


"I definitely walked through the muddy waters for quite a long time, and now I just feel very grounded and rooted in my power and the quality of the work that I do. So it's easier just to show up as myself because I believe in what I'm saying and what I'm doing. So it makes advocating for my work so much easier." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


"It's a process. It's also a lot of trial and error, and you kind of have to kiss some frogs in order to find out who you want to work with." - Dr. Michelle Mazur



Unlocking the Power of Your Marketing Messaging


One of the challenges experts face is effectively marketing their expertise. They often get caught up in the nitty-gritty details of how they do their work rather than focusing on the benefits it provides to others. Dr. Mazur highlights the importance of finding a way to express your work in a way that resonates with potential clients and encourages action. Enter the concept of the three word rebellion.


Image of two women talking


The Birth of the 3-Word Rebellion As A Marketing Framework


"The three word rebellion is all about creating a one of a kind message that really captures your right clients attention, makes them want to know more, kind of provokes that curiosity a bit, and draws them into your world so that you can have a business that is bigger than you and really a movement." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


In 2016, while working with speakers in the industry, Dr. Mazur noticed a pattern - successful entrepreneurs and social movements often had a succinct message that captured attention and rallied people together. Through a series of exercises, she realized the potential impact of this framework. Thus, the concept of the three word rebellion was born, with a focus on helping clients effectively communicate and explain their message to others.


"The message was like planting a flag for people to come gather around for people to talk about." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


"Creating this framework was a process too. What I've realized is you just have to go with the flow of that messy middle of not knowing when you're creating something new, because there's always this point where you're like, I can't see this thing yet, but I know it wants to be something." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


Crafting Your 3-Word Rebellion


Now, let's get to the heart of the matter - crafting your own three word rebellion. Dr. Mazur provides a step-by-step process that begins with identifying what you're rebelling against and the injustices you see. These prompts can be applied to both personal and business situations, allowing you to tap into your passions and beliefs. The second set of prompts revolves around envisioning the kind of world you want to live in, focusing on the desired change and impact.


"You can't get to your three word rebellion if you don't do the work. So that's why I was like, you've got to write in this book, because otherwise you can't even get close to the result because you can't think your way into a three word rebellion. We're way too up in our heads about our message most of the time, and it really doesn't come together until we can get it out of ourselves. So that's why I was like, you must write in this book." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


"I give like six different writing prompts and I group them in two ways. So the first group of prompts are all about what are you rebelling against? In fact, that's one of the prompts, like, just thinking about the things that tick you off, make you roll your eyes, the injustices that you see." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


As you go through the prompts, make sure to jot down any key themes or phrases that resonate with you. These may include powerful action verbs and words that capture the essence of your message. Building a word bank will help you gain clarity and refine your three word rebellion.


The next step is walking away from what you've written down for a few day so you can come back to it with fresh eyes. From there you distill your answers into the 3-Words that fit what you're trying to convey.


Another option you can take if you find yourself stuck with this process is looking back at the content you've already created. Dr. Mazur mentions that you're already trying to share this message but you probably don't even notice it yet.


"Your three word rebellion already exists. It's in things that you've been saying over and over again. It's just probably buried and probably needs to be packaged up and shined up a little bit." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


The Three Types of 3-Word Rebellions

Dr. Mazur shares that there are three main types of three word rebellions: battle cry, naming change or change agent, and declaration or mantra. The battle cry style focuses on starting with your "why" and using strong action words. The naming change or change agent style revolves around naming and identifying the change you want to bring. Lastly, the declaration or mantra style emphasizes affirmation and providing clients with a memorable statement.


  1. The Battle Cry (ex: Start With Why)

  2. Name Your Change (ex: Five Second Rule)

  3. The Declaration or Mantra (ex: Everything Is Figureoutable)


"There are three different types of three word rebellions. So there is the battle cry, which is kind of your Start With Why message. So it starts with a verb, has a strong action after it.


Then there's also the one that's a little bit more abstract, but it's about naming your change or your change agent. So this would be like a three word rebellion or a Five Second Rule.


And then the final one is the declaration or mantra where you're just like, Everything Is Figureoutable." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


Change Is Going To Happen & Your Marketing Messaging Will Too

Many driven entrepreneurs focus on getting the words "right" when it comes to marketing messaging but it's important to remember that this is a process. It's impossible to have everything figured out when you're trying to discover what type of business you want, who you enjoy working with, and what you want to stand for as an entrepreneur. Give yourself time and the ability to evolve in your business.


"I always tell my clients, you want to build the foundation and then tweak and evolve because you change and your clients change." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


"There's no 'right'. There's just clearer, more persuasive, more compelling, more curiosity, provoking, more compassionate and empathetic towards your clients. There's not just like, this right destination. It's always growing and evolving." - Dr. Michelle Mazur


Take Away Message / Action

Now it's time to craft your very own 3-word rebellion! You can give it a shot by listening to this episode and Dr. Michelle's podcast too or you can make it even easier by purchasing a copy of her book The 3-Word Rebellion. You won't be disappointed! You can find it on Amazon, Bookshop and other places books are sold.


Crafting your own three word rebellion is a powerful step towards effectively communicating your message and attracting your ideal clients. Dr. Michelle Mazur's expertise and the 3-Word Rebellion process provide a roadmap to guide you on this journey. Remember to walk away from your work for a few days, come back with fresh eyes, and identify the themes and important phrases that resonate with your message. So, go ahead - unleash your three word rebellion and make a lasting impact in your industry!


Until next time give yourself permission to rebel and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon!


About Dr. Michelle Mazur:

Dr. Michelle Mazur works with brilliant business owners who are shaking things up...but having trouble talking about it. She combines the tools of successful social movements with the qualitative research skills she earned in her communications PhD to help them craft their powerful, captivating message. The author of 3 books (including the newly-updated 3 Word Rebellion) and featured in Fast Company, Entrepreneur and Inc., she knows that speaking about what you do in a clear and captivating way is the key to reaching the people you could help the most.


Michelle's Resources:


Other Resources Mentioned:



Ep. 206: Crafting Your 3-Word Rebellion with Dr. Michelle Mazur

"The three word rebellion is all about creating a one of a kind message that really captures your right clients attention, makes them want to know more, kind of provokes that curiosity a bit, and draws them into your world so that you can have a business that is bigger than you and really a movement."


- Dr. Michelle Mazur








 


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In my book: Why Not You? An Accidental Entrepreneur's Guide To Success, you create your Y.O.U. Promise which becomes your guide to building the business of your dreams...not your nightmares.






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