Branding: The “ABCs” of Branding
Branding is Essential
Branding: The “ABCs” of Branding
Branding is an essential component of your business strategy. Being branded separates you from all the others in your area of expertise. For example, you are no longer “a consultant.” You are now “the 24/7 Consultant.”
As an entrepreneur, it is often difficult to separate yourself from the company. Therefore, everything that you do becomes associated with the company! So be aware of the impressions that you are making even when you are “off-duty.”
Branding sets you apart from others who offer a similar product or similar. Your brand separates you from the crowd. In other words, a brand makes you distinctive! Here are a few basic “ABCs” to help you in developing your distinctive brand.
“A” is for Achievement
Branding by highlighting your achievements is excellent. We are all familiar with the famous athletes like, Cam Newton, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Peyton Manning, who are branded by their achievements. You don't need to be a world-class athlete to use your own achievements for to brand yourself.
Take a few minutes and think about your area of expertise and how your achievements relate. Perhaps you are a marathon runner. That shows grit and determination. Great traits for an entrepreneur. For example, you may have written a book. Many people want to write a book. Most do not. I highlight that I am an author in branding myself. The fact that I have written a book differentiates me. Your brand should highlight your achievements to differentiate you!
“B” is for Benefits
Branding is all about the promises that you make to your customers. So, make sure that your brand highlights the distinctive benefits that you offer. Branding with your unique offering allows you to stand out in the crowd. How do you help your clients and customers achieve better results?
What results can your client expect when working with you? Will they be thinner? Will they become richer? Will they be smarter? Your brand should speak the language of the benefits that you offer.
“C” is for Customer-focused
You should focus on the customer experience in developing your brand. Remember, in branding it is always the customer's perception of you that matters. Your brand rises and falls on that perception. So your brand goes beyond a name and a logo.
Think about the other ways that you interact with customers and clients. For example, branding involves how you answer the phone. Branding is about how you handle customer complaints and customer service. Your brand must be customer-focused.
Conclusion
Branding is essential to building and growing your business. Therefore, it is a key component of your business strategy. In developing your branding remember these “ABCs”:
- “A” is for Achievement based branding
- “B” is for Benefits of your product or service
- “C” is for Customer-focused experiences
By following these “ABCs” of branding you are on your way to establishing a distinctive and sustainable brand. You can work with us to help develop your branding strategy in “The Strategic Pathway to Success Program.” Let us help you make your brand powerful.
We would love to hear about your experiences with branding your business. Is branding part of your business strategy? Leave a comment below.
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, online business strategist, and speaker, providing you result-oriented solutions to help you to achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
Pamela Montgomery
The photo © Alain Lacroix | Dreamstime.com – Company and customer
3 Tips for Writing Better Blog Posts
3 Tips for Writing Better Blog Posts
Would it help you, if you had three tips for writing better blog posts? I have decided to tackle this issue after reading so many blog posts that disappoint me!
Have you ever started reading a blog post and had to stop half way through? I know that I have. Blog posts sometimes suffer from 1) misspelled words, 2) blatant selling, or 3) lack of organization. If it is a really bad blog post it has all three problems.
When these problems occur your personal branding and professionalism suffer. So, let's talk about how to address these problems in blog posts. When you solve these problems with your writing you will get more readers.
So, today I am writing about three common problems with blog posts and provide three tips for writing better blog posts.
I. Misspelled Words
Misspelled words in blog posts are a real pet peeve for me. I must confess that I have been known to misspell a few words myself. Oops, just had to correct a misspelled word!
My concern is about blog posts where there are 5 misspelled word in a 5 sentence paragraph. Please do your readers a service by using spell check. This kind of error could have been caught by simply proof reading your article before publishing.
Remember to check your spelling. That is the first tip for writing better blog posts.
II. Blatant Selling
Blog posts that blatantly sell products or services are another turnoff for me. If they bother me, it probably bothers your readers also. I understand that you are in business to sell. But those of us that take time to read for information want you to at least try to share something helpful.
So, please leave the blatant selling to your sales copy. Let your blog posts be places of problem solving.
III. Lack of Organization
Blog posts that lack an organizing principle are confusing to read. Some posts are just a huge blob of print. These types of posts do not use 1) headings; 2) paragraphs; or 3) bullet points. It is very difficult to follow the narrative of the posts without some basic cues about the topic.
Master blogger and bestselling author Michael Hyatt in “Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World” also discusses the need for clear cues in your writing as you move from one topic to the next.
