The Brand Called Snooze
- May 14, 2011
- Posted by: Rochelle
- Category: Brand + Design, Client Relationships
Is this you? Pushing so hard in so many directions, that your keyboard looks like an excellent place for a nap?
Don’t let this become your signature.
It can happen in a heartbeat. Look back over the last week. How many times did you open a conversation (live or virtual) with some variation of “I’m tired?”
If it’s more than once, it is spidering its way into your personal marketing.
Resist.
Can you think of a single instance where mentioning fatigue will draw the right clients closer to you?
I thought not. Your being tired isn’t your audience’s problem—so why make it their problem? The very last thing you want is a potential client wondering if you’ve got the energy to work with them.
Maybe this one belongs in the “I’ll just keep this to myself” category.
9 Comments
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Definitely keep it to yourself. “Busy” is better.
Over twenty years ago I had someone who wanted to meet me (I am a business consultant and executive recruiter for lawyers) say he missed his appointment because he was napping. I hesitated to make another appointment, but, being young, I did. When this person again missed his appointment because he was “napping” I realized there was no way we would ever meet. I have shared this person’s humorous, but probably actually sad, story within every working situation I have been in since.
I LOVE this story–K.C. “The napper” is definitely not a powerhouse personal brand!
I prefer to “induce” folks to ask where I get my energy from; to talk about weekend full-court basketball.
Right you are Rochelle ! How we show up says so much about what we are willing to put in to the client’s experience. If I can’t be present to the conversation with an energy level commensurate with the client’s needs, then I will postpone until a time when I can. I don’t believe in being inauthentic, but sometimes we need to act “as if.”
Rochelle, I couldn’t agree more-what a turnoff. Another way to look at the issue that you pose is in terms of self-disclosure-choosing what, when, how we share about ourselves and what are our motivations-conscious and unconscious-in doing so.
Thanks again for one of your pinpoint lazer insights! I love ’em.
Corey, Karen and Peter,
Great points all–thank you! The core issue you all touch is being authentic while still deciding what/how to share. The mark of a true professional is perhaps finding the right balance between them…
I keep forgetting to tell you – your mantra of be unforgettable – I love the bright colors in your E-mails and on your website. They work and certainly make you unforgettable.
Okay. . . my second E-mail posted, but not the first. Try again –
One thing I find is that energy generates energy. If I respond with a “I’m great and I’ve been doing xxx” (pick one thing only – don’t overwhelm the conversation) – whoever I am talking to or E-mailing with will usually respond with the same high level of enthusiasm and energy.
Nancy
Thanks for your thoughts on generating energy Nancy–your leading with the positive is an excellent strategy…