Hello!!! Can you hear me? HELLO??????
She was obviously driving and having difficulty in hearing our conversation, BUT extremely focused about getting her message across and not allowing anything to deter her purpose.
Networker had approached me several times previously about getting some tips for expanding her business – nothing extraordinary about that. What made her stand out in the crowd is that one fine day she called and said “I’d like to do something for you because you have helped me” Oh! “What do you have in mind?” I asked. She said please give me half an hour of your time so that I can understand your business. Hmmmm? “Why?” “Well” she said, “I meet many people and if I understand your business better, then I can refer people to you.” Nice thought; nice person, how can I be churlish and refuse? So we met in a little café and she asked all the questions she wanted. I couldn’t help but be touched by her gesture of appreciation. End of story, right? Wrong!
Long after I had forgotten about the incident, I received this very insistent phone call. Why? Because Networker was SO excited about having been able to refer me to a high ranking person who would be interested in my process for blended learning and she had opened the way for a meeting! What an absolute sweetheart!
See, I told you there ARE genuinely nice people around, didn’t I? :D! Am so blessed to know some of them; but more than that, this Networker is steadily building her Brand Credibility among those whom she meets. And you know what? We’re ALL going to be very pleased to be able to refer business to her! YES WE ARE!
Want some tips on how you can build YOUR brand’s credibility and a pipeline of business from raving fans? Just call me 6-03-2169774 and let’s chat a while and get you more $$$!
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
What’$ in a name? LOT$!
The gentle breeze teased the wisps of hair around our faces as we luxuriated in the view from the balcony. The well-manicured greens rolled and stretched out below and the twin towers thrust their perky peaks skyward not too far away. The well-located, high-security apartment set away from traffic carried a 6-figure price tag, but it wasn’t always so.
Within the apartment boasted a collection of art and craft from around the world, along with photos of remarkable people. My host was a much-traveled retiree who had been looking around for a home to settle into when she would eventually give up being an employee. She had bought the apartment brand new, when it might have been considered as being a speculative move, paying half its current market value.
“I heard about the re-branding of Sentul from being a run-down area into a decent suburb, and the prices were very attractive, so I took a look at the plans. Everything looked in order, BUT you never know how things will turn out do you?” she said. So, why would a highly-intelligent and discerning person part with a lot of money for something that was only conceptual, you ask?
“The only reason I bought it was because the developer was Francis Yeoh and YTL, so I knew that he would keep his word and deliver!” she said emphatically. Aha! THE family-conscious man who is known for preaching (pun intended) about quality and spreading it, who brought Pavarotti to Pangkor Laut, the 3 tenors to Bath, and Andrea Bocelli to Singapore for concerts that were free of charge to the public.
How’s that for Brand Association commanding a price tag, hmmm?
Would you like to know what the elements in your life say about your business dealings? Just call me on 6-03-21697704 and we’ll chat about that – you will definitely get insights into how people perceive what you are offering in your business dealings!
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Within the apartment boasted a collection of art and craft from around the world, along with photos of remarkable people. My host was a much-traveled retiree who had been looking around for a home to settle into when she would eventually give up being an employee. She had bought the apartment brand new, when it might have been considered as being a speculative move, paying half its current market value.
“I heard about the re-branding of Sentul from being a run-down area into a decent suburb, and the prices were very attractive, so I took a look at the plans. Everything looked in order, BUT you never know how things will turn out do you?” she said. So, why would a highly-intelligent and discerning person part with a lot of money for something that was only conceptual, you ask?
“The only reason I bought it was because the developer was Francis Yeoh and YTL, so I knew that he would keep his word and deliver!” she said emphatically. Aha! THE family-conscious man who is known for preaching (pun intended) about quality and spreading it, who brought Pavarotti to Pangkor Laut, the 3 tenors to Bath, and Andrea Bocelli to Singapore for concerts that were free of charge to the public.
How’s that for Brand Association commanding a price tag, hmmm?
Would you like to know what the elements in your life say about your business dealings? Just call me on 6-03-21697704 and we’ll chat about that – you will definitely get insights into how people perceive what you are offering in your business dealings!
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
STP to a Bullseye for Profits!
Profitable Brand Positioning
Amid elegant surroundings, as the fragrant beriyani teased our palates and other senses ex-classmate yelled ‘STP’ and both of us collapsed into peals of laughter to the puzzlement of the others at dinner! And we had to explain our tortuous experiences at the hands of a supersonic lecturer (yes, he really was out of this world!) who had not-so-gently bent and molded us into Strategic Marketers. THANK YOU Dr. ML!
