It\u2019s a dog-eat-dog world out there. Unless you are marketing a generation-old family secret anti-aging potion it\u2019s likely you will have competition in the marketplace. In order for your business to thrive, you need to differentiate yourself from the rest to rise to the top.<\/p>\n
But how do you do this? You know your products are great. You\u2019ve trained your employees to know the products and provide the best customer service in a five-county area. That\u2019s all important, but to really set your business apart, you need to start with the basics. And for that you must establish your WHY.<\/p>\n
According to Jackie Lackey, Marketing Strategist at BioZyme\u00ae Inc., when you discover your \u201cwhy\u201d you are building your own personal brand. That brand is what will help set you apart from the rest.<\/p>\n
\u201cDeveloping a personal brand is valuable, but it is not about you. It is about delivering value to others,\u201d she told attendees at this year\u2019s Dealer Retreat.<\/p>\n
There are ultimately four characteristics that make up your brand, which should reflect what you say and do. Let\u2019s review each of those features, and while you read these, think about how they apply to your individual brand.<\/p>\n
1. Who.<\/strong> Before you can start building a brand, you need a solid foundation, and that foundation begins with understanding who you are. Each person has unique, authentic, genuine traits,\u00a0so take some time to reflect on those. What is your passion? What really drives you and motivates you to get out of bed each morning? Is it helping others? Selling a great product? Making a profit? What talent and interests can you share with others?<\/p>\n 2. Why.<\/strong> Knowing your \u201cwhy\u201d will help you discover your purpose. Everyone has a purpose and that purpose should show through in everything you do. At BioZyme, our purpose is to \u201cprovide care that comes full circle,\u201d and we can do that every day in multiple ways. We show care for animals by providing products to enhance their health, and therefore should help producers achieve profitability. That care also extends to the dealers and employees within the company who make sure those products are available. Determine your purpose or reason for getting out of bed each morning.<\/p>\n 3. Values.<\/strong> Everyone has values and they will vary from person to person and from region to region. But if you don\u2019t know what you believe in, who will? It is important to have a strong value system in place. If you feel strongly about your values, why not write a value statement and display it prominently in your business or home? Perhaps your values are best displayed by the way you treat others on a daily basis.<\/p>\n