Conclusion/Call to Action
If you want to increase the number of people reading your blog, then follow these three tips for writing better blog posts.
Hopefully your blog will not suffer from the following problems:
- Misspelled words
- Blatant selling
- Lack of organization
When a post contains two or three of these problems it is often impossible to read.
To address these issues, remember to:
- Use spell check and proof read
- Save the selling for your sales page
- Remember to provide visual cues in your posts such as paragraphs, heading, and bullet points
In the digital age, all of your content is always available. It hurts your personal branding to produce sloppy work.
Let us hear from about your pet peeves in this era of digital marketing.
At My Biz Dream Team, we show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.
Pamela Montgomery
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, providing results-oriented solutions that help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
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3 Tips on Becoming a Leader and Increasing Your Authority Status Podcast Episode 9:2
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Become a Leader
3 Tips on Becoming a Leader and Increasing Your Authority Status
If you want authority status in your specialty, then you must become a leader. You can longer afford to be a follower, if you want authority status. You must believe that you have valuable experience, knowledge, and insights to share with your potential clients. You must step out of your comfort zone and take a few risks. If you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect others to see you as the expert. Here are three tips to help you become a leader and grow your authority status. Listen to the podcast for even more information about the importance of becoming a leader.
1. Focus on Learning
As an entrepreneur, you must position yourself so that you are always learning and staying on top of your field. Your area of expertise is not stagnant. There are always new developments. You must stay abreast of any changes. As you learn new things you will gain more confidence in your ability to positively impact your clients' lives. Your new knowledge and confidence help position you as a recognized expert.
2. Focus on Networking
Remember to reach out and make connections with other people. Your contacts can offer you valuable insights as you listen and learn. It is so important that you ask questions and listen to the answers. As you take risks with expanding the scope of your network, your leadership skills will grow. You will also uncover new opportunities to help others. As your network expands, the opportunities for you to demonstrate your skills as a leader will also grow.
3. Focus on Teaching Others
Speaking engagements, publishing books, and presenting webinars and teleseminars all position you as a leader. You could also teach others on your own podcast series. As you share more of what you know, you will receive positive feedback. There is nothing that speaks louder about your authority status and expertise than teaching other people. Over the years we have given thousands of presentations and watched as our authority status soared. You can do the same.
You must continue to take risks and push past your comfort zone. You may be surprised at how much you know. Remember you have to believe that you are an authority before anyone else will. So step up and lead. Taking on the role of leader will help you tremendously in building your brand and positioning you as an authority in your specialty.
Try our Special Report and Training Guide: The Podcasting Power Playbook to show you step-by-step how you can increase your visibility, increase your authority status, and get more clients and customers.
Let us know what you are doing to become a leader? We would love to hear from you.
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How to Network Like a Pro!
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Network Like a Pro!
Network Like a Pro!
To network like a professional often requires you to change your mindset. In this interview with business consultant, Leslie Cardinal, you will learn all about the proper networking mindset and attitude. Leslie also shares advice on (1) why we should network; (2) some common mistakes in networking; and (3) helpful tips to relieve your jitters when you network. If you want to become a savvy networker, listen to this interview on My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series to learn how to network like a pro!
Network Where Your “Tribe” Hangs Out
You need to network where your “tribe” hangs out. Where does your “target market” or “tribe” hang out? Are they on-line? If so, where? You need to go where they go. If they are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest then make sure that you are posting relevant information. If they are in your local area, then go out to meet them. Engage with your potential clients by asking questions and getting to know them. Learn from them. They have a lot to teach you. To network like a pro, you should commit to reaching out on a consistent basis to establish relationships. It is the relationships that you establish that will help build your authority.
Become a Problem Solver
To network like a pro you need to do more than post articles and put links to your website. You need to make a habit of commenting, connecting, and offering solutions to issues. Every solution that you offer does not have to relate to something that you are selling. You will build your credibility if you show genuine interest in solving problems.
Become a Connector
To network like a pro you should aim to connect people who can help each other. For example, if you meet someone who is looking for a graphic designer, you can connect them with the person who designed your logo. We often find ourselves recommending products and services of the people who have helped us build our business. When you help your “target market” and connect them with useful information, it positions you as an authority.
Click here to read more about networking- Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs: You Can Be a Star!
Conclusion
As you learn to network like a pro by (1) networking where your “tribe” hangs out; (2) becoming a problem solver; and (3) becoming a connector, you will reap many benefits. For example, as you build connections with them, you are building your authority. You are also creating a tremendous boost for your business.
