The Benefits of Branding You

What are the value and benefits of branding and networking? The bottom line it all comes down to this….”You are important and it is you who people want to know first before the company” But too often, you sort yourself. You talk to people, pick up a tidbit or two and then move on, never to contact them again.

That approach is not only somewhat unprofessional, but it also fails to capitalize on the whole branding concept. You've given yourself only one brief chance to be remembered by the people you've spoken to. Instead, why not say “Google Me Today” and contact them several times over the course of many months? And while you're at it, why not do something to help them as much as they have helped you? In other words, Google Me Today is positively and memorably. How can you brand yourself among your networking contacts and create a mutually beneficial relationship at the same time? You can use the following strategies:

Do Not Forget….Keep in Touch

Ask them first. I can assure you the almost everyone will say, "Yes," because they want to help you and know you might be able to return the favor someday. So after you've spoken to someone, send a quick thank you note and let then know you will keep in touch. Then, do it. Follow up every month or six weeks with a quick email or phone call. Keep them up to date, and then ask how things are going. At the end of every email or conversation don’t leave out “Have You Google Me Today”.

Pay It Forward…Help

You might think you have nothing to offer your networking contacts, but that's not the case. We all know people who might be able to help others. Furthermore, we all stumble upon information that might be useful to others. For example, if you see a newspaper article or receive an email that one of your networking contacts would find interesting, forward it along (Pay it Forward). You provide help in return for having received it, plus you once again brand yourself favorably in the person's mind. I promise they will not forget who you are and what you are all about. Remember, you give and you will get.

Tell Your Contacts “Thanks You”

Thank them again for their help, and offer them your help if they should ever need it. This strategy is not only a touch of class on your part, but also gives you another opportunity to brand yourself in the minds of your new contacts.
Branding yourself and networking takes a little time, it is also a long-term strategy, and branding yourself using networking generally takes a little effort and patience. But you'll set yourself up very nicely, not just for short-term payoffs, but also for long-term success and stability. Not unlike a certain fast food chain whose golden arches have helped produce customers and profits for many years.

So take action today and commit to branding yourself.

Thank you for your time.

Jim Cobb - Google Me