Monday, June 21, 2010
Just recently I’ve joined a bunch of groups on LinkedIn. At first I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but the articles and comments that are chatted about are interesting and educational. Mostly.
Last week I received a rather unfriendly note accusing me of spamming a particular group. A group that focuses on best business practices. An obvious fit, as the branding process and marketing is by nature systems work that brings in Total Quality, Teamwork, Kaizen and a variety of other best business practices. Obvious to me, but not to this group who interpreted my musings as spam. Hmn. At first I was offended and began to explain. How silly of me.
After about 24 hours I realized with a chuckle that this is exactly why I insist on being me. Writing in my voice, about my experiences. Other groups had multiple comments and delightful conversation about this post. That was because they were my people. My people get me, appreciate me, hear me. These guys didn’t.
So, I did it. I unsubscribed from this list that claimed to be all about doing business better, but who in fact were closed and unable to appreciate a new point of view. Oh well.
Branding is about being true to yourself. Your tribe WILL hear you. Guaranteed.
Leave a Lasting Impression,
J.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Lately I’ve been speaking to a number of people who are a bit, well, trapped by their own thoughts and preconceived notions. It’s alarming how so many fall into this trap, and why I’m bringing it to you today.
The interesting thing about this phenomena, is that most of us are aware that we practice some form of limited thinking in their lives, but almost all of us leave out this important area. OR we visit here once, and never again. The first time I discovered this for myself it was a total surprise, even though I had dreamt of the possibility. I’d like to invite you to benefit now, rather than wait.
Here’s something to consider straight out: The business model you are working with is outdated. Except for a few of us, we’re out there doing ‘it’ the way its always been done, yet wanting different results, feeling a bit stifled without knowing why, and wondering what else there is that could make the days more enjoyable, with greater financial rewards.
Rarely though do we look at the business model. Doctors ‘do it’ in a particular way. So do other healers, CPA’s, or lawyers. But honestly, it’s likely you are too. Think about that for a moment. Are you following in someone else’s footsteps or are you blazing your own trail?
How about considering these examples to get you fired up for this concept:
- McDonalds’ borrowed the idea of drive up windows from banking. Now you can see drive-up dry cleaners, liquor stores and pharmacies. What can you borrow from another industry?
- 1-800-FLOWERS was of the first to extend that type of service to a perishable product, to be sold to the masses. Now you can get steaks, lobsters, almost anything via the mail, and they’re each more expensive than the average. Can you use anything from those models for your business?
- Many businesses are using virtual offices to allow for freedom and the ability to reach more people. Can you incorporate tele-classes or webinars to reach across the globe or across town? You may be more portable than you realize.
- How about creating an upper level of service? Doctors began offering ‘Concierge’ services, and you likely can too. A massage therapist, attorney, coach or comedy club, each has that ability.
Consider how you can re-visit your business model for a greater reach, the ability to bring your gifts to a larger audience, and the opportunity for additional revenue streams.
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More about J. Winslow, a.k.a. the Brandologist can be found at http://www.UnforgettableBrands.com
Thursday, April 22, 2010
It seems I’m on a mission. As with most missions, I’m quite passionate about my point of view. Seriously, there’s lots of evidence to support it’s truth. It’s been said that by the 6th grade our imagination is taught out of us. That’s right, we’re actually taught to be less creative than we are naturally, so that we ‘fit in’ better. I believe that’s a travesty.
In order to be a successful entrepreneur, and further, a fully expressed individual, tapping into our creativity is essential! Not only does the quality of our businesses and lives depend on it, so does the future of the world. It wasn’t that long ago that many couldn’t imagine a fax machine, let alone a phone with calendars and email. Something as now common velcro wasn’t possible, or a dishwasher or even the car. The Wright brothers were lunatics to many… but really they were entrepreneurs who were determined to continue to dream and use their imagination.
In today’s world where events happen quickly, it’s easy to forget that there’s a period of play, dreaming and experimenting to create and build anything of substance. Yes, sometimes we stumble upon a quick fix, but often its years of study and application combined with vision that gets the job done. Giving ourselves room and permission to play, to risk, to fail, to try again… that’s where the juice and the joy can be contained. truly it is the journey as well as the destination that we can value.