Another great way to connect and engage with your audience is through creating your own podcast series. To find out how to produce an impactful podcast series grab a copy of our: Special Report and Training Guide: The Podcasting Power Playbook. We will show you step-by-step how to become a great podcast host.
At My Biz Dream Team, we show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, providing results-oriented strategies that help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
Pamela Montgomery
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Build Your Authority Status with Creative Content
Do You Have Authority Status?
Build Your Authority Status with Creative Content
Producing creative content is one of the best ways to build your authority status. For example, one blog post could potentially reach thousands of people and establish you as a credible player in your area of expertise. You can leverage the power of the internet to create, share, and publish authority boosting content. There are several ways to do this. This article will discuss a few.
Write Blog Posts
One of the best ways to produce creative content is to have your own website where you write your own blog posts that present top quality information. At My Biz Dream Team we consistently publish 2-3 high quality posts each week. Be sure to share what you know. Answer your audience's question. You can also talk about industry news and provide solutions for your audience's problems. Make sure that the blogs that you produce are consistently of good quality and value. Let your professionalism and expertise shine through in the content.
In addition to writing blog posts for your own website, you may want to guest blog. Find a reputable industry leader who creates value-laden content. Once you have the opportunity to guest blog make the most of it. Be sure to have a clear call to action that will motivate the readers to click through and visit your website.
Another way to use blogs to your advantage is to make comments on other authoritative blogs. Be sure that your comments are substantive. This is a great opportunity to be seen in a positive light that positions you as an authority.
Publish a Book
Publishing a book is a fantastic way to establish your authority status. Nothing opens more doors for other opportunities like a book. You position yourself above others in your niche by writing a book. Digital publishing has never been easier. Opportunities to publish on Kindle or Create Space did not exist 20 years ago. Don't wait any longer to take advantage of this opportunity to make a name for yourself in a very big way. You should start brainstorming today and writing your book. If you don't have time to write it all down, speak it. That's how we created one of our books, The Book on Investing: Create the Life of Your Dreams. We made an outline of topics we wanted included in the book. Then we recorded the conversation we had about those topics. Our book emerged from the recorded conversation. It made the idea of “writing” a book much easier. You can try it our way or you can hire a ghost writer to help you.
Hold Live Events
Consider holding live events like webinars or teleseminars to provide value-laden information to people who want to learn more from you. These live events work very much like a published book to establish your authority status. Every Wednesday, we hold a live teleseminar training program: My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series. People tend to naturally give authority status to people who are published and to people who “teach” and speak in public. Holding your own live events gives your credibility and authority status a huge bump.
Conclusion
There are so many opportunities to create high quality, authority building content today. You should take advantage of the power of the internet to: (1) write blog posts; (2) publish a book; and (3) hold live events. You may also want to consider publishing articles in traditional magazines and newspapers. These opportunities and others allow you to showcase your expertise. They also help you to become recognized as an authority figure in you niche.
To find out more about building your authority continue to follow us at My Biz Dream Team on our blog, on our podcast, or on the weekly teleseminar training program: The My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Training Series.
My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series
Join us Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (Eastern) for our Free Teleseminar Series
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Create Content to Increase Your Authority Status Podcast Episode 8:3
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Create Content to Increase Your Authority Status
Create Content to Increase Your Authority Status
One of the best ways to build your authority status is to consistently create content that your audience finds valuable. In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series, we discuss several ways to create content that will boost your authority status. Listen in as we share our ideas to help you build credibility, visibility, and authority.
Tip 1: Create a Blog
Owning your on space on the internet is the ideal way to show case your expertise. If you create content that is informative and full of value, then your audience and potential list of clients will grow. You should strive to consistently provide solutions to your audience's problems and also to share industry news. Remember to leave comments on the blog posts of leaders in your industry. These comments help position you in a positive light.
Tip 2: Create a Podcast
You can create content that is not in writing. Other types of content can also be persuasive. You can try infographics, videos, or audio podcasts. We enjoy producing a weekly podcast that includes guest interviews and training sessions for entrepreneurs. You can find out how you can produce your own impactful podcast series in our Special Report and Training Guide: The Podcasting Power Playbook. Exploring other ways to create content opens up doors to a wider audience.
Tip 3: Create an Information Product
One great way to connect with your audience is to create content that allows them to learn more in-depth information from you. For example, you could create home study courses. These courses could be delivered via an email or a membership site. You may want to include a video or audio component to your information product. You could also teach part of the course live.