That was eons ago and ex-classmate was now a savvy and successful consultant in another country and had brought his business partners to discuss taking my innovation into their business.
Amid the tantalizing chutneys, melt-in-your-mouth vindaloo and soothing raitas, dinner talk had revolved around the myriad sectors that would benefit from it and how it could be promoted in their country. Would it be directly to the end-user? Or should it first be presented to the government agencies to adopt or maybe to the educational institutions to declare as their own product? What would be the most productive entry strategy for us to employ?
Then there was the pricing to the different buyers and the marketing fees to those who would carry it, not to mention licensing agreements etc. Well after much animated excitement about the vast buffet of possibilities before us, over aromatic masala teas we finally arrived at how we would prioritize taking the product to market and what pricing strategy would be most attractive in the long-term to secure repeat business and establish the brand.
It was at this point that the evocative ‘STP’ was interjected. It stands for Segment, Target, and Position and is a marketing method. What it means is that the road to taking a product or service to market begins with deciding on the segment to focus marketing efforts on, then to target a profitable part of that segment and to subsequently launch a positioning campaign that appeals to that targeted part of the segment. This road map enhances profitability and reduces wastage of advertising and other efforts.
Maybe you’ve been mulling over how to position a product or service and would like a sounding board? Just call me at (6)03-21697704 and I’ll be happy to lead you through the right STP for you .
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Amid elegant surroundings, as the fragrant beriyani teased our palates and other senses ex-classmate yelled ‘STP’ and both of us collapsed into peals of laughter to the puzzlement of the others at dinner! And we had to explain our tortuous experiences at the hands of a supersonic lecturer (yes, he really was out of this world!) who had not-so-gently bent and molded us into Strategic Marketers. THANK YOU Dr. ML!
That was eons ago and ex-classmate was now a savvy and successful consultant in another country and had brought his business partners to discuss taking my innovation into their business.
Amid the tantalizing chutneys, melt-in-your-mouth vindaloo and soothing raitas, dinner talk had revolved around the myriad sectors that would benefit from it and how it could be promoted in their country. Would it be directly to the end-user? Or should it first be presented to the government agencies to adopt or maybe to the educational institutions to declare as their own product? What would be the most productive entry strategy for us to employ?
Then there was the pricing to the different buyers and the marketing fees to those who would carry it, not to mention licensing agreements etc. Well after much animated excitement about the vast buffet of possibilities before us, over aromatic masala teas we finally arrived at how we would prioritize taking the product to market and what pricing strategy would be most attractive in the long-term to secure repeat business and establish the brand.
It was at this point that the evocative ‘STP’ was interjected. It stands for Segment, Target, and Position and is a marketing method. What it means is that the road to taking a product or service to market begins with deciding on the segment to focus marketing efforts on, then to target a profitable part of that segment and to subsequently launch a positioning campaign that appeals to that targeted part of the segment. This road map enhances profitability and reduces wastage of advertising and other efforts.
Maybe you’ve been mulling over how to position a product or service and would like a sounding board? Just call me at (6)03-21697704 and I’ll be happy to lead you through the right STP for you .
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
‘Script, Your choice of Media, Action!’ and the $ rolls in for new and repeat business
Experiencing a brand
An sms’d command “Send me 30 topics you can speak about, by tomorrow”
Okaaaay. Well, that was start of a television series designed to create a new market segment among millions of viewers who saw it from March to May this year.
Producer had been exploring various markets for his skills and we’d been discussing how to satisfy the needs of his clients. Then came the break – a national television station wanted a new market segment and that command from him was my script-writing brief. The 30 topics were sent in, synopsis, segmentation and all, and YES! Approved. So – you know how it is - we had to begin shooting in a few days for broadcast ASAP.
The presenter and I began chatting about how best to flow with each other in front of the cameras. She had a lovely personality and we hit it off right away, sharing the same mindsets of how to appeal with our banter and repartee. We heard the Director and his crew and scrambled for wardrobes to arrive at the visual effects he wanted.
7am starts, midnight finishes, shifting locations, re-takes because a troop of sportsmen accidentally barged onto the set or the shopkeeper nearby s’ shutters or splashing swimmers made too much noise. Even more frustrating was when our mikes did not like where they were positioned on our clothes. Aaargh!!!! All these bonded us together and getting the series completed on time was lots of fun and worth every minute of very hard work!
The result: the station got its new segment of viewers as well as a new stream of advertising revenue + a timeless series that ensures repeat sales. All the topics were about ‘feelgood’ responses (that’s the station’s tagline) to everyday situations, promoting credible brand experiences to its viewers so that they would make it THE tv station of their choice.
