The Lasting Power of Your Personal Brand
I have written and shared many articles about the importance of your personal brand. That brand is made up of not only the work you deliver, but also the way you dress, speak, and interact with others. The power of a strong personal brand is not only that people can remember you and the work that you do, but also that you are remembered when your product or service is mentioned.
I recently received an email that made me feel like some of my own efforts in this area have been successful.
Hello Mr. Turner,
My name is Gram Smith. You may or may not remember me because I was so little but you used to perform magic at Norcross Station Cafe in downtown Norcross, Georgia. My dad’s name is Bruce and my mom’s name is Carolee, and my sisters are Callie and Parker. My siblings and I are redheads.
I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for being such a kind and friendly person to my sisters and me while we were growing up. It made our Friday nights so fun at dinner because we would always ask, “Where is Mr. Joe?” or “I hope Mr. Joe comes.”
I am starting a new chapter in my life. I am now a freshman in college at Middle Tennessee State University and studying aerospace to hopefully in the future fly for Delta Air Lines. My family and I still live in Norcross. But I was just thinking about stuff I did when I was younger and I thought of going to Norcross Station for dinner and remembering you sometimes being there performing. I was watching really funny comedy and magicians earlier and remembered you. I hope all is well and may God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Gram Smith
Let’s take a look at a couple of important points.
1. A good brand creates experiences that endure.
It has been at least ten years since I stopped performing at the restaurant in question. So the memory of our time together has proven to be lasting for this family, both adults and children.
2. A strong brand owns the mental real estate that a customer has set aside for that industry.
Did you notice what happened at the end of the young man’s note? He was reminded of me and his experiences with my magic by watching other performers. Essentially, their work made him think of my brand. That is a principle that can apply to any business, any product, any service… any brand.
Consistently deliver a quality experience and your brand will not only endure, but it will benefit from the work that others do in your space.
Photo Credit: These photos are used with the permission of Malika Bowling of Roamalicious.com.