There are so many options for you to exercise your creativity to create content that is informative, compelling, and valuable to your audience and clients.
Be sure to subscribe to our podcast series: My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series share powerful strategies to help you build a business of significance and achieve uncommon results!
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Podcast: Be Authentic to Increase Your Authority Status Episode 8:2
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Be Authentic: Don't Be A Fake
Be Authentic: Increase Your Authority Status
The word “authentic” is defined in the dictionary as meaning,” worthy of trust, reliance, or belief.” As an entrepreneur you want be seen as worthy of trust, reliance, or belief. Otherwise, potential clients, customers, or partners will likely not want to work with you. You want to be real. You want to be humble. In this podcast we explain why it is so important to be authentic as you build your authority status. We also give you several tips on how to be authentic and transparent.
Different Types of Authority Figures
There are generally two types of authority figures. The first type may hit it big for a while. They tend to being shooting stars. They have 15 minutes of fame and then it is all over. You never hear from them again.
Then there are other type of authority figures who build their authority status over time. They retain that status over the long term. This type of authority figure is well-respected within their industry. As you build your business you want to be the second type of authority figure. You want longevity. One of the key ways to build longevity, is to be authentic. That means being 100% yourself. You present a consistent face the world.
Be Authentic and Transparent with Potential Clients and Partners
Being authentic means that you connect with your potential clients and partners in a way that is truthful and honest. When you are pretending or being fake, other people can pick up on your awkwardness and discomfort. It is often difficult to maintain a fake persona for too long. Then when people find out how you really are, you quickly lose credibility. All of the goodwill and authority that you have built is gone.
Being transparent means that you are honest about who you are and what you know. If you do not know the answer to a question, then admit it. Don't pretend to have knowledge that you don't. My experience after giving hundreds of speeches, presentations, and court room arguments, is that is best to admit it when you don't know the answer. You have more credibility with the audience. Let them know that you will find the answer for them. Then follow-up.
By being authentic and transparent, you are able to brand your personality. You can embrace what is truly unique about yourself. You can offer your client what no one else can. Don't be a clone or an imitator of what everyone else is doing. There are more benefits and opportunities when you share your real self with your potential clients.
As you present your authentic self to the world, you build your credibility and authority. You increase your status as a recognized expert.
Let us know about your experiences when you have not been truly authentic. What were the consequences?
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Personal Branding Builds Your Authority
Personal Branding Builds Your Authority!
Personal Branding Builds Your Authority
Personal branding happens with every action that you take as you engage with your audience. Every email, every post, every tweet says something about you as a person. It makes an impression! What impression are you making? If you allow your personality to come through it can help brand you and your business. This article discusses several ways that you can allow your personality to shine and why it is so important to developing your personal brand.
Your Photo is Part of Your Brand
You may not realize it, but your photo is part of your brand. The professional headshot or photograph of you that you use on your website says a lot about your personality. By using your own picture, rather than a carton or icon, people get to connect with you as person and as an authority figure.
Remember to use the same photo or one that is similar in all your marketing. This provides consistency for your brand. You do not want your audience guessing whether it is you or not. We like to use our photo on all our information products. It helps to gain familiarity and to build the authority of our brand. Research has shown that humans respond emotionally to faces. So put a smile on your face and let your audience know that you are an authority.
Use Audio and Video to Build Your Personal Brand
There are so many opportunities available now for your audience to hear your voice and see you in action. The growth of video marketing is astounding. So many people have become famous from YouTube videos that we have stopped counting. So do you have a YouTube channel where you showcase your personality? Video gives you the opportunity to share both your voice and your image with your potential clients. That is very powerful! Live streaming on Periscope and Facebook are also available. A recent newspaper article stated that most Face Book posts will be video in a few years. Currently video posts get the most engagement.
Another outlet for your personality is an audio podcast. While a podcast doesn't allow you the advantage of sharing your authoritative face, you can share your voice. The sound of your voice and its intonations allow your audience to feel more connected to you. How you speak can have a huge impact on how your audience views you. So consider starting a podcast to boost your visibility and authority. Try the Special Report and Training Guide: The Podcasting Power Playbook to help you produce an impactful podcast series.
Personal Branding Helps You to Stand Out in a Crowd
In a world filled with so much information competing for our attention, as an entrepreneur you must look for ways to be different. Personal branding is the difference. There is no one exactly like you! Allow your audience to get to know you and understand how you can be of service. As you brand yourself with your content, pictures, posts, and videos you build up your authority status.
