Branding Your Way, One Small Step at a Time

As I mention frequently, if you're a small business owner or professional who sells services - you are the brand. It is your personal brand that will most likely determine if the business is won or lost. So, any little thing you can do to positively brand yourself in the mind of others is a big step toward creating the differentiation needed to win more business.

I met Elaine at a meeting with management consultants here in St. Louis. She has a very distinctive and memorable business card shaped and styled like a bookmark. I heard at least three or four people mention how much they liked Elaine's business cards. I bet she receives similar feedback from other groups, as well as potential customers.

This bookmark works especially well for Elaine because she is a publishing consultant. So, this unique business card fits very well with her line of business - it's consistent. Probably wouldn't have the same impact if this bookmark business card was given to me by a landscaper or attorney.

What small, but unique, elements do you use to help differentiate your personal brand from competitors? The more elements, regardless of how small they may seem, the higher likelihood you'll successfully differentiate and win more.