You are Your Brand - Spill It Here!

One of the most popular marketing concepts in vogue today is that of "Branding".  For what do you want your company, product or service to stand ? What is the superlative that is most important to your image?

Do you want to be the fastest, the most efficient, the most agile, the most luxurious, the rarest?

Once you are branded, it's permanent. Everyone knows who you are and where you belong.  Whoa! That's a frightening thought. 
Your brand equity is money in the bank. Shouldn't you take care of it?

I was watching the Golden Globes with a friend who is an astute marketer.  One of the presenters, a famous male celebrity, came to the podium to present a Golden Globe and my friend said, "Wow, he's had a few cocktails".

Thinking his judgment was a little harsh, I said, "Yes, probably so, but it's a gala dinner, don't you imagine most everyone has?"

In a flash he replied, "But Marti, he's a brand. If he appears 'toasted', he damages his brand." 

When I was a medical sales representative, driving 1000 miles/week and calling on hospitals in 40 rural counties in Kentucky, I taped a note to my dashboard that read, "Be Professional, Be Prepared, Be the Best". 

Each time I swung my legs out of the car door, I read that note and I sucked in my abs, straightened my shoulders and went to work. I built a reputation as a rep who didn't just interrupt your day. I brought value and I left.

It helped me save my market share!  Because in the case of a tie, the winner is the one who sets themselves apart, who leaves the best impression: who doesn't gossip, who doesn't intrusively waste time, who sincerely cares about the customer.

You are the steward of your Brand...Protect It!

Comments?

I'd like to hear from you. Write me and tell me what how you brand yourself.  Share how you exude your brand and how you protect it. 

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