Personal Branding Tip: Are You Cheerios or Toasted O's?

...CapNCrunch Berries or Colossal Berry Crunch?

...Honeycomb or Honey Buzzers?

...Rice Krispies or Crispy Rice?

Now unless you have kids, you probably have absolutely no IDEA what I'm talking about here!

Well, when it comes to cereal (and other things too)  my kids are super-picky and they prefer the name brands even if the knock-off  versions taste just as good.  Why?

Because of the BRAND recognition!

Many people are like that with various things.  Some will go with a knock-off of one thing, but absolutely HAVE to have the "real thing" when it comes to something else.  For example, some women may shop for groceries and bring home all the generic store brands to cut costs and save money BUT...they wouldn't dream of getting a knock-off Gucci, Coach or Prada bag- it HAS to be real or it's nothing at all!

So when it comes to your business, what do people see you as?  When they do a search for Realtors or Accountants or Salons or even the name of the company you are involved in if you're a Network Marketer, what have you done to stand out and create brand recognition for yourself?  What is going to cause them to choose YOU over someone else?

That is very important to consider if you want people to choose you over your competitors!

Here are a few tips to help you become the Cheerios as opposed to being the Toasted O's:

1.  Don't just promote your business...promote yourself -   Rather than being a walking, talking commercial for the company you represent or own, also be a commercial for the person representing (or owning) the company.  Present yourself as an expert and someone of trust and integrity that people would be happy to work with...

2. Put their shoes on no matter how tight or loosely they fit - Find out what your market wants and GIVE it to them!  Don't just base what you put out there on what you think people want or should have but rather, find out the concerns and challenges that people are having in your field and then provide solutions and advice to help ease those concerns...

3.  Get in front of them and STAY there - Why do you think those big name cereal companies have all the kids in a frenzy begging mom and dad to buy them?  Because they know how to push kids' buttons but also because they are present where they know kids are.  Notice the commercials when cartoons or kid shows are on?  So you have to find ways to get your presence just as strong and "in your face" with those you are targeting!

Following these tips will help you to become more and more the name brand rather than the knock-off in the eyes of your target audience.

Cherie King
Your Work@Home Advocate
http://TheWorkAtHomeAdvocate.com