What is strategic branding? And what does it do for Youinc?
What do you think it is? Am I the final authority here and will this be the end all be all.
No probably not. But what I am is an avid social media user and I am concerned whether or not you are taking full advantage of this phenomena in internet mlm.
For starters what an opportunity we have been afforded to really make a name for ourselves and showcase what can offer to so vast and diverse an audience.
Before we get into the meat of it this is not going to be your typical post about providing and leading with value which are of the utmost importance to your success.
I am assuming your smart enough or have heard it enough to understand that.
This time I thought I would write about some practical suggestions for tweaking your efforts and tying up any loose ends that might trip you up if you don’t.
OK so we are ready to start now…
First Let’s Profile The Profile.
Please tell me you have taken the time to complete them.
I mean don’t get me wrong. I have a lot of profiles on social bookmarking sites that are posted to by the onlywire plug in and these are not very thorough.
I don’t worry so much about those.
But the big boys on the other hand Twitter, Facebook and YouTube…
You will find enough information about me so that people who want to know what I’m all about can and if necessary where to find more.
It’s practical, professional and personable when we include these kind of facts in our profiles.
But the biggest advantage I think is it conveys your approachable especially when people find they have something in common with you or vice versa.
That can be a great ice breaker and window for connecting.
A lot more could be said but lets move on to…..
Pimp My Profile Page.
Now admittedly I’m not perfect in this area but I am consistent.
If you go to any of my profiles and here at my blog you will see the similarities in the picture, colors etc., etc.
Having custom profile pages or a consistent theme can really further your strategic branding efforts.
And the best part about it is everything I use is free.
Not everyone in internet mlm is rich (oh really?) and the resources are out there so you might as well use them!
So again my suggestion is to at least be consistent in your styles and colors.
That way people will associate certain colors and designs to you (along with that same picture) and your brand.
To be honest that is what we are striving for right a level comfort and familiarity with people.
It’s easier to trust something you can predict. So with that lets conclude with..
Let You Be You.
Ever notice how some people especially on facebook register their names like this: John “internet mlm business” Doe?
Or they won’t even use their real last name it will be the name of the company or business they are affiliated with.
Then you have some people who have “handles” and no name at all. I don’t know about you this just doesn’t come across as branding to me.
I mean begin by showcasing Youinc and your real name. Why make people dig harder to find out who you really are?
Me personally I don’t bother. There’s just to much competition out there to make trusting and knowing YOU any harder on people.
And I’m sure a lot of other people feel the same.
How do you feel about strategic branding in internet mlm?
I would love to read your comments and share ideas with you.
But if you don’t have anything to say I understand.
How about clicking on any of the facebook and retweet buttons at the top or bottom and sharing this with others.
If you dug it then digg it or bookmark and share! Thanks for stopping by.
And until next time..
Make Today Your Day,
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{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Steve,
I fully agree with you and everyone here.
Your name and picture are very important. Why would you want to use your pet, family or company logo pictures for your profiles?
Your profile should tell a story about you and display your personality. And using the same picture is so key.
Let the real you shine through!
Thanks for sharing your insights.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
Mavis Nong recently posted..Blogging – Understanding The BIG Picture!
Hello Mavis,
I totally agree with you let the real you shine through!
It’s kind of a contradiction when you are trying to brand yourself and then show the world a picture of woofie.
Again I love animals but a lot of people don’t care about that.
They only want to know how I can help them build a business in a nutshell.
Nice to see you again and thanks for the comment.
Steve
hahahah yes i see a lot of that out there. Iv had so many and they are animals in the pic profile awww and i luv my babies but no they don’t realize thats not branding themselves infact its a no go zone u really don’t know who they are.
With the backgrounds on twitter and myspace, youtube. Using the same background will help be recognized more and brand yourself more. I had a youtube in pink and a twitter in green hahahaha all part of learning back in the days!!
Thanks for the great tips Steve!
~Maria Eves~
Maria Eves recently posted..Empowered Entrepreneurs
Yes Maria their animals or their kids or anything but themselves.
