Hard work, determination and a lot of self control can get you up on the stage, but in order to win, you need to stand out from the competition. Whether it's an amazing posing suit or your glowing femininity, you need to make sure you bring something unique to the table.
If you play your cards correctly along the way, you may be able to go from amateur figure competitor to famous fitness model, just as so many other women have. The key to doing that, though, is to "build your own brand."
But, what exactly does that mean? Just as any company establishes an image that it becomes permanently associated with, you want to give yourself a personality that judges and fans can't forget - that personality is your brand.
Establish your brand at competitions
No one likes a poor sport, and it's likely that you're not always going to come out on top. Whether it's your first competition or your fiftieth, make sure you treat the other girls with respect and always be friendly. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but if you want to make yourself a well-known figure in the industry, people need to be rooting for you.
Next, it's crucial that you know what you're talking about. If someone asks you why you choose certain figure competition supplements over others, make sure you can give them a firm answer. You need to actually sound like an expert in women's fitness and figure competition training if you want to be taken seriously.
Perhaps the most important factor you need to pay attention to is your look. A smile and good conversation will certainly get people to like you, but if you want them to remember you, you need to have your own, unique style.
From your competition shoes to your rhinestone jewelry, you should look like the superstar you want to be. You've worked tirelessly to shape your body perfectly, so don't spoil all of your training by wearing a dull figure suit or bikini. It can't be just any posing suit though, you need to make sure that it's an outfit that you can be identified by.
Finally, make sure you really dive into the industry. Don't just be a regular at one competition every year - expand your horizons and try your luck in various federations and contests. This is critical for keeping a fresh image and networking with other important figures at fitness competitions.
Keep your brand alive even when you aren't on stage
When you leave the arena or auditorium, don't just put away your competition jewelry, head straight for the gym and disappear from the world until the next contest. If you want to make sure that people associate you with the industry permanently, associate yourself with the industry as much as possible.
One of the best ways to do this is to create a huge online presence. Be active in women's fitness forums, and definitely start a blog. If you can produce engaging, informative and fun content on your blog, women - both pro and amateur - will start to recognize you as an authority.
Create a Facebook page that's all about you as a competitor (not for just your friends) and a Twitter account to promote your blog and share quick thoughts and bits of information that you find interesting or valuable. That, of course, is also great for developing your public identity.
Lastly, take some time to get out of the weight room and volunteer. Not only are you obviously doing a good thing for others, you're also showing people that you have a good heart.
Once you've established your brand and have fans from all over rooting for your success, going from figure and bikini competitions to fitness magazine cover model will be a lot more realistic than you ever imagined.
