Brand Blaster

I wanted to share a quick thought I had after a conversation with a good friend of mine about his message and creative direction. We spoke all about getting comfortable with putting his message out there as opposed to waiting for the right moment to strike with the right image or brand. Not every designer is going to tell you that, in favor of hitting you with their $2,500 branding package. Building a strong connective idea takes time and we often need to let it breathe and emerge.

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Today on the show we're asking "What is Branding, really?" Is it imagery? Language? A logo? or is it something different entirely?

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http://www.bit.ly/brandblaster

It’s very exciting when you get someone to say “I want to pay you for this” or “this was worth every penny.” Without even prompting them they just reach into their pocket and insist on giving you their hard earned cash. Why? Likely because you just gave them something invaluable and they don’t know what to do. So, logically, cash is the way to show appreciation.

I met with someone today and this ended up happening. We talked for 45 minutes as a discovery meeting. I just listened and did everything I could to get to know her and get to know her needs. I quoted her for a project and I could tell in an instant that she felt in way over her head. That happens, sometimes the costs are too high, I get it. However, further opportunity wasn’t lost on me and frankly, it was easier to talk now that money was removed.

The barriers were down.

I let her know that I wasn’t interested in taking money she wasn’t prepared to spend and I’m not cutting her off from my knowledge because of that. We talked about her goals, I shared my story and gave her advice on how to go forward. While she didn’t agree to what I quoted (which was work I didn’t want to do anyway) we eventually agreed to do ongoing consulting. Right then and there she insisted that she paid me.

Why?

I listened.

I took my own agenda off the table.

I made it clear I wanted to serve her.

I gave her room to make her own choices.

I let her know I wanted to work WITH her, not for her. That this is a joint effort.

She also resonated with my natural intuitive self and it doesn’t hurt to click.

The point of all of this is that I didn’t push the issue. Sales is not about pushing for the sale. You can’t trick a brain to be ready when it isn’t. Even if you do, they’ll sober up and regret it. That won’t bode well for your future relationship. And that’s what you’re doing, building a relationship based on existing needs and possibilities. Not ideals and desparation.

http://www.bit.ly/brandblaster

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