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| Milkin' it for all it's worth |
"Any brand is a set of perceptions and images that represent a company, product or service. While many people refer to a brand as a logo, tag line or audio jingle, a brand is actually much larger. A brand is the essence or promise of what will be delivered or experienced." (reference: Persuasive Brands )
By that definition, you can probably see why it’s critical that your brand is well defined and be consistent both online and offline. If not, you risk sending mixed messages to a prospect.
Did you know that it takes less than a second to form an opinion of you?
“According to published research, people form an opinion on whether they can trust someone in one-tenth of a second. Other researchers have found that visitors form an impression of the visual appeal of a website in one-twentieth of a second. So how long does it take for your customer to form an opinion of you?” (Reference: marketing-has-changed.com/how-long-does-it-take-your-customer-to-form-an-opinion/)
Being branded make you more credible in the consumer's eye. It makes it easier for them to trust and think of you first. So how do you clearly define and convey your brand message? How do others think of you?
A brand is not defined overnight. It takes time to craft your story; it's the story that is embedded in the mind of consumer. This is why companies charge top dollar for they're branding services. But I do believe that there are steps a person can take to define their own personal brand.
Here are a few resources that I turn to:
Copyblogger has put together a comprehensive list of a 125 Tips for Building an Irresistible Brand to help you define your brand. This is wonderful if you are a DIY'er
Simon Sinek teaches leaders and companies how to inspire people. He has been a tremendous inspiration to me.View his video on how to Start With Why: How Leaders Inspire Action
The Seamless Brand are branding specialists and a marketing agency for business owners who want to clarify and tell their story in an uncommon and remarkable way. I've personally met the exceptional brains behind this agency and can guarantee you that you'll be in good hands.
And finally, check out the Top 10 Consumer Brands on Social Media, and see how consistent they are on Facebook, Twitter, and their website.
These sites should help get you going. What resources do you turn to for branding inspiration?
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These are such amazing resources, Dave! I especially liked Simon Sinek's video. Starting with our "why" is something that @JanetCallaway:twitter has taught me and I continually reflect on whether I'm acting in line with my "why."
ReplyDeleteAs for inspiration, I continually turn to network marketers I admire, observing how they self-market and maneuver through social media. I have so many magnificent role models that I learn from every day! =)
Isn't Simon Sinek's stuff great? He's been a big inspiration to me and my thought processes. Everything starts with the "why". And this is transferable in all walks of life and in business. His site is http://sinekpartners.typepad.com/ if you want to follow his blog.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am working with a client, I alway make them ask themselves "why" before they even consider hopping on the social media bandwagon. Have clarity first, then form a strategy.
Yes, the best network marketers do seem to have a real grasp on self-marketing.
Thank you for your comment Samantha!