Getting others to experience your brand is extremely powerful for attracting and retaining the type of customers you want, as a cycle that repeats itself and increases your profitability within your budget. You can choose mass, print or electronic media or a combination. Whether you are a personal brand or a company or corporate brand, I’ll be happy to work with you to identify that special quality that is YOU, and how to leverage on it to keep your competitors out, your existing customers in, and how to attract the type of new ones you want too. Just call +6-03-21697704 and say when you’d like to have a brief chat?
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
An sms’d command “Send me 30 topics you can speak about, by tomorrow”
Okaaaay. Well, that was start of a television series designed to create a new market segment among millions of viewers who saw it from March to May this year.
Producer had been exploring various markets for his skills and we’d been discussing how to satisfy the needs of his clients. Then came the break – a national television station wanted a new market segment and that command from him was my script-writing brief. The 30 topics were sent in, synopsis, segmentation and all, and YES! Approved. So – you know how it is - we had to begin shooting in a few days for broadcast ASAP.
The presenter and I began chatting about how best to flow with each other in front of the cameras. She had a lovely personality and we hit it off right away, sharing the same mindsets of how to appeal with our banter and repartee. We heard the Director and his crew and scrambled for wardrobes to arrive at the visual effects he wanted.
7am starts, midnight finishes, shifting locations, re-takes because a troop of sportsmen accidentally barged onto the set or the shopkeeper nearby s’ shutters or splashing swimmers made too much noise. Even more frustrating was when our mikes did not like where they were positioned on our clothes. Aaargh!!!! All these bonded us together and getting the series completed on time was lots of fun and worth every minute of very hard work!
The result: the station got its new segment of viewers as well as a new stream of advertising revenue + a timeless series that ensures repeat sales. All the topics were about ‘feelgood’ responses (that’s the station’s tagline) to everyday situations, promoting credible brand experiences to its viewers so that they would make it THE tv station of their choice.
Getting others to experience your brand is extremely powerful for attracting and retaining the type of customers you want, as a cycle that repeats itself and increases your profitability within your budget. You can choose mass, print or electronic media or a combination. Whether you are a personal brand or a company or corporate brand, I’ll be happy to work with you to identify that special quality that is YOU, and how to leverage on it to keep your competitors out, your existing customers in, and how to attract the type of new ones you want too. Just call +6-03-21697704 and say when you’d like to have a brief chat?
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Just HOW old are you?
Personal Branding in Business
Emotional energy was still sky high and people were buzzing with mutual appreciation after a rip-roaring Convention. You know, just reading all the positive comments was uplifting in itself? One of the small groups exchanged verbal pats on the back fast and furiously on Face Book, and a particular post had me chuckling. It referred to its success being credited to its variety of members, describing some as 50 looking like 30 and others who were 30 looking like 40. Ha ha ha! Visual appearances carry so much weight don’t they? A whopping 55% of first impressions it’s said?
Then, a couple of days later I was conversing with a trainer who had been referred as being interested in what I was doing. She was thrilled by the benefits of blended learning, but, but, but, “I’m 60 you know – this is new” she said, as if chronological age matters. Hello? If you’re alive and well that’s all it takes to love what you’re doing and embrace it with gusto!
Just pick up any magazine (not talking sensational tabloids okay?) and you’ll see beautiful people of ALL ages, yes wrinkles, and all. In fact, with health care having improved, 60 is the new 40 in looks, and 50 is the new 30 – if you want it to be so. It’s an attitude, and not a number. And that’s not new either! My much admired late father was ever youthful and cheekily effervescent, bless him; that too without sacrificing being disciplined or serious as and when appropriate. I could easily understand what the writer of the post meant about not looking as could stereotypically be expected, as being a good thing.
So what are we on about here? The bottom line is, we project what we feel. When people feel decrepit they behave that way (even at 30!), and when they are internally exuberant, their youthfulness just permeates everything about them, even at 80. Ever met someone bubbly like that? And that’s a key part of personal branding – the personal impact that tells onlookers what to count on you to deliver! So attractive – and moreover, what a POWERFUL business tool!!
If you’d like a quick consultation on concerns you may have about your personal branding, call (6-03) 21697704 to set an appointment? I'd answer questions you may have about perceptions others may have about how you are going about projecting your business image and be happy to make suggestions on how to align what you are doing with how you'd like to be perceived.
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Emotional energy was still sky high and people were buzzing with mutual appreciation after a rip-roaring Convention. You know, just reading all the positive comments was uplifting in itself? One of the small groups exchanged verbal pats on the back fast and furiously on Face Book, and a particular post had me chuckling. It referred to its success being credited to its variety of members, describing some as 50 looking like 30 and others who were 30 looking like 40. Ha ha ha! Visual appearances carry so much weight don’t they? A whopping 55% of first impressions it’s said?
