That's a really good question Chris. My universe would brand me as a professional procrastinator, or an over thinker because of the amount of time that I spend playing with whatever the next shiny toy (online or analog) turns out to be. Until it gets worked out I prefer creative explorer.
Ashwin Murali
· 2 years ago
You nailed it Chris! "Your brand can’t be a “me too” thing.". Awesome!
I run my own business in INDIA and I guess, the growth has not been because we do the things everyone does in a 'perhaps better way'. I think it's the story we add to the way that makes all the difference and makes us tick!!!
Your personal example reminds of Seth Godin's "Small is the New Big" where he talks about "zooming" to increase our capacity for change so when an opportunity presents itself we see it for what it could be rather than tailoring it to what you already are i.e. in your case, everything was not a fiction book.
I completely agree that to be an effective brand, you have to differentiate. I preach this in my career as a marketer, yet in my personal life I am finding that I starting to spread myself thin and I don't practice what I preach. Your blog was a good reminder - thanks.
So what is my brand? Collaborator. I love bringing people together to focus on one cause. I've been told I'm pretty darn good at it, but I want to get much better.
Dan Schawbel
· 2 years ago
A brand is a perceived promise of delivery.
A. Charlotte Riley
· 2 years ago
Excellent post, Chris. The first time it dawns on you that you're the ONE; that every interaction with a client is a brand touch-point, and that not only are you responsible for your own experience in life, but you are also accountable for others' experience with you... well, it can be one of those frightening, exhilarating moments that messes with your mind (in a good way). And, drives you to crank your brand DNA up to 11.
Karl Edwards
· 2 years ago
Relationships involve knowing and being known. Branding speaks (to me) about being known. Known for who I am. Known for how I am distinct. Known in my business for how I add value. But the relationship factor insists that key to being known is being genuinely interested in knowing those on the other side of the relationship. Many stop short here and wonder why there isn't much interest in their brand. Thanks for your work in this area.
DefogMyBlog
· 2 years ago
I have a brand with a limited shelf life. I'm really there for individuals and start up companies that need a web presence or are asking "What is this blogging thing about? How do I get started?" So like email eventually the majority will be up to speed.
mike mcallen
· 2 years ago
One way on making sure your brand stays centered is Chip Conley's way of designing his hotels - The Phoniex is after rolling stone, the vitale is real simple and Dwell magaizine. Its kind of an innovative way to stay on track. Need ideas- leaf through the magazines.
We decided to see what our company was like. We said Cirque du Soleil & Popular mechanics Mag and Mother Theresa. Though we might have to work on the Mother Theresa part a bit more. We need a Service oriented theme for the last one.
Great post Chris! :)
mike mcallen
· 2 years ago
(sorry early here Chris- spell checked version of above post- I need to drink coffee before typing anything)
One way on making sure your brand stays centered is Chip Conley's way of designing his hotels - The Phoenix Hotel is based after rolling stone Magazine, the Hotel Vitale is Real Simple and Dwell magazines. It is an innovative way to stay on track for your brand. If they need ideas- they leaf through the magazines during brainstorming sessions.
I met Chip last week and was amazed at his creativity and what a nice cat he is..
We decided to see what our company was like using his system. We said Cirque du Soleil & Popular Mechanics Magazine and Mother Theresa.
Though we might have to work on the Mother Theresa part a bit more. Maybe change it up to a Service oriented theme/magazine or person for the last one. Ideas?
All Comments
Be you, because everyone else is already taken.
I run my own business in INDIA and I guess, the growth has not been because we do the things everyone does in a 'perhaps better way'. I think it's the story we add to the way that makes all the difference and makes us tick!!!
Nice read...
P.S: Your blog is an awesome read... KUDOS!!!
Chao,
The Cruisemaniac.
blogger @ http://thecruisemaniac.com.
I completely agree that to be an effective brand, you have to differentiate. I preach this in my career as a marketer, yet in my personal life I am finding that I starting to spread myself thin and I don't practice what I preach. Your blog was a good reminder - thanks.
So what is my brand? Collaborator. I love bringing people together to focus on one cause. I've been told I'm pretty darn good at it, but I want to get much better.
Branding speaks (to me) about being known. Known for who I am. Known for how I am distinct. Known in my business for how I add value.
But the relationship factor insists that key to being known is being genuinely interested in knowing those on the other side of the relationship. Many stop short here and wonder why there isn't much interest in their brand.
Thanks for your work in this area.
We decided to see what our company was like. We said Cirque du Soleil & Popular mechanics Mag and Mother Theresa. Though we might have to work on the Mother Theresa part a bit more. We need a Service oriented theme for the last one.
Great post Chris! :)
One way on making sure your brand stays centered is Chip Conley's way of designing his hotels - The Phoenix Hotel is based after rolling stone Magazine, the Hotel Vitale is Real Simple and Dwell magazines. It is an innovative way to stay on track for your brand. If they need ideas- they leaf through the magazines during brainstorming sessions.
I met Chip last week and was amazed at his creativity and what a nice cat he is..
We decided to see what our company was like using his system. We said Cirque du Soleil & Popular Mechanics Magazine and Mother Theresa.
Though we might have to work on the Mother Theresa part a bit more. Maybe change it up to a Service oriented theme/magazine or person for the last one. Ideas?
Great post Chris! :)Now I will get some coffee!
Mike
www.grassshackroad.com