Don’t get me wrong animals and children are precious to me as well.
I donate to CMN every chance I get and I also have rescue animals but I don’t think they make good empowered entrepeneurs but I do.
And so do you mam.
Steve Shoemaker
Steve Shoemaker recently posted..Strategic Branding-Who Are YouInc
great post Steve, how can you be branding yourself and there is no face to your profile, You have a company logo or a picture of your car or dog.
Tristan Richards recently posted..Network Marketng Home Based Business – Are You Driven Enough To Be Successful
Tristan this is true isn’t hard to believe that there are people out there who do this. They honestly want me to join their dog’s primary unbelievable. Thanks for your visit man take care.
Steve Shoemaker
Steve,
Nicely put!
We really have to stand it and when we start to catch everyone’s
attention that is when we can really shine.
That is the great part of blogging, we have the ability to stand out by writing, sharing and building relationships.
Thanks for this post!
Have a great day.
Tommy D.
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Prospecting Hero recently posted..Home Based Internet Business Strategy How To Transform Your Blog Post Into The “Hulk”
Hi Tommy
I totally agree that is what is so unique about a blog.
It is basically social media you own and control(self hosted of course) you can comment and build on ideas mentioned in the post or cut up and joke with one another. I do both it really is a dynamic medium for connecting when used as such.
The biggest boon is that when people see “Tommy DiPietro MLM Prospecting Hero” or whoever you maybe and they hear your voice and message in your content you really make a big impression then. Thanks for the visit Tommy and take care.
Steve Shoemaker
When I first started Marketing online, I made the wrong assumption that a business name would make me sound more professional and trustworthy. As time went on and I educated myself by reading voraciously all the info I could find as well as floundering through a few campaigns, I realized otherwise. I now brand ME and already feel the good effects of the personalization. Thanks for your input on the topic.
Terry Tiessen recently posted..My Problogger 7 Link Challenge 7Links
Terry many people make the same wrong assumption for the right reasons.
They think if they tie themselves in with a opportunity that this will make them appear more accomplished.
But like you honestly admit you had to retool that one and learn to put yourself in the spotlight.
This is really the only way to make yourself look accomplished and plus you are not hiding behind an opportunity.
What if that particular company were to fail what do you do? Thank you so much for your visit. I will do the same and take care.
Steve Shoemaker
Hey Steve,
Glad to read this post. I used to make the mistake, albeit unconsciously. It’s an important concept.
I’m learning well, thanks to your helpful posts.
Tosin
Hey Tosin well mistakes are not fatal when we can learn from them unconscious or otherwise. They can actually be building blocks like I’m sure they are in your case. Thanks for the visit I haven’t forgotten about your question now that I have your email I can send you the file be looking for it.
Steve
Great Points Steve! My favorite point that you make is the importance of being consistent with images and themes.
Internet marketers see hundreds of pictures a day but the more they see the same one, the faster they will remember you and the great content you provide.
Note: Pick a good pic and stick with it. If you change it too much, some people might forget who you are.
Thanks Cara and this is a great point you make.
If I were to toss a couple of terms at you what would you think about? For instance Coca Cola? Or Pepsi?
I don’t know about you but a certain image and color flashes in my mind because they have effectively and consistently branded themselves that way,
We should be no different. Take care and thank you for visiting.
Steve
Steve Shoemaker recently posted..Strategic Branding-Who Are YouInc
Hey Steve,
Mine are the saw way as yours. I provided plenty of information about me and our team on the big dog sites.
However, the others I provided the bare essentials.
One thing I do they all have in common is me and my name. This is one area I feel is very important to the brand. Especially when everything links back to the nerve center.
Have a great day buddy,
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome Ratliff recently posted..Take Control of Your Marketing
I agree Jerome great comment. We should have a common theme all the way through the marketing funnel.
People love consistency and plus you are so much more easily recognized.
Let me guess if they had to choose who are they going to listen to.
Johnny come lately or that Jerome guy I see a lot?
Thanks for the visit and great insight.
