From a talk I did at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce as part of an the HYPE Talent Symposium.
Do agree, disagree? Why?
Brand
Recognition: What EXACTLY do you do again?
Branding, Logos, the communication of ideas and identity has always fascinated me. Because people make decisions on whether or not they will buy, interact, embrace or maintain their relationship with you based on how they identify with you. Even how you allow yourself to be identified!
They will recognize and sustain the relationship based on habit or a need. Whether that need is of indulgence, want, or survival we cannot control. However, if that need is based on individual WANT then we can help in the way an individual views us. They can either NOT want or WANT to interact with you.
The following video below is the result of a Sunday project Adam Ladd had with his daughter. After watching, think deeply.
Then ask yourself:
- How do I project who I am?
- Do others identify?
- as a result… Should I change?
This is the world of corporate logos, as seen through the eyes of his 5-year-old daughter. Follow him at @ladddesign
Compare… but be Different
Comparisons, Market Differentiation and Competition is great. But if you are constantly comparing yourself to your competitors without showing how they can’t compare… it doesn’t make a difference how you market yourself. You will always be “comparable” instead of being “compared to.”
Is what you are doing the alternative or the exception?
Do you have an Original Thought?
It is hard for anyone to use you as a resource if you, yourself, are not a good resource. If you can’t offer an original idea what makes you different?
Why would I come to you for information, for guidance, for direction on anything when I could search for it on Bing, Google, head over to my next door neighbor, a colleague, a current association or neighboring cube for the same information. In fact, doing so in those places may be easier.
But if people come to ask you for information on a consistent basis… you may have some original thoughts around your approach, industry and practice then most. You may just offer… IT… better!
It’s not always because it’s easier for them to come to you… often it’s because what you have to offer is better!
Are you better? What do you think about this?
