#14: The Authority Positioning System

July 16, 2025

✅ Kickoff

"Everyone in my industry sounds the same. How do I stand out and command premium prices without being sleazy or fake?"

The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make: trying to appeal to everyone and ending up invisible to everyone. Generic positioning gets generic results.

Today I'm sharing the exact authority framework that helped a generic "business consultant" become THE go-to expert for SaaS customer retention, increasing her rates from $150/hour to $500/hour in 6 months. Same skills, same experience — completely different positioning.

Stop blending in. Start standing out.

🎯 The Core: The A.U.T.H.O.R.I.T.Y. Framework

Authority isn't about being the smartest person in the room. It's about being the most helpful person for a specific problem.

A - Angle Selection Choose your unique perspective on common problems:

  • The contrarian (challenge industry assumptions)

  • The insider (share behind-the-scenes knowledge)

  • The translator (make complex simple)

  • The connector (link different industries/concepts)

  • The optimizer (improve existing solutions)

David was another "marketing consultant" until he became "the email marketing guy for dentists." Same skills, 10x more valuable.

U - Unique Methodology Package your approach into a memorable system:

  • Give it a catchy name (like "The Scale Without Burnout System")

  • Break it into 3-7 clear steps

  • Create visual frameworks or diagrams

  • Use memorable acronyms or formulas

  • Document case studies and results

T - Thought Leadership Content Share valuable insights consistently:

  • Weekly deep-dive articles on your specialty

  • Industry predictions and trend analysis

  • Case studies from your unique angle

  • Templates and frameworks you've developed

  • Controversial but defensible opinions

H - High-Value Problem Focus Target expensive problems with measurable solutions:

  • Revenue generation issues

  • Cost reduction opportunities

  • Risk mitigation needs

  • Time-saving solutions

  • Compliance/legal requirements

O - Outcome-Based Positioning Position yourself around results, not activities:

  • Instead of "I do social media" → "I help B2B companies generate 50+ qualified leads monthly through LinkedIn"

  • Instead of "I'm a business coach" → "I help consultants double their revenue without working more hours"

  • Instead of "I build websites" → "I create websites that convert 15%+ of visitors into customers"

R - Repetition and Consistency Reinforce your positioning everywhere:

  • Same message across all platforms

  • Consistent visual branding and colors

  • Repeating key phrases and methodologies

  • Stories that support your unique angle

  • Client testimonials that highlight your specialty

I - Industry Immersion Become genuinely expert in your chosen niche:

  • Read industry publications religiously

  • Attend niche conferences and events

  • Network with industry leaders

  • Understand the specific language and pain points

  • Track industry metrics and benchmarks

T - Trust Building Systems Create mechanisms that build credibility:

  • Free valuable resources (templates, guides, tools)

  • Speaking opportunities at industry events

  • Podcast appearances as a subject matter expert

  • Case study documentation and sharing

  • Professional certifications relevant to your niche

Y - Year-Over-Year Evolution Continuously deepen your expertise:

  • Advanced training in your specialty

  • New methodologies and frameworks

  • Expanded case study portfolio

  • Industry recognition and awards

  • Teaching and mentoring others

The Authority Equation: Specific Problem + Unique Solution + Consistent Messaging + Proven Results = Premium Positioning

💡 Weekly Spark:

Mindset Hack: "Riches in Niches" — The narrower your focus, the deeper your expertise appears. Being the best generalist in a city of 100,000 people is less valuable than being the best specialist in a nation of 300 million.

Business Startup Idea: "Authority Positioning Service" — Help experts and consultants identify their unique angle and build authority content. Offer a "90-Day Authority Launch" package including positioning strategy, content calendar, methodology development, and thought leadership coaching. Charge $3,997-7,997. Target: skilled professionals who are undercharging or struggling to differentiate.

Tool of the Week: Canva — Create professional visual frameworks and infographics that make your methodologies shareable. The brand kit feature ensures consistent visual identity across all your authority content. Pro plan at $14.99/month is worth it for serious positioning efforts.

Book Bonus: "Positioning" by Al Ries and Jack Trout — The classic guide to owning a category in prospects' minds.

🔨 Build Momentum: Your Authority Assessment

This week, define your authority positioning:

Monday: List your top 3 skills and the problems they solve Tuesday: Research who's already positioned in those areas Wednesday: Identify your unique angle or underserved sub-niche Thursday: Draft your outcome-based positioning statement Friday: Create your signature methodology or framework Weekend: Plan your first piece of thought leadership content

Goal: Clear, compelling positioning that differentiates you from competitors.

📣 Creator's Corner

The pivot strategies from last week are generating amazing results! Jennifer pivoted from general business coaching to helping female entrepreneurs scale past $100K — and immediately raised her rates 60%. Carlos shifted from web design to "conversion optimization for e-commerce" and has a 3-month waiting list.

The connection is clear: successful pivots often lead to authority positioning, and authority positioning enables premium pricing.

This week's authority framework isn't about becoming famous — it's about becoming known for solving specific problems better than anyone else.

Remember: confused prospects never buy, but confident specialists always command premium prices.

Keep building authority strategically,

Basat Hussain

P.S. Next week, I'm sharing the client acquisition system that's helped entrepreneurs build 6-figure businesses with zero paid advertising and minimal social media posting.