One thing I have learned since I have been in internet marketing is
that you have to “brand yourself” in order to become successful.
Branding yourself means to make yourself stand out from the rest. Be the
one people remember and go to when they need your products and/or
services. Build your reputation as the go to person in your field.
Branding yourself will take work, time and commitment, but it is
essential for your business success. Below are some things you can start
doing to start the branding process.
1. Have a Motto - Choose a motto to live by
personally and professionally. This will stick in people’s minds and
help you focus as well. My motto is to treat others as I would want them
to treat me. I try to live everyday by the Golden Rule!
2. Connect with People – Don’t just get through
meetings, calls, appointments, etc. Take the time to really connect with
the people you are talking to. Be open and listen intently to what
others say. Make the time with you memorable and satisfactory so people
will be sure to return.
3. Personalize – Anytime you send emails,
postcards, letters or anything, make it personal. Use the person’s name
to show them they are not just another number or sale to you. Send
birthday and/or holiday greetings. People need to feel like people and
not just a dollar sign!
4. Professional Networking - Join some good networking sites,
groups and clubs. Make yourself available for advice, help, and
guidance. Be sure to participate often.
5. Always Be Honest and Upfront – Be honest with
people. Don’t use deceptive lines and tricks to get people to buy from
you. Let people know, honestly, what you can do for them. If you cannot
meet their needs, point them to someone who can. They will remember your
willingness to help and come back to you when you can meet their needs.
6. Body Language – Using body language effectively
can have a real impact on how people perceive you. Always make direct
eye contact. Let your eyes show friendliness and interest. Use your
eyebrows to show openness and understanding. Don’t scrunch them
disapprovingly. Keep your brow relaxed. Smile and don’t purse your lips
or tighten your mouth. Keep your arms unfolded and sit in a relaxed
manner with good posture. Don’t slouch or fidget. The art of using
proper body language is quite real so do some research and learn all you
can.
7. Go the Extra Mile – Help people whenever you can
even if you don’t see a sale happening. By offering extra help and
support you are sending a message about what type of person you are and
what kind of business you run.
8. Believe in Yourself - If you don’t believe in
yourself, how can you expect others to. Always be positive in mind,
spirit and attitude. Be professional, and always create a positive image
as well. This will be a big factor in what people think of you.
9. Email and Phone Etiquette – Write your emails
with proper spelling and grammar. Be courteous, friendly and helpful. Do
not use offensive words or phrases. This goes for talking on the phone
as well. Using vulgar, offensive or unprofessional language will
definitely be something people will not forget!
10. Be Yourself – Don’t try to put on a façade. Relax and let the person know how unique and authentic you are.
Branding yourself will help build your business success, but it will
help you in other ways as well. You will form lasting and beneficial
relationships with others – both personally and professionally. You will
learn more from the experiences of others and you will also learn more
about yourself and how special and unique you really are. And that, my
friend, could be the biggest reward of all!
