You know how entrepreneurs talk about location, location, and location being the difference maker between having a successful business and a big old failure? Well…that same concept applies to each and every woman in the female muscle industry. But instead of location, location, location, it’s more like promotion, promotion, promotion. You’re probably going, “What in the hell is this dumbass talking about?” I’m talking about selling yourself to the masses (NO…THIS DOES NOT MEAN DOING AN ESCORT SERVICE OR HAVING A ONE NIGHT STAND FOR A FEW BUCKS!). I’m referring to making your own “brand”; setting yourself apart from the typical standard of a particular category. Female bodybuilders flex on and off the stage, fitness competitors have high-energy routines and built physiques, and figure competitors have healthy, athletic looking bodies with well-done make-up and hair. But…what makes certain others “better” that the rest? Not much, except they have perfected the art of promotion. Monica Brant and Timea Majorova are two of the most popular competitors in the world, not just by their physiques alone, but by how they were able to market themselves. Don’t believe me? I’ll point out some of the elite and tell you what they have such big fanbases:
Julie-Shipley Childs has a huge fanbase due to her days competing at the Fitness America Pageant when they were shown on ESPN back in the day (when they actually had more things to watch other then Sportscenter). Yes, female muscle has a regular place on television, but Not only that, but she decided to elevate her game and compete in the NPC, which wasn’t long as she earned her pro card and has become a member of the fitness elite ever since. Another one that have followed the TV competition path is Kim Lyons, who went on to become a top celebrity personality as a trainer on NBC's hit show, The Biggest Loser.
World Wrestling Entertainment was the platform for fitness models/champions Joanie Laurer (Chyna), Trish Stratus, Torrie Wilson, and Lisa Marie Varon (Victoria). All four of these ladies have went on to become household names and have been instrumental in showing women that you don’t have to be a size negative 10 to be attractive. Both Chyna and Torrie have among the highest selling Playboy magazines by WWE Divas in history…while the issues that had the cookie-cutter types have been duds compared to the Ninth Wonder of the World and the self-proclaimed Covergirl. Victoria has been regarded as one of the toughest and most respected Divas in the world by many fans. And don’t even get me started on Trish Stratus. Long story short, this is her world, and we’re just living in it.
Jennifer Gates has become arguably one of the top figure competitors today, and her rookie year was nothing short of legendary. But among her first exposures was paysites like FTVideo, HerBiceps, Femflex, and TomNine. That was when I first saw her. Needless to say, she became a major fan favorite and one of IFBB’s top figure pros after that. Paysites are great if you know where to go and who to trust. Ask around in order to find the best ones out there.
Recently, the world of politics got a touch of female muscle as Collete Nelson made a huge splash in 2008 when she campaigned for the McCain campaign, as she portrayed a She-Hulk for McCain, rivaling Obama Girl.
I can tell you other things that others have done to make names for them, some that are very innovative, and some…well, less that ideal, but that would take way too long. Bottom line, you can compete and compete and compete, but to make a name for yourself you must be able to become a brand. Experiment with all the options out there (as well as create and find your own promotional tool) and find out what works best for you, and then…tell the world, “Ready or not, here I come!”
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