Connie Ragen Green said in a recent post on the topic of personal branding:
“Not only will potential clients remember you better, it’ll also be easier for them to tell others about you. Then you’ll be viewed as an authority in your field, all because you took the time to work on your branding.
But this is only the beginning. As you become more well-known, your ideal clients will become more attracted to you. You won’t have to spend as much time marketing because your customers will naturally flock to you. When this began to happen in my business I was overjoyed and my confidence soared.”
We could not agree more that by using personal branding to build your authority your business will grow. Your ideal clients will find you through word of mouth referrals based on the strength of your authority.
Conclusion
As an entrepreneur building your business, remember that your personality is part of your brand. Whenever you communicate with your prospective clients your personality shows. What does your communication say about you? Make sure that your writing, photos, audios, and videos showcase your personality in the best possible light. Each of these communications can boost your authority and build your business.
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, online business strategist, and speaker, providing you result-oriented solutions to help you to achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
Pamela Montgomery
Be Professional: Make a Good First Impression
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Being Professional Matters!
Be Professional: Make a Good First Impression
In today's episode of My Biz Dream Team: Episode Wednesday Training Series we discuss how you should present yourself in a professional manner. We discuss specific steps that you should take to be sure that you will be seen in the best possible light. What kind of an impression are you making? As an entrepreneur you want to be seen as the expert in your market. People are drawn to those in authority. Your professionalism will help you attract new clients and grow your business. You may want to read our recent blog post How to be a Recognized Expert to get more information on the topic.
What Does it Mean to Present Yourself in a Professional Manner?
It means that you set high standards for your business. What standards have you set for your business? If you set low standards, you will not be in business long. You don't need to be perfect. No one is perfect. But people want to do business with people who know what they are doing. It means that you have to look and sound like an expert. You can do this in a number of ways.
(1) Your social media posts should be professional and business related. There is a real danger of over-sharing. The danger is that your potential clients may get an unfavorable impression of you. So be careful of what you post on social media. Your photos and images should portray you in the best possible light. This is the case even on personal sites. Nothing is private on the internet.
(2) Your written and spoken language should be consistent with the image that you want to portray in your business. It is better not to use slang, tech talk, or jargon. Make sure that you are clearly understood by potential clients. You may want to hire an editor to help you with writing books or marketing materials.
(3) You want to seen as someone who is a problem solver. Be friendly and approachable. You will attract more clients by putting yourself in situations where you can continue to grow and learn. Become known as someone who helps others.
You are probably already doing many of the things we suggest. But you can always use reminders.
Leave a comment to let us know how you are using social media and marketing to make a good first impression on your potential clients.
Podcasting Strategies 101 Episode 7:2
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Podcasting Strategies
Podcasting Strategies 101
Hello! This is Pamela Montgomery, Attorney, Author, and Entrepreneur. I am the co-owner of My Biz Dream Team. Welcome! I am so glad that you joined me today for this episode of “My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday.”
This program is dedicated to helping to helping entrepreneurs achieve uncommon results! Our mission is to educate, empower, and inspire you to achieve extraordinary results in your business and your life.
You can find us online at My Biz Dream Team sharing powerful strategies about achieving uncommon results.
Our theme this month: “Increasing Your Visibility”
How are you attracting, engaging, and converting your audience? Do they know that you exist? That’s our challenge this month. To increase your visibility. So this month we will be discussing topics that provide you a framework for success and visibility.
One of the best ways to increase your visibility is to produce a podcast. Producing a podcast helps you in several ways. First, producing a podcast is an essential component of your marketing. Second, producing a podcast clearly separates you from all the others who won’t take the time and effort to produce a podcast. Third, producing a podcast puts you on the map by providing you another marketing outlet.
Special Report and Training Guide: Podcasting Power
We have prepared a Special Report and Training Guide to accompany this series. You can buy it at “Podcasting Power.”
We show you step by step how to leverage the power of the internet how to make yourself more accessible to your ideal client!
Today we will discuss: (1) how to get great guests for your podcast; (2) doing your homework once the guest expert agrees to be interviewed on your program; and (3) the importance of preparing a preliminary list of questions in advance.
First what is a podcast? It is a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or portable media player. Typically, a podcast is available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically. A podcast is also defined as making a the digital product. Today's episode will address both aspects of the word.
The Special Report and Training Guide: “The Podcasting Power Playbook” is available for a limited time for only $24.99. Buy it today!
Join us every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (Eastern) for My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday
Dial in #: 712-775-7035
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To Achieving Uncommon Results!
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