You Are The Brand And Branding You

I’ve had some recent talks with Vince and others about the concept of branding online and it seems that a lot of people just don’t “get it.” They don’t understand the potential it has to take your income and your name to higher levels. In fact, so few choose to brand themselves online that those that do, stand heads above the rest, because you always know when something is their product. Like the Nike swoosh. You see anything with it on it, no matter how far removed from shoes it is, and you know that they created it. Now isn’t that the type of brand recognition you would want to see in your own business? I know it is in mine.

SO how exactly do you start the branding process?

It’s simple. (Or not so simple for some) You need to find out what your USP is (your unique selling position.) You see mine is being a momma to 5, mine is being a parent, mine is the rags to riches story, mine is the being unique aspect. There are many levels in which I stand out from the crowd and yet, fit specifically in others. And you will find that once you know your own branding abilities you will also find a whole new market. Why not market to those who would associate with us best. Are you a single dad, right away that gives you more trust with other single dads. Teenage mother, guess what, other teenage mothers will find it easier to associate with you. It is already half the battle, you are already winning the game because you have the trust factor. They trust you because you are like them. You have already overcome one of the hardest things to do in internet marketing.

But it doesn’t end there. You should try and seek a title, albeit, it may be a made up one, but it needs to be one that describes you and your brand. Going back to the Nike example there is “Just do it” you hear the phrase and you associate it with them. Mine is Money Making Momma. Now let’s expand on that. You need to use that where ever you can, you need people to associate that title with you. Sign your emails that way (make it the line under your signature), use it on your  , as your title, use it wherever you can until others associate it with you. Once you have hit that point you know you are doing it right. Check out my sites, you’ll see it plenty of places, check out my  Twitter page, it’s right there at the top, check out my Facebook page, yep it’s there too, even my custom title on WF has it and you know that’s what people associate with me now. It does take time, so don’t expect it to happen overnight.

Another key element is finding something you can transfer as much as possible. Again with the Nike example, you see the swoosh on clothes, hats, merchandise and it works, on all levels. Mine works across the board too as in the IM area it brings in the down to earth level, that most can associate with more than the “guru.” It screams to them a comfort level that they don’t notice but have on a subconcious level. It makes them stop and go, if a mom to 5 from cold ass Canada can do this, so can I.

So start branding, get known and run with your brand.