Steve
Steve Shoemaker recently posted..Strategic Branding-Who Are YouInc
Excellent point. That’s something a lot of people should really think about. Having that flow makes things a lot smoother for everyone.
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome Ratliff recently posted..Business Builder Tip – Simply Irresistible Offer
Hey Steve
I am a big believer in branding your name. Could you imagine spending all that time branding a name that included your oportunity and you are no longer with that opportunity
I do understand branding a domain name that has keywords, but in the end when someone visits your site they should know who you are and your name right up front.
I read a blog the other day that had a nice post with lots of value but I was hard pressed to know who wrote it.
Thanks Steve, great post.
Peter Fuller MBA recently posted..How has my business grown since I started my blog
Exactly Peter exactly. That is why you should brand yourself as the “opportunity”. Let people know that you can give more value at the end of the day than any company.
About the blog that is sad. I wonder how many potential customer and business partners he lost because they couldn’t even figure out his name. Thanks for the comment my friend.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Great article, as always!
I don’t dig all those “Secret Agents” out there who hide behind avatars, company logos or worse, a picture of their dog. They might as well put a ski mask on. They are accomplishing absolutely nothing. Branding YOU is so very important. Know. Like. Trust…. Simple as that!
Thanks for sharing these very valuable points!
Ilka
Ilka Flood recently posted..Are You Sabotaging Your Own Network Marketing Success
That’s amusing I was laughing after reading this thanks Ilka. But it’s really a serious matter when we are looking at it from a business perspective.
Avatars, no picture, weird pictures and things of this nature always seem shady to me.
Social media is huge it’s “world meet me” huge so at least let the world see who “me” is.
Save all the mystery stuff for dating!
Steve
“Save all the mystery stuff for dating!” Ha, that’s funny! Glad I’m not dating anymore.
Ilka Flood recently posted..Are You Sabotaging Your Own Network Marketing Success
Not something I envy and I’m single what a dilemma huh!!
Steve Shoemaker recently posted..Strategic Branding-Who Are YouInc
Hi Steve,
I totally agree with you on this one, we all need to stand out in different ways by being ourselves or no one could tell us apart. Many of us have a different story to tell, different backgrounds and ways we go about doing things. With these previous expereinces and attributes we have the ability to relate to different people on different levels.
When I started out I really focused on my brand and where I came from, and what I had to offer people. We each have to be our own person or there is no uniqueness, and we all become very boring.
Thank you for the great post.
Robert absolutely we all have a story that only certain people will want to listen to because they can relate. Our experiences are unique but when people can find a common ground this is a great foundation to build on. Thank you for the great comment and visit.
Steve
Love the post,
If you really want to be happy in this world, you have to be yourself. There is a great power in being yourself. There is no one in the world that can compete with “You”.
Now “You” may not appeal to everyone and you should not try to. If you are authentic in your efforts, you will attract those people to you who will best work with you. The more authentic you are, the more your brand will flourish.
Fred
Fred Williams recently posted..Want To Get Perpetual Traffic To Your Blog Then Check This Out
Nicely put Fred! You are absolutely right we can’t please or help everyone. But the ones we can will recognize that by relating to us in some way. And how can they relate to us if they don’t know the real YOU. Thanks so much for the visit and take care.
Steve
Hey Steve,
I definitely agree with you on the last one. Let You Be You. If you really want to get your business out there, you first need to start with you and your name is the most important. It distinguishes you from all of the other competition out there, plus it makes it easier for your prospects to look you up. What if you join another business? Your following can just simply look you up and see all the businesses that you invested in. Great post Steve and thanks for sharing!!
Sherman
Sherman Smith recently posted..A SLEIGHT OF HAND MOVE TO MARKETING YOUR PRODUCTS
Thanks Sherman. That seems to be the one that has gotten the most attention and I know why.
As leaders we recognize and have a need to set ourselves apart. Not in an aloof and arrogant manner but to be recognized and sought after for our own unique abilities.
I saw a great quote on twitter “No one can use your abilities but you.” We all have something to offer. Thanks for stopping by my friend.
