May 13, 2009
Creating Your Brand
For the mean time, let’s not discuss about new media and web 2.0 as your marketing tool, instead, focus on the important aspect of the brand, YOU. Web 2.0 and new media are “neutral” marketing tools, therefore, even though you have a strong online presence, if your brand has a lousy reputation, it will back fire on you.
Whether you want to be an entrepreneur, a corporate big shot, an artist or entertainer, it does not change the fact that you make your brand.
So how do we make the brand?
- Begin with the end in mind- be firm on what you want to be (known) and pursue it. If you are a blogger, what do you want to be known in the blogosphere?
- Be who you are- don’t think highly of yourself and be arrogant. Neither to think lowly of and be a wimp. Do not copycat others but be unique and highlight what you think you are best at. Since it is expected that you’ll have competition, don’t look at them as an enemy, instead, collaborate with them.
- Do not dive into every opportunity- If you think the opportunity is not for you, don’t be carried away with the cash. Courteously decline if you honestly know you can not meet the demand.
- Keep your word- no matter what it takes. Thus, do not commit or promise something that you can not deliver.
- Be transparent- in all your business dealings. But shield your personal life
- Be courteous- give people high regard, return other people’s call, reply to sms, email and even comments or messages in your blog or SNS. Advise people ahead of time if your decision or action will, in anyway, affect their expectations from you.
- Kaizen- continuously improve and develop yourself.
- ADD VALUE- in whatever you do, give your best. Strive to create value in all your undertakings and add value to people. If other people will trash you or your work, remember this: there are people who find treasure and create wealth in another person’s trash.
These are but practical steps to make the brand. No amount of marketing can help a brand not willing to keep up with the hype and promise.
What other actions do you think is necessary to make the brand?