So, I’m on a mission! A mission to give ourselves permission to risk, to play to try. We may not always succeed as we’d like, but if we operate from the concept that it ALL leads us to success, then there are no failures. There are only those who embrace their creative imaginations, who are determined to forge a new path, and who are willing to fail forward to learn and contribute to their own education in order to forward the lives of others.
So, dear entrepreneurs and business owners… use your heads and your hearts to imagine what’s next. Thoughts are things, and these ideas will fill our future and allow us all to live richly! Carry this mission forward, we need all the soldiers we can get!
Keep shining,
J.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
I love the HGTV channel. Here in the U.S., it’s all about home design. No surprise that anything connected with design would capture me, but last week I stumbled upon a new show that revealed an unusual message for me…. (imagine what it could be?)
It was a show about Debbie Travis choosing a new chief designer from a pool of candidates. Their assignment: use a door to create something that would show her their ‘essence’. Hmn…. a lot like the Branding process, it’s important to clearly capture one’s essence through multiple modes of communication.
Immediately, I was hooked. They were all really stressed out at first. Just like so many I work with when they begin the process I’ve created! A really natural reaction. The weight of packing all you are into a single expression can be really daunting. Of course, the way I build the process, that feeling quickly disappears, but the parallel was obvious.
After tons of angst, at the end of the show she acknowledges two key people. One who exhibits great design, but not necessarily her ‘essence’, and the other whose design was a bit of a train wreck, but who had revealed herself more than anyone else in the room. She unknowingly ‘failed forward’ as I call it.
Here’s what struck me:
* Capturing our essence can be a process for sure, but it’s worth it to reveal ourselves through our brand messages. Words and images are powerful clues for the audience, who really are interested in connecting. We’re doing it all the time anyway, so why not be clear about your communications.
* Mentoring takes this process to a completely different level. Watching these poor kids struggle was SO painful, and this can be such a joyful process! It’s self expression for crying out loud! having a mentor would have altered everything.
* Branding is a very, very layered conversation. This was just the beginning of discovering the ‘who’ of the participants. When we are willing to begin and give ourselves over to the process, amazing solutions are revealed. I’m sure on subsequent shows, more will be revealed.
* It was super obvious that the candidates that did well did something special. They created something from nothing, they stepped past their fear to experiment with possibility, and they instinctively tapped into a part of themselves that held the answer that was right for them.
All of these points parallel the marketing and branding process. With guidance you can tap into resources you may not realize you possess. Within you are the keys to creating a strategy that will assist you in succeeding in ways that you’ve dreamed of, and it truly isn’t as daunting as it seems to be when attempted alone.
So, take something from this as I did. Get a mentor that knows where you want to go, and can help you get there. Trust themselves and yourself that you DO know your heart. Stay at it, and trust. Trust the process, give yourself fully, and you Will get where you want to go. In creating your brand, in creating your life.
Keep blooming,
Judy
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Today was one of those super days. Totally in the moment, focused, intentional, productive. Learning mostly, soaking it in, tweaking past knowledge to break through to new levels of understanding.
This wasn’t done sitting at a desk on my computer, but cruising through white powder on a mountain, in near white out conditions. Nice.
There was lots to learn today, and it turned out it wasn’t all about skiing. What I discovered is that I’m an over-thinker. Yes, I confess, not only do I over analyze what’s coming next and what was done wrong on each and every turn, I can now see clearly that this is a bad habit in every day life. Over-thinking can turn to stinking thinking pretty quickly. Noticing what we do ‘wrong’ can keep us from taking on new challenges, it can mess with our heads. Today it was about taking on some deeper powder, that for me was a big deal, in my head. But once it was done, it was pretty great! Yippee for me!
This happens in business too. We make the bumps look like boulders or body bags, or some other horrible obstacle. When we over think, it can stop us cold. There’s another side too, as under-thinking can knock us on our butt from sheer carelessness. Or sheer distraction.
