A few weeks ago I walked into a vendor event to hear “are you the angel lady that sells Thirty One?”. It took me a minute but then I said “yes”. I was totally surprised by the question but grateful the two things were linked together.
Obviously you know I am a Thirty One consultant BUT I also love to make and share my angels.
I have found the perfect way to combine my two loves to make a difference in the lives of others. My traveling angel pins allow individuals to buy an angel and send one to a person who needs some encouragement. Know someone who is struggling? Let me know and I will send them a pin.
Where is all of this leading? I have (accidentally) branded myself as “the Thirty One angel lady”. Is it a bad thing? No! But I am grateful to have created my own niche of making a difference.
1. Realize branding does apply to you.
No matter what you do, branding can take your career or business to the next level. Your brand reflects your reputation — what you’re known for (or would like to be known for). What was once called a reputation is now called a brand. Don’t we all want to be know for something?
2. State who and what you are (not what you’re not).
Remember positive brings positive into your Universe. Your branding should be consistent from beginning to the end. Showcase your accomplishments and expertise but don’t overinflate to the point you can’t follow through. Authenticity is the key. I am all about giving back. Hubby says my tagline should be “I will never be Rockefeller (rich with money)” because I am all about giving to others.
3. Honestly, ask yourself what is your value.
When was the last time you wrote down your core strengths. Prepare a list. Ask yourself what your top 5 accomplishments have been in the past 5, 10, 15 years. Which ones stand out as the most value to your business or your company?
Branding is all about impressing others not ourselves, right? So, why not ask others what they see as your most positive attributes (family, friends, or colleagues). I know this can be scary BUT you may be surprised to find out how others perceive you. You may actually be surprised to see what things come to the forefront as your areas of expertise.
4. Understand developing a brand takes time.
This is HUGE! I have been with Thirty One for 6 years. I have done many things to try and “brand myself” but with the help of Desiree Wolfe, I found my niche. 
What does it mean? Every day, I share things which bring my brand (Thirty One and angels) into the spotlight. I want to make a difference and I try to do it every day in some small way with everyone I meet. Remember developing a brand is about adding value which results in you being seen and heard. It’s about distinguishing you from your competitors.
5. Create a blog and write what you know.
I hear the groans of those who say “I can’t write”. How often are you asked the same question by almost all of your customers? Maybe it is about a situation or a product or a service. Guess what? You answer the question a million times, why not write about it and share the answer. It’s simple – choose a hot question in your field and just start writing by answering it in an article or blog post. You have now proven you know what you’re talking about.
6. Interact more than less.
I’m still getting the hang of this. I don’t want to be spammy or pushy or salesy. I do want to gain attention to me (as the brand) then my products and services which leads to more sales. I may blog daily but I don’t consistently post comments on Facebook groups or on other blog posts. You need to decide what works with your schedule and time ability.
Your online identity is a priority in today’s busy digital world. I heard “your online branding as a #digitaltattoo which is so true. Once it is out there – it stays out there. Wonder where you stand right now? Google yourself, your brand, or your product/service. See what comes up. The biggest compliment I have received is when someone I know as an acquanitence tells me they Googled a subject and I came up.
My angels help me stand out with my Thirty One customers. The angels help them to remember me! What is your brand? Share it with us.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 