The Kardashians are quite possibly the most annoying, superficial and self-absorbed clan (and brand) on the planet. Being called “the Kardashian of your industry” is probably not a compliment.

And yet.

Most of us have highly successful Kardashianesque competitors. Brash, cocky, and convinced they have been annointed by their followers, they promote themselves and their "stuff" (ideas, services, products) assuming their audience hangs on their every word. You however, hear their messages like fingernails on a blackboard.

It’s a brand-spanking new year.

So how about, instead of yet another resolution you’ll forget by the end of January, you make a plan to propel yourself into “unforgettable” territory.

2012 style.

As you consider your marketing and selling efforts this year, think: personalized experience, authenticity and a call to emotion.

Sometimes, lurking behind a charming façade is a poseur.

You’ve met him: the slick-talker who pairs precious little smarts with an outsized ego. In Texas, that guy is “all hat, no cattle”.

You're savvy enough to spot the type quickly and ignore or neutralize him.

But what if he is your competition?

If writing for a mission-critical audience makes you squirm, this is for you.

Your best bet? Spend a few bucks to hire a professional. But if you can’t (or prefer to hone your talent), it may be time to try A.T.O.M.

A is for action. Choose words and phrases that bring action and purpose and results to mind. Avoid soft words like help, teach, become, make and try. Think powerful: build, boost, construct, captain, conduct, direct, lead and design.

Daniel Kahneman explores the perils of confidence in deliciously insightful detail here for the New York Times.

One point was particularly intriguing for advisors. How many times do clients “who face a difficult question often answer an easier one instead”? And how often do we advisors help them dumb down the issue into one we can quickly resolve?

Think about it. The tough question: “Why are we failing to close new business at the rate we used to?” morphs to “How can we re-tool our website to attract more clients?”