Everybody is using the term branding these days. But what does that really mean? I know how fraternities brand themselves or how ranchers brand their cattle, but how do marketers brand themselves? Secondly, is branding always a good thing, or does it peg you into one hole?
The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines a brand as a "name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other sellers. So I guess by branding myself or my name, I'm telling the world that I am Tamia Postell and this is what I stand for, or this is what I promote. What happens if I decide not to promote the same product anymore or my views change over time?
According to the latest guru's... it's ok to change your ideas or views because the relationship you build with your followers will be so strong that they will change products or views right along with you. A good brand is said to confirm your credibility, motivate the buyer, connect you and the buyer emotionally and solidify buyer loyalty. Hhmmm, I'm not so sure of this. On one hand there are many marketers that sell product after product, and one can only assume that he has branded himself as a guru on that particular niche. But on the other hand I feel like branding yourself could also lead to a road of high expectations.
I hate to use Tiger Woods as an example because the media has already taken him through the wringer, but I think he is a prime example of where branding can go wrong. Tiger branded himself as a good guy, a clean cut honorable young man, which made companies flock to him. He was every marketers dream, and subsequently was booked to sponsor several companies. When he was exposed as being a less than perfect human being, the sponsors dropped him like a hot potato. Why? because he was not the type of person they wanted to promote their products. Tigers branding failed him and his sponsors.
This is exactly why I am against branding myself as the authority on anything. I can only assure anyone that I will do my best, not that I am the best. We are all a masterpiece in the making and everyday is a new learning experience. I believe relationship building is needed more in today's methods of marketing. We need to take the time to learn more about each other, like what really resides in the hearts and minds of the people we choose to follow and stop looking for the next guru to lead us like sheep to slaughter.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Information Overload
Have you ever felt like you will never, ever get marketing down pat because there's so much information and so little time to read it all? I feel exactly the same way! Every day my inbox is bombarded with the latest marketing tricks, the newest list building e-book, the best traffic exchanges or how to set up a splash page and an auto-responder. Oh and let's not forget the time you need to spend reading the classics like "Think and Grow Rich" or the "Master Key System". My brain is on information overload. Sometimes after reading I'm more confused than when I began.
The more you read, the more you'll see the same information with a new spin on it. All of which by the way, contradict each other. I've come to realize there is no magic way to market. You just have to do it. Whatever method you choose, just be consistent with it. I think they all have the potential to work if done methodically.
That's where things get hairy for me. I get extremely bored with redundancy. That's why I've chosen to go back to the basics with marketing and do direct mailing. It's a totally hands off approach. I create an order and send it out and my information tends to stay with people allot longer than an email. There are days I sit down and fire off a few emails and check out some traffic exchanges to stay current on what's new, but my tried and true method will always be direct mail marketing. The last couple of businesses I've chosen have been centered around direct mailing. I'm loving it and my brain thanks me for it1
Happy surfing, list-building, and email blasting....I'm headed to the mall.
The more you read, the more you'll see the same information with a new spin on it. All of which by the way, contradict each other. I've come to realize there is no magic way to market. You just have to do it. Whatever method you choose, just be consistent with it. I think they all have the potential to work if done methodically.
That's where things get hairy for me. I get extremely bored with redundancy. That's why I've chosen to go back to the basics with marketing and do direct mailing. It's a totally hands off approach. I create an order and send it out and my information tends to stay with people allot longer than an email. There are days I sit down and fire off a few emails and check out some traffic exchanges to stay current on what's new, but my tried and true method will always be direct mail marketing. The last couple of businesses I've chosen have been centered around direct mailing. I'm loving it and my brain thanks me for it1
Happy surfing, list-building, and email blasting....I'm headed to the mall.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Back in the Swing of Things
After a six month hiatus I'm back in the saddle and it feels good!
Last Summer I decided to take some time off and blow the money I'd previously made in my online efforts and found it hard to get back in the swing of things. I kept putting it off for one reason or another, because after all, I am the queen of procrastination. Until finally, I had enough. I was no longer satisfied with making mediocre salaries (which might have seemed great to some) I set a goal for myself in 2009 to consistently be making five figures every month. How could I go back on my promise to myself?
My inbox was filling up daily with offer after offer.......all of them sounding too good to be true. I had been away for so long that I'd lost my eye to spot a good opportunity from a dud. Then it occurred to me to go back to what I most loved....gifting. I believe in the power of paying it forward..... I believe you must first give if you want to receive. But what company could I trust? My previous gifting opportunity had quietly closed their doors. At that time I knew I had to do my due diligence and search out an opportunity that had been in existence for a while and had solid reviews.
It was then that I rediscovered the People's Program. I remembered reading about them months ago, yet I passed on the opportunity. When I re-investigated the company, I knew it was a win win situation. The People's Program is a residual gifting program, which means you will forever benefit from your personal invites. There is no passing up, just a sharing if you will. I am so blessed to have rediscovered this opportunity and to have a great mentor.
This is the only opportunity online where you can literally go from broke to comfortable to financially free in a matter of weeks, days for some. I'm telling you there is no feeling greater than to answer you door and see the delivery man with a package in his hand. A package that could literally save your life. I encourage you to explore the feeling of relief, joy,and freedom as you embark on the journey to a wealthy nulife!
see for yourself http://wealthynulife.com
Last Summer I decided to take some time off and blow the money I'd previously made in my online efforts and found it hard to get back in the swing of things. I kept putting it off for one reason or another, because after all, I am the queen of procrastination. Until finally, I had enough. I was no longer satisfied with making mediocre salaries (which might have seemed great to some) I set a goal for myself in 2009 to consistently be making five figures every month. How could I go back on my promise to myself?
My inbox was filling up daily with offer after offer.......all of them sounding too good to be true. I had been away for so long that I'd lost my eye to spot a good opportunity from a dud. Then it occurred to me to go back to what I most loved....gifting. I believe in the power of paying it forward..... I believe you must first give if you want to receive. But what company could I trust? My previous gifting opportunity had quietly closed their doors. At that time I knew I had to do my due diligence and search out an opportunity that had been in existence for a while and had solid reviews.
It was then that I rediscovered the People's Program. I remembered reading about them months ago, yet I passed on the opportunity. When I re-investigated the company, I knew it was a win win situation. The People's Program is a residual gifting program, which means you will forever benefit from your personal invites. There is no passing up, just a sharing if you will. I am so blessed to have rediscovered this opportunity and to have a great mentor.
This is the only opportunity online where you can literally go from broke to comfortable to financially free in a matter of weeks, days for some. I'm telling you there is no feeling greater than to answer you door and see the delivery man with a package in his hand. A package that could literally save your life. I encourage you to explore the feeling of relief, joy,and freedom as you embark on the journey to a wealthy nulife!
see for yourself http://wealthynulife.com
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