What works best at work is the place I visited for most of the day. The present moment. Bringing everything you have to that, while being in motion, in action, tweaking on the go, learning as you do so. What a rush. Couldn’t help but wonder what business might look like living like that each day. Heading down hill, a smile on your face, knowing that I gave it my best. Woo-HOO!!
Wishing you a day just like that.
Keep shining,
Judy
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
It’s interesting that some of our everyday tasks are so taken for granted that improvement is slower in coming than one would logically expect.
Recently, while traveling, I had an amazing and memorable moment in the shower. Now, really, it’s not what you are thinking, you people with your minds in the gutter! What I mean is that it was such a great shower, that I wanted to take it all home with me. This was no ordinary shower. First the walls were not squared off, but rounded. This didn’t seem to mean much at first, although it was quite beautiful. However that element, paired with the 5 shower heads, in an open layout, kept me warm and massaged in a most pleasant manner. Now I don’t know about you, but for me the number one concern in an open shower is warmth… I have one at home that doesn’t work nearly as well.
So, this is my question… why aren’t more showers designed this way? Does it cost a bit more? Yes, BUT it’s worth every penny.
Then, of course, this concept can apply to our businesses. What everyday items or systems or offers do you have, that if altered slightly would not only command higher fees, but would also give your clientele a super memorable experience. It may be easier than you now realize. Think about it. After all, innovation rules!
Keep shining,
Judy
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
For the last few decades I’ve been learning more and more about how the Universe and Universal Law impacts us. In the last couple of years its been such a joy to connect with others who utilize these principles intentionally to steer their businesses and lives. It’s amazing that when I sit home, in my small-ish community the sheer numbers of others who follow these concepts seem invisible to me, but the moment I step out into the big world, it seems like-minded folks are everywhere! Here are some reasons for not only learning about, but integrating these Laws into your business growth strategies:
* The Universe loves clarity. Have you ever noticed that the first step in every process is CLARITY? There’s a reason. A clear signal can reach further and has laser like abilities. It’s hard to hear a muffled voice, yet a clear message can be heard by millions.
* Many are aware of the Law of Attraction, yet are you clear about what you’re bringing to you? When we desire and expect that desire to be fulfilled – without doubt, we begin to move towards (that means action) that expectation, assisting in its manifestation.
* The Law of Increase is a great one, it’s easily illustrated by the use of praise. When we praise ourselves or another we are bringing closer what we desire. You can feel the energetic difference when you praise a child, they are far more likely to blossom, rather than shrink we we yell. Often it feels like watering a plant. With water we bloom. There are many instances of this Law that we experience each day. I wish this year to be of increase in prosperity to all.
* When we remember that thoughts are things, each of us can then carefully construct our thoughts to serve us, and serve those we serve, far better. It’s amazing that we can train our minds to be in this creative mode, staying present to what’s possible, moving towards that which we picture to make it real.
If you are one who enjoys working with the Laws, join me for a special workshop that blends the Laws with your marketing and business goals. This year WILL be different.
Check out: http://tinyurl.com/ydwduxd for more information.
Keep Shining,
Judy
Thursday, December 31, 2009
This morning I was dreaming about the Beatles. Weird, right? But even stranger than that was the context. I was noticing all the ways that the Beatles taught us about marketing, so of course I had to write it down for all of you.
What a great way to end the year OR to start a new one. Here’s what the Beatles taught us:
1. Passion is critical… not only passion, but the ability to communicate your excitement to others. Which you can see in their faces when they sang (at least in the early years).
2. Keep it simple. I mean really, how simple was ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’? The BlackEyed Peas have taken this mantle up in present day terms, and with great success. When you keep your message simple and your goal clear, its much easier to hit the mark, and be heard by your ideal audience. Hence the screaming fans.
3. Don’t be afraid to be different. The Beatles came to America with those ‘crazy’ hair cuts, and we fell in love. Different IS GOOD! Your brand depends on it.
4. There was strength in their team. Not forever, but that team dynamic fueled big hits, gave way to bold action, and allowed some really big dreams to be realized. Get a team like that in place, and you’re sure to move forward quickly.
