Book Recommendations
from Bret L. Simmons

From Bret's review: "This is not Bob Sutton’s best book, but if you’ve never read one of his books this is the one to start with because Bob really summarizes the most important ideas and evidence that have appeared in all of his previous books, articles, and blogs. Those familiar with Bob’s work will recognize that there is not a whole lot of new stuff here, but that’s OK, because it’s still the best stuff you are going to find about how to be a good boss."

Order now from Amazon!

From Bret's review: "Despite its flaws, it is a good book. It will make the list of optional readings for my MBA class this fall because I think it will have an impact on the students that read it. The book is very well written with excellent organization and a very conversational style. The best thing about the book is the numerous excellent examples Liz gives to support her points, coming from her years of experience as a top executive and consultant."

Order now from Amazon!

Personal Branding for Business: Five Tactics for Success

October 11, 2009 by Bret L. Simmons · Filed under: Entrepreneurship, Personal Branding, Purpose

If you are a small business owner or a senior leader in a larger business, you can differentiate your business brand even more by stepping out in front of your business with your own personal brand. Use your name, your photograph, and your personal statement of purpose to personally communicate with people how you and your business can address issues that matter to them.

Here are four smart tactics and one tactical mistake you should avoid:

1. Do get professional help to design your website if you don’t have the skills to do it yourself. You want your site to look professional, clean, and well organized.

2. Do learn how to use all the features of your website yourself. Make sure the person that sets up your site walks you through how to use it and is available to answer questions for at least the first full year your site is open.

3. Do get a professional to help you with a photograph. With your recent picture, name, and statement of purpose you offer a personal connection, and it is essential to be professionally personal. It is worth the investment to look as good as your target audience expects you to look.

4. Do get professional advice on how to leverage your personal brand using social media. A professional can help you set up your Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and blog and give you advice on how to operate efficiently and effectively on each.

5. Do NOT hire a professional to operate your social media for you. You will be tempted to do this if you view social media only as a marketing and advertising tool. It is much more than that. Personal branding using social media is a powerful learning tool.

You will never realize the full potential of social media if you keep it at arm’s length. Keep your finger on the pulse of social media and you can learn how and why people are using these technologies to improve and leverage their value.

You or someone on your senior leadership team needs to always be personally involved, especially with blogging. Invite people to comment, engage them in dialogue, and ask follow-up questions. There is no substitute for personally hearing what people with an interest in your value love, what they hate, what they need that they are not getting and suggestions they have for you to help.

If you outsource the operation of your social media you are outsourcing one of the most powerful sources of learning available for you and your business. This is a tactical mistake that could potentially lead to a missed strategic opportunity.

Personal Branding: Document and Target Your Value

Personal Branding: Some Simple First Steps

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Tags: blogging, Excellence, learning, Personal Branding
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Personal Branding, Purpose

4 Responses to “Personal Branding for Business: Five Tactics for Success”

Kevin J Porter says:

October 12, 2009 at 3:13 pm

Bret,
An interesting article was posted today on MSNBC.com titled “Your boss wants you on Twitter.” It discusses personal brand and using one’s personal Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts to market for an organization. Thought you might be interested.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33090717/ns/business-careers/

[Reply]
Bret L. Simmons Reply:
October 12th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Thanks for the link, Kevin! There was also a story out today that says most small business are NOT using social media, and from my experience those using social media are not doing it correctly. HUGE opportunity to differentiate yourself, IMHO. Thanks! Bret

[Reply]
Ellie says:

October 16, 2009 at 12:20 am

I absolutely agree with this post, especially point 5. Business blogs are often uninteresting and unread the majority of the time, the human touch (perhaps even to the level of bringing in the writers personal life, apropos my other comment today) is what will keep people coming back and interested in the company.

Ellie

[Reply]
Bret L. Simmons Reply:
October 16th, 2009 at 6:17 am
Thanks for the comment, Ellie. Let’s say my business was I owned a sporting goods store. I could blog about how my family and I went camping this weekend and tried out some new equipment. I could make personal recommendations on equipment. I could post pictures of the camping trip. I think you should never lose focus on your value platform, but if you can be interesting and personal in the process all the better. Thanks! Bret

[Reply]