Recap of #brandchat – May 6th

Thank YOU to everyone who participated in the CHAT!  What an amazingly educational discussion about “what IS a brand”?  How do YOU define it?  How do you measure it?  How do you make it bigger? And, how do small brands take advantage of opportunities with large brands falter? Here’s the recap of high points of the [...]

The Brand That's Too Busy

I know I've been there - walked into a cluster of people and it's quite obvious that the conversation it about you. And, you are hoping that people would be speaking positively about you and instead someone turns to you and says "well, she's always so darn busy!"

Lovely.

Word of mouth is a double-edge sword. When people are absolutely delighted with something that you did - they'll tell three people. When they are unhappy with something you did - they'll tell eleven people (or more)!

For me, the "too busy" brand attribute has always been a challenge. Why? Because most of the people who think that I'm "too busy" think so because they've asked to "pick my brains" for a cup of coffee. And, while Starbuck's coffee is at a premium - a $7 buck latte does not warrant a fair trade for what they are wanting.

Really, would I ask my physician out for a cup of joe to get his thoughts on my health and diagnose my symptoms?

Or, would I invite my attorney friend for coffee and then proceed to ask his insights on a concern or question?

NO.

Naturally, I lean towards wanting to help. I want to be giving of my time and talents...that is normal for me. It's hard for me to be in mid-sentence and say "for the rest of the information insert a $100 bill in the slot."

I've found the best way to handle it is to buffer that tendency with assistants who will book available times for me and only allow one coffee meeting per person and space those about two weeks apart. In that way, I satisfy my need to help; I don't give away the farm and dishonor the sacrifice my family has made for me to do what I do; and I make it inconvenient to do "the coffee thing".

Almost as bad as that, are the clients who don't do what they say they'll do. And, while the excuses aren't as dismal as "the dog ate my homework" they're just as bad. My best clients are those who want to succeed and are willing to commit the time, energy and resources to make it happen. My time becomes sparse for those who delay their own success.

Now, if you're a fully paying customer who is self motivated chances are we talk quite often.

Are there areas of your personal brand attributes that lend themselves to be used (and sometimes abused) by others? What can you do to keep the quality of your brand intact and not be taken advantage of?

Personally, I would much rather have someone say something positive to me as I walk up to a group that is obviously chatting about me. Maybe I can buy you coffee and pick your brain on the matter??? LOL!

With Great Status Comes Great Responsibility

Beverly Macy, one of the contributors to Dan Schawbel's Personal Branding Blog (which I am the editor of), wrote a great post about The Michael Jackson Brand.

No doubt his brand is internationally known!

One of the comments about her post stated, "that while he has a great brand, great brands do not ensure happiness. Be the brand that you know you can handle."

There is much wisdom in that statement. And, that is why I'm such a proponent that personal branding is about being authentic to your strengths, who you are and your vision, purpose, values and passions. It is not about positioning.

Sixty percent of personal branding is uncovering and discovering who you really are. Rarely, does anyone spend the time in self discovery. We look for quick fixes or someone else to emulate.

Finding out who you are, what you want and why you do what you do are the cornerstones of personal branding. If you don't address those areas, then much like a radio station without a solid foundation you will come across as "static-y" at best.

When I first connect with a client, we go though a series of exercises and online webinars and tools to find out who you are and what makes you unique. After that is discovered and only after then, can you begin to polish the gem that you are and really shine.

To me, success is not only status, it's not fame nor fortune...it's making a positive difference in the lives I touch. It is great wealth and riches - although my definition of that is more in-line with Garth Brooks, the great country and western singer who said, "wealth is what you have left when you have no money".

To begin your discovery process, you can get started here.

And, to find out your own personal brand strength right now - the assessment is here.

Play More

Recently a man, near and dear to my heart, wrote an inspirational book titled "Dearly Beloved". He is the priest at our parish and he's been so instrumental in not only my life but in the lives of my family along with countless other families.


In an excerpt from his book, he talks about the joy of his dogs. He shares how we need to be more like "doggies":

• So happy when loved ones return after being away
• Warn loved ones of danger
• Willing to fight and die for us
• Possessive of the ones they love
  
• Always ready to play

What a neat list he composed from observing how his "doggies" interact with him! Yet, what does "playing more" have to do with personal branding....lots.

Your vision, purpose, values and passions are all a part of who you are; a part of your brand. Branding is not positioning...it's about identifying our authentic strengths and harnessing their power in a way that honors our "vision, purpose, values and passions." And, I hope in one of those categories you give time for play and for fun NO MATTER what your definition is of that.

A friend of mine who loves to craft together great deals and unique money making ventures says, "when it stops being fun, that's when I leave."

What do you do to put a little play in your day?

• For me, I start everyday with music - something lively, upbeat and fun that really gets you going.
• I listen to something everyday where I can learn something new or a different perspective.
• I take a moment to think of all I have and all I am grateful for.
• I hug my children.
• And, I write love letters to my husband.

It really is sooooo me! How about you?

Marriage Man - Advice Works for Business Relationships

Let me introduce you to Marriage Man! You'll find his rock-solid advice works for any relationships: business, friendship and the sacrament of marriage...

What Inspires You?

Maybe not cliche's :)

Find your real passion and enjoy this fun clip!

Mastermind Moment: Ask – Just Ask

“Sometimes you’ve just got to ask – just ask!” – Charlie-ism There is a freedom in just asking. You leave your own limiting beliefs. Push the envelope and ask someone for something – service, money, help, and then they respond, and it’s a “yes”! Many times we’ve played out the “no” in our minds. [...]

Mastermind Moment: Change for Good

This was shared by Joe Dominey, Principal – Dominey & Etheridge, Midland, TX.  Perfect timing, Joe!   Many are making list of those changes they are wanting for 2007, so I hope that the blog readers will take heart! CHANGE FOR GOOD – By James Mapes It doesn’t work to leap a twenty-foot chasm in two ten-foot jumps.” – [...]