If You Don't Brand Yourself Someone Else Will

[Paul Hines]

The Branding iron

We hear a lot about branding ourselves nowadays and we have to take a serious look at what branding can do for us.

. Its important to differentiate yourself from others in similar fields

. position yourself clearly in the minds of others

. Make sure your message and mission is focused

. Make sure you project credibility

. Work hard to develope loyalty

. Make emotional connections

Branding is what you build your self promotion and identity program on, you don't want to known as just another player in a catagory branding is what and who you want to be known for, you want to not only be known for what you do, you want to be known for what you do differently. It boils down to what do you want to be known for? This question has to be answered and it has to be true. Once you put together your brand it will serve as the basis for everything that connects people to your brand, both logically and emotionally. Your image is important of course, but an image is just a reflection of your brand and your core values.

Branding goes beyond just telling the truth, you have to be true to yourself, who are you and what do you stand for? You have to strip yourself down to the most basic elements of what you're all about and see what you have. Check with others to see if they see you as you see yourself. Work hard to define who you are and what you stand for and it will become clear to others because its clear to you. Put forth a message that people can trust and remain consistant. Remember, there's a whole lot more to branding yourself than just getting a domain with your name.

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