Steve
I am a great fan of innovative marketing and that does not always mean spending up big. It means being clever and creative and above all a moving away from trying to copy someone else’s brand in a different shade of the same color.
I like your point about “Let you be you” – yes, yes, yes… You are doing a great job of creating your own brand Steve because you are just letting more of you emerge all the time. Awesome.
~Marcus
Marcus Baker recently posted..Save Time With This Handy Email Formatter MLM Tips
Thank You Marcus I really appreciate that. And this comment is very true you have really shared some great tips with software and plug ins and other value to make life easier and at a reasonable price (free mostly).
You are right we have to move away from “copying” other people and be secure enough with ourselves to well be ourselves. All the copying in the world will not make up for lack of mindset. And this a very precious commodity to have if we are to succeed.
Steve
Hey Steve,
As you may have noticed, I have no problem being myself. Not anymore that is.
One thing I find really silly is people posting a picture of their cat for their Facebook picture.
I may have been a little slow on Social Media uptake, but this one I got quick, I used my real name or whatever variation I needed to, none of that ‘Promaster leads’ or other ‘catchy stuff’. Might as well be a cat.
Now that I’ve gotten over a certain mental block my profile pages are in for a refit.
Great Post, As Always,
Mike
Michael Cole recently posted..Get Your Blog Read- Be Ridiculous
No Michael you don’t and that is why I like you. You have a insightful and sarcastic writing style that is really fun to read. And you know what the best part is? It’s all Michael Cole that’s his style his brand and it’s very recognizable to me and it should be.
You are well on your way with Social Media you just have to get over your timidness (HA!) Thanks for the visit.
Steve
Hi Steve,
thanks for your great post. I fully agree that consistency throughout social media is key to successful personal branding. I also agree that people need to pimp their profiles and use their full names. Why hide behind a fantasy or company name ? I always wonder why people intertwine themselves so deeply with a certain company. If the company does well, they are well off, if it suffers for some reason, so do they, don’t they ?
When creating a persomal branding strategy, I recommend to keep the exit in mind: If you brand yourself as an expert rather than a leader who knows all technical tricks and details of blogging, social media, SEO etc. chances are you’re going to regret that some day.
At the end of the day, the leader and entrepreneur hires the expert, the expert gets an unleveraged pay for his work (hourly or commission-based) and the entrepreneur collects the big leveraged cashflow.
That’s why we need to have systems in place that do the technical and How-to-education for us and our team so that we are able to point to this system and to remove ourselves from the equation. That’s what it’s all about.
Looking forward to your future posts.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Anatomy Of Quitting – Oliver Tausend’s Example
Hey Oliver,
The biggest problem in intertwining your name with your company can be summed up with one name.
iLearningGlobal
With one action they ruined how many thousands of people’s dreams?
Mike
Michael Cole recently posted..Be Aware- Hookers Are Scamming You On Facebook
Hello Oliver many valid points my friend I should add an excerpt to this post just for that comment! Of all of them I really like how you mention that leaders hire the experts. Nothing wrong with having expertise in something but leadership is a mindset. A mindset that should pull us away from the pack to see the bigger picture and how all things should fit into place. And of course what experts are needed to get the job done. Great insight.
Steve
I am definitely with you on this one, Steve.
It’s important to establish and sustain a certain recognizable image of YouInc. Similar colors, gravatar, profile names do help tremendously.
And yes, I completely agree with using your own name wherever possible, so that your followers know that they are not interacting with a bot or some faceless company.
Ana
Ana | Traffic Generation Cafe recently posted..Social Media Tourist Trap- Now What
Ana being consistent was a tip I got from you so I hope we agree! And like Chris Brogan mentioned in the video on your blog the time for playing is over. I think we have to start taking every aspect of social media seriously and looking for every edge we can find. The competition is fierce and getting fiercer but we have a great advantage by acting and positioning ourselves now.
Steve Shoemaker
Steve Shoemaker recently posted..Strategic Branding-Who Are YouInc
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