Play in Traffic

Ever fall into a personal slump regarding business develop or networking?

I'm sure everyone has endured some form of call reluctance or networking anxiety. I have, I'll be the first to admit. Recently I stumbled into one of these slumps and remembered my solution to the problem.

Everything that I have done, I've done because I went out and I played in traffic and something happened. What this means is - - if you go push yourself out there and you see people and do things and participate and get involved, something happens.

A couple years ago I hit a slump in January and needed a change, so I decided to attend a networking event, although I didn't want to go. Turns out that one of my biggest prospects was in attendance, in which we had a chance to speak. After the event concluded, my prospect invited me out to dinner later that night to discuss potential buisness opportunities. Long story short, we eventually signed a contract with this company and I established a solid business contact.

So I tell people now, just show up, get in the game, go play in traffic. Something good will come of it, but you've got to show up.

I AM the brand

Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called you. -- Tom Peters

What's your brand? Not just your company brand - - I'm talking about your personal brand. In sales, prospects buy the sales rep first. If they buy brand you, then they buy what you're selling. I've studied from some of the best at creating personal brands including, Jeffrey Gitomer, Dale Carnegie, Seth Godin, and Keith Ferrazzi.

Here are a few tips that I've gathered that might help you create your own personal brand;

1. Write articles for trade publications
2. Speak at industry events on your specialty
3. Serve as an information broker to reporters for the business journal
4. Take on projects no one wants at work
5. Get on convention panels
6. Post events on LinkedIn that you'll be attending
7. Create a networking group that snyergizes around your product/service
8. Seek a mentor to help develop your brand
9. Get Googleable
10. Develop your own personal website, blog, and or twitter account

Most of these ideas aren't cutting edge, but its important to note that you have to begin somewhere, and be consistent. If you haven't started developing your brand then you will have to start small. It will take time and hard work, but once you've lit a fire, the buzz will begin.

Remember the world is your stage. Your message is your "play". The character you protray is your brand. Look the part. Live the part. -- Keith Ferrazzi