We can debate the countless intricate ways that companies can use to create a strategy of difference, but it all pretty much boils down to: 1) Better product 2) Better process 3) Better relationships
In my opinion focusing all of your strategic thinking, goal setting and actions on building a better process or better relationships is the surest and maybe simplest way to create a true competitive advantage that someone might care about. Would you rather lean on your 5% better product or price or on something so totally outrageous and innovative that people can’t stop talking about it?
John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing fame offers up these words of wisdom in his post where he challenges businesses to stop trying to be better than the competition, the opportunity is in the ways you can be different.
Create a strategy of being outstandingly different in your processes and relationships and you create something remarkable and worth talking about. Consistently amazing customer service experiences get spread around. Innovative ways of improving your business can yield exponential results.
We we owned our salon and spa we made huge investments in people and culture with our training systems and team development. These investments kept our business way out in front and made us significantly different in our market and consistently successful.
What do you think about creating a strategy of outstanding uniqueness? Where is your opportunity to be different?
Personal branding is necessary skill to develop to increase your opportunities for success in pretty much anything you choose to do in the world.
Developing your personal brand starts with taking a look at the story you’re telling yourself and the story you’re sharing with society. Make sure your story lines up and put yourself fully in the center of your story. Continually refine your story so every fiber of your being is flowing with the story you want to share. When you clearly align with your story and send out a consistent message success will come to you.
Are you building your personal brand to help grow your business?
@tommytrc does a great job explaining why it’s important to start building a personal brand. Tommy has some great advice to help you get started creating the brand of you.
How does having a strong personal brand translate to building a successful business? If people can relate to you on a personal level they will be more likely to want to do business with you.
It’s all about relationships and I agree with Tommy that relationships are coming back. Personal branding and social media is fundamentally about relationships. With the wonderful tools available today it’s easier than ever to start building your extended relationships. You can grow a personal brand that will continue to evolve and grow as your talents and interests grow. Your personal brand is a reflection of your passions, gifts and talents.
Be the Real You
When your building a personal brand it’s important that the story you’re sharing is real and authentic.
3 Steps to Starting your Personal Brand
@tommytrc shares 3 great simple tips to starting a personal brand.
1. Start slow, start small and build your personal brand
2. Just do it. Jump in
3. Be Yourself
These are great tips from Tommy. There is much wisdom in remembering these basic ideas.
Adding my thoughts on Tommy’s 3 Steps:
- Start Slow! If you’re new to building your personal brand there is no way you can know everything you need to know about all the various ways to build your brand. Start small and start simply with one or 2 things. Once you’re comfortable then add more to your personal branding mix. Personal branding takes time and is a long term proposition, actually it can be a lifetime activity.
- Just Do It! I talk to people all the time that are overwhelmed with all the possible ways they can use technology to build their brand. Honestly, you have to jump in and find what works best for you. The beauty of the tools and technologies available today is that most of them can be adapted to fit you. Remember, you are build the brand of you. You need to DO social media the best way for you.
- Be Yourself! It is impossible to build a personal brand without being yourself. As Tommy mentions people want you. Put yourself into everything you share and do. Be consistently in alignment with who you truly are. Be the real you.
How are you building your personal brand?
Please share your thoughts about personal branding in the comments.
Thanks to @tommytrc for sharing with us your great example of the personal brand you’re building daily.
Knowing how to market your business is one of the most important parts of building any business.
Here 10 tips for creating a cost-effective business marketing plan.
1. Know Yourself
Selling is about trust, and those with the best, most trustworthy stories win over customers. Businesses need to clearly articulate the reasons potential buyers should do business with them.
You must define who you are and live your brand!
2. Know Your Stuff
Confused consumers don’t buy, so businesses need to clarify the reasons why consumers would want to buy from them. Listening to the needs of the consumer is critical. Be knowledgeable about how your service or product can fill those needs, and you can discover how you can be helpful and connect with customers.
Know your product / service inside and out so you can focus on adapting to the needs of your customer.
3. Don’t Go to Market Without a Plan
Know your markets
Select a target audience. You can’t be all things to all people.
Do a thorough analysis of competitors.
Understand the challenges and opportunities within your market.
Communicate your objectives.
Have a clear and compelling story.
Become the go-to source for local media.
Develop a realistic marketing budget (about 2% to 5% of sales).
Write a timeline for implementing the plan and decide who is responsible for implementation.
Develop metrics for success. ( Many metrics aren’t easily measured. It doesn’t mean they aren’t important )
4. Develop a Compelling Message
A successful message is one that is unique, meaningful, and credible; that addresses consumers’ emotions and intellect; and that decisively sells a company’s demonstrated results.
This is the time to be direct and promote the benefits to your customer. Testimonials are a great way to support a compelling message.
5. If You’ve Got the Knowledge and Experience Share It
Let consumers know about your training and certifications. Customers what to know they are doing business with a pro. Take the opportunity and let consumers know that you know your stuff.
6. Fish Where the Fish Are
Be where your customers are. Know who they are and where they hang out. From local networks, to international social networking, know your audience and what they value.
7. Choose the Tactics That are Right for Your Audience
Must-have items in a successful marketing plan:
Necessities: uniform logo, tag line, letterhead, business cards, signage, presentation materials, an attractive Web site and involvement in social media.
Recommended: referrals and a public relations program, press releases about your company.
Blogging, Facebook and Twitter are wonderful way to connect with customers.
8. Get Quality Marketing Support
Hire a pro to help you develop your company’s marketing plan, strategies and tactics.
9. Speak the Truth
Trust is so important in today’s business world. Tell the truth, be consistent and be in your integrity all the time. It’s important to believe in what you do, you spend most of your life doing it. You deserve be true to yourself and everything you do.
10. Raise the Tide
Help your industry grow. Be helpful and supportive within your industry. When consumers understand the benefits of your industry everyone benefits. You can chose to be a leader that shares with your industry. Sharing your knowledge and stories can grow your entire market.
Do you have any additional marketing strategies you would like to share? Add your voice to our comments.
Mandala Life Media is a consulting service by nature; our core is rooted in helping others to connect with their unique voice, their human brilliance and share it via the multitude of social media tools available with the pure intention of embracing the integrity of social change and inter-connection. Learn more about our Services
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