Making YOU into a Brand
Shot for the book j9, the Brand fan. A great way not to sleep, was up till 3am reading it. The thing about the book (Don’t make me Think) is that it made me think, and think, and think…. still thinking.
Thanks to you and the Quirk (spelt it right) massive for the ‘post site2 slaughtering’ drinks 🙂 had to hurry off to Caffeine to meet up with the other BarCampers from Cape Town (IMM2.0 will post something after his interview later). It’s great to interact with other AddiCT(s); & meeting new ones without using any technology. Got to shake the hand of Mr SearchStatus again 🙂 I look at the SearchStatus toolbar more than the clock
Old school meetings & conversations, like unconferences, rock!
What has what we did last night got to do with Making YOU into a Brand?
After all the “You’re from?” & “YOU do?” questions from all the quirk massive I’ve decided to really work on what it is we do. By the time I reached Caffeine my quota of words for the day were depleted even though Connect the Dots & IMM 2.0 were willing to assist. Time to really work on that elevator speech.
Here are a few interesting labels I’ve come accross in email footers that nearly hit the spot:
- service experience transforamtion
- SEO strategist
- The local blogosphere’s Terry Tate 🙂
- Web Developer
- Web Development consultant.
- the list goes on and on. Heck, we’ve even been housesitting for clients when they’re away on business.
We do so much morethan that. Its good to go deep and not wide even though morethan one thing that really interests you. I’d like those of you who have met/emailed me to please continue where IMM2.0, Conrad Strydom, Peter Flynn & Rob Stokes left off. YOU make me a brand while we go build our clients brands online.
Found this artice about making YOU into a brand.
For a consultant or other solo professional, YOU are the brand. Marketing your business is marketing YOU as the best choice for your customers’ needs. Starting today, make sure that you are positioning yourself as the brand…the expert. By branding YOU, you build the power of influence. Your prospects begin to perceive you as a credible resource in your field.
When you are in the process of branding your personality, it’s time to forget about modesty. This is very difficult for some people. But, there’s a saying – if you don’t toot your own horn, who else will?
Tell prospects and customers about your accomplishments and your expertise. Give case studies about other clients you have helped. Use your picture on your marketing materials. Here are some key reasons for branding YOU:
* It makes you stand out from your competitors.
* It reinforces your core marketing message in the minds and hearts of your prospects and customers.
* You will be perceived as an expert.
* You can deliver your messages clearly and personally.
* It will give you a distinct voice – your own.
* It allows you to let your personality shine!
* It strikes an emotional core in your prospects and customers.
* You build relationships more easily – fundamentally, people want to do business with other people, not a faceless company.
* YOU will bring prospects in the door and YOU will keep them coming back.
Many small businesses and solo professionals present themselves without a heart and without showing their passion. They come across as mediocre and bland. Forget mediocrity. As an entrepreneur, you have a HUGE opportunity to let your passion shine through. Be yourself and be authentic!
Craft your branding around your personality, your skills, your style, and your values. Be sure to incorporate your clients as central to your brand. Your unique brand is your passions and expertise weaved in with your customers’ ultimate desires.
When the brand is YOU, you begin to INSPIRE people to work with you. Your personality will come through in all of your marketing materials. You will begin to build long-lasting relationships with your clients that can never be eroded by a competitor. You will have absolute loyalty because people will believe in you. Because you have branded YOU.
Wendy Maynard, your friendly Marketing Maven, publishes REMARKABLE MARKETING, a weekly marketing ezine for business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. If you’re ready to skyrocket your sa1es, easily attract customers, and have more fun, subscribe at http://www.gomarketingmaven.com/ezine.com