5. Trust yourself. No one was doing music like they were, yet they stayed true to themselves, trusted that they were on track and that they’d find their place in the world, and man oh man they sure did.
Of course, there are many other lessons they taught us, but I ask you as one year ends and another begins, how are you going to use these principles in your business? They may seem elementary yet there is gold there my friends. Ask yourself what do you REALLY want this year, and then make sure you’ve got a plan to get there.
Who knows, you may even go platinum in your industry!
Keep shining,
Judy
Monday, December 7, 2009
Geez, can it really be so long since I last wrote? Amazing.
This one I really had to share. Sometimes I lose sight of just how lucky I am, and it can be the smallest thing that reminds me. Here we live in a country of such abundance, and many of us are so spoiled, that we don’t even realize it. (yes, that includes me) The other day I was at the market. There’s a place near here that sells the best organic chicken. Its SO good that the stuff at the ‘regular’ store kinda grosses me out. The bar has been raised for me on what good chicken is. Kind of similar to how a great brand seeps into your habits until you can’t live without the value you receive from it, right?
Well, that’s kind of obvious, but there’s more. This is a high end store, and it does offer some unusual items. On this particular day they were showing some green and white asparagus side by side. I overheard someone say, ‘I didn’t even know there WAS white asparagus’. This was uttered quietly with reverance and awe. And that’s when it hit me.
Now, this may not seem big to you, but stay with me for a minute. This woman now knows there really are white asparagus. She has knowledge which alters her awareness. Not only of what the store is capable of providing for her, but a new awareness of her world.
This can seem like no big deal, right? But think about it. You have the same opportunity. To show a client or prospect something they didn’t know, they didn’t know. Once that light goes on, once your awareness shifts, your world can include something that can be quite valuable. So what do you offer that can shift someone’s perspective? Here I spoke of chicken and asparagus. But every day there are millions of opportunities for us to help our clients shift and include awareness about something you provide.
At the beginning I mentioned how spoiled we are. What I mean is that so much of what we have access to is SO readily available that we don’t discern the specialness of our experience. It’s an interesting time of year to request that we all slow down. Because when we do, we’ll see information that is super valuable, to our lives and to our businesses, yet we often rush right by. Slow down and see what you can learn today to apply to your business tomorrow.
And if you’re in the middle of planning for next year, this is an excellent tool to utilize. Listen, observe, and apply. Three steps to greater results.
Keep shining!
Judy
Friday, October 30, 2009
I just got back from a great conference hosted by Lisa Sasevich. It was interesting to see who was in the room, and what types of businesses were represented given her topic: Sales, which is quite a sweeping category. It was a great reminder for me that no matter what business you’re in, there is much to gain from these discussions.
Many of us think that our business is ‘different’ or for whatever reason it’s hard to see how the tactics and principles I discuss pertain to you in particular. Today’s topic pertains to every business no matter what you’re up to. You may be selling widgets, photography or healing, you still need to notice how you’re positioning yourself in your market.
Further, this is the perfect time to assess and seriously look at this for your business. After all, to grow your business you must be positioned for that growth! Consider companies that you admire to learn some valuable tips:
* Many large businesses are introducing new products and services – regardless of the chatter about ‘the economy’. They know this is a time to position themselves for success.
* Look in any major publication (or on t.v.) and see those who are not cutting back on ad dollars, but are adding to them. Traditional advertising may not be the best use of your budget, but creative thinking to reach your market should not be relaxed…ever!
* Consider how you’re perceived in your market… and look at what it would take to be perceived as either an expert or market leader. Whether you’re in insurance or trucking, this is a great time to gain market share.
Consider how you can re-introduce, re-package, re-invent
and re-position to leverage yourself in your marketplace. If you don’t know, find out. No matter whether you’ve been around for some time or if you’re just getting started, positioning is KEY for successful branding.
During this process:
* Be sure your product/service: Uses language the audience relates to.
* Reflects their (your audiences) values as well as your own.
* Be authentic to attract your ideal clients.
Most of all, take control and remember that you are the one who will orchestrate your place in the marketplace.
Keep shining,
Judy
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