Life has thrown me a curve ball and I don’t mean I am playing a game of baseball…..
Over the last three months, my direct sales business has been struggling. Maybe it is me who has been struggling. My bag is FULL – MS stuff, recovery, family and trying to continue my business to pay the bills. It has been some of the worst months in three plus years. Have I wallowed in a pity pot for a little bit? YUP! Did I beat myself up? YUP! I totally get how business fluctuates. I am always grateful for a supportive network of other women business owners who help me to put things in perspective.
I know you are wondering………”what does this have to do with personal branding”, right? During all of this, I have been thinking about my personal brand. A way to incorporate my direct sales business with my angels. I love both but trying to split my time has wrecked havoc on my health (or should I say my thought process). I know, splitting my time between two loves is not good for either business, right?
What happens when your passion changes over time? In a recent article Dorie Clark‘s quotes Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.” Clark emphasizes, “Your path may make perfect sense to you, but how can you persuade others to embrace your new brand — and take you seriously?” This is where I’m at right NOW! I have been in direct sales for 8 plus years and I am known for it, as I transition or merge the two, I need to get my current customers on both sides to embrace my new brand.
A personal rebrand isn’t easy! I mean isn’t it easier to continue along the same path where people know you for what you do best — or at least what they think you do best. Over time, as your passions change, it’s only natural to pivot into new areas. Remember, multiple rebranding will hold you back and create confusion, so follow these steps, and you’ll be ready to take your brand to the next level.
#1 Reflect:
The first step in branding is to reflect on who you are, what you’ve accomplished and how you want the world to see you. Search yourself on google – search your name, your business, or something people identify with you. Ask friends you trust for their help. Here are some questions to help you to define your brand:
- What do you want to be known for?
- What are you good at?
- What do you write about, talk about and share share about?
#2 Define Your Personal Brand:
You want to simply stand out in the crowd by focusing on your unique gifts and what makes you different. Is it something people relate to you? When they see it, they think of you. Is it a tagline? Make a list of all of the things which make you stand out from the crowd. In direct sales, this is extremely important because you want loyal customers, right?
#3 Create Your Brand:
Now you need to become visible, get yourself out there. Create an active social media presence with a personal website. If you are in direct sales, you can usually change your URL to a catchy phrase or something which makes you stand out. I used Go Daddy to change my direct sales website URL to “partywithHope”. It is short and easy for customers to remember. As for my angels it is simply a Facebook page of called “Hope’s Angel Connection”. PLUS I always use my angel wings as a watermark on my graphics as a reminder of me!
#4 Connect to Others:
Now you have a personal brand. The next step is being visible in the arenas where you want to be successful. Know who you want your audience to be – stay at home moms, professionals, etc. Get reviews or endorsements from customers, attend events, and network, to bolster and lend credibility to the brand you are marketing. Don’t be shy about it – wear your brand every day. I always have a ThirtyOne bag AND an angel charm on – each draw people into conversations.
Yup, it is really this simple. Remember, the success of personal branding depends on how well your audience understands your vision, and what you do best, as well as your authenticity. Share your brand with us!
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 