The Charisma Factor
What comes to mind when someone hears your name?
Personal Branding is all about leaving a positive and memorable mental image in the mind of your customers. The next level is having favorable name recognition among people who have yet to meet you. Further still in the hierarchy of Personal Branding is single name recognition, like Oprah, Tiger, or “The Donald.” But you don’t have to be a super celebrity to put Personal Branding to use.
Charisma is the fuel that drives success at Branding YOU. It’s having that “larger than life” persona that fills a room. Having character traits that could be easily mimicked on “Saturday Night Live” makes you distinctive.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you go out and invent a persona. That tactic would likely have you be perceived as inauthentic – and do you more harm than good.
What I am talking about is often referred to as “full self-expression.” It means allowing people to experience the unbridled aliveness that is uniquely you.
Our parents raise us to be cautious and guarded. These are appropriate instructions for a child. However, when you step into the public arena you need to stand out.
We’ve all seen politicians and public figures that appear to be uncomfortable in their own skin. You can’t quite put your figure on it but something seems out of sync when you watch them debate or give a speech. Others leave us with the opposite impression. They convey trust, compassion and sincerity.
So how do you raise your charisma quotient? Commit to being authentic. That means, give yourself permission to be real in your interactions with others. Don’t pretend. People don’t want perfection. They want sincerity.
Seek feedback from associates and clients about the distinctive traits and perhaps even quirks you have that work in your favor. Watch videotape of yourself in action. Make notes of what works and doesn’t work.
Charisma is like a magnet, but it requires an outflow of energy to complete the cycle. Tap into your own natural and expressive self. Greet the world with a smile. Be conscious of your energy level. Let it flow.
Making Money With Media
Experts intuitively know the value of becoming a published author. It gives you instant credibility and can serve as calling card. Having audio, DVDs and online media products provides you with yet another level of respectability. It communicates to the public and your business prospects that your expertise is valued.
Plus, there is a financial upside. Professional speakers with product know the value of back of the room sales.
Packaging is key when creating your media products. You want to have crisp eye-catching graphics that distinguish your brand. Consider having a signature icon, color scheme, or some other defining characteristic in your packaging that set your products apart.
Start the process by doing an analysis of existing top selling media products. Browse catalogs and bookstores and take notice of the items that stand out. Enlist an impartial friend or two to join your survey mission and listen closely their input.
Clip ads for media products and start two folders. One for ads that appeal to your senses, and a second for ads that you view as less than favorable. These folders will help you to articulate your specific likes and dislikes when working with a graphic artist. And how do you find one?
There are two schools of thought when it comes to hiring creative talent - you can shell out big bucks for a top design firm, or hire your tech savvy nephew for next to nothing. Realize though that cutting corners can be costly. On the other hand, colleges are now brimming with highly talented artists. Many are looking to build their portfolios with work samples and are therefore willing to work for less. Be sure to get references in either case. Nothing is more frustrating in working with people that have a poor work ethic. You can hire the most creative artist on the planet. But if he or she isn’t reliable about delivery schedules and technical matters you’re in for some upsets.
Finally, consider the merits of bundling your products together to increase your profit margin. Adding a DVD to the back of your book increases the value of both items.