Then, a couple of days later I was conversing with a trainer who had been referred as being interested in what I was doing. She was thrilled by the benefits of blended learning, but, but, but, “I’m 60 you know – this is new” she said, as if chronological age matters. Hello? If you’re alive and well that’s all it takes to love what you’re doing and embrace it with gusto!
Just pick up any magazine (not talking sensational tabloids okay?) and you’ll see beautiful people of ALL ages, yes wrinkles, and all. In fact, with health care having improved, 60 is the new 40 in looks, and 50 is the new 30 – if you want it to be so. It’s an attitude, and not a number. And that’s not new either! My much admired late father was ever youthful and cheekily effervescent, bless him; that too without sacrificing being disciplined or serious as and when appropriate. I could easily understand what the writer of the post meant about not looking as could stereotypically be expected, as being a good thing.
So what are we on about here? The bottom line is, we project what we feel. When people feel decrepit they behave that way (even at 30!), and when they are internally exuberant, their youthfulness just permeates everything about them, even at 80. Ever met someone bubbly like that? And that’s a key part of personal branding – the personal impact that tells onlookers what to count on you to deliver! So attractive – and moreover, what a POWERFUL business tool!!
If you’d like a quick consultation on concerns you may have about your personal branding, call (6-03) 21697704 to set an appointment? I'd answer questions you may have about perceptions others may have about how you are going about projecting your business image and be happy to make suggestions on how to align what you are doing with how you'd like to be perceived.
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Are you rowing or sailing your business?
“So, did you get 100 referrals?” Colleague asked. I replied honestly “A potential worth of at least 100 thousand in business done”. Sigh of contentment. A group of us business people were basking in the afterglow of a powerful business-matching session, thrilled by the results. But you know what? We wanted differing outcomes, according to our particular business strategies.
Colleague is an internet marketer who engages in automated strategies attracting hundreds and thousands to buy from websites instantly. For him the number of transactions is the end result that leads to high profitability. Automation enables sailing through quality delivery of high volumes, and that is his brand’s value offering.
I am a Consultant-Trainer who looks for a few select transactions that deliver high value. The buying is not immediate and needs to be thought through. Quite honestly, receiving 100 referrals would have overwhelmed me. I would have had to either dilute (by outsourcing) or refuse some of them. Why? Because my brand’s value offering is the unique strategy that is carefully designed for each client to position their brand apart from competitors and involves analysis, intellectual property and not repetition. Quantity reduces my profits if the quality cannot be achieved.
Colleague and I belong to a 25-year old international referral organization BNI known to be the best of its kind. That’s because its focus is on members giving each other referrals based on credible relationships. It is a marketing platform that creates a pipeline of business (which means pleasantly sailing caressed and driven by the wind) and not a sales station (which means constantly rowing to keep going).
What’s the cutting difference? Branding is a marketing strategy. Marketing drives sustainable sales that ensure high profitability in the long term. Sales strategies outside of marketing plans result in an aerobic puff-and-pant rowboat effort that needs to be kept up and often results in burn-out, high staff turnovers and quick-changes that dilute brand offerings, just to stay in business.
Both Colleague and I rely on strategic marketing plans which promote our brands, cost little to design but result in high profitability when they are implemented well. They enable us to allow the seasonal winds to move us on track towards anchoring at the harbors of our business goals. What’s your branding strategy doing for YOU?
To get tips on how to strategize your business for more profits, call (603) 21697704. I'd be glad to offer suggestions on how you could fine-tune what you are doing at the moment, so that you get the levels of profitability that you want for your business.
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Colleague is an internet marketer who engages in automated strategies attracting hundreds and thousands to buy from websites instantly. For him the number of transactions is the end result that leads to high profitability. Automation enables sailing through quality delivery of high volumes, and that is his brand’s value offering.
I am a Consultant-Trainer who looks for a few select transactions that deliver high value. The buying is not immediate and needs to be thought through. Quite honestly, receiving 100 referrals would have overwhelmed me. I would have had to either dilute (by outsourcing) or refuse some of them. Why? Because my brand’s value offering is the unique strategy that is carefully designed for each client to position their brand apart from competitors and involves analysis, intellectual property and not repetition. Quantity reduces my profits if the quality cannot be achieved.
Colleague and I belong to a 25-year old international referral organization BNI known to be the best of its kind. That’s because its focus is on members giving each other referrals based on credible relationships. It is a marketing platform that creates a pipeline of business (which means pleasantly sailing caressed and driven by the wind) and not a sales station (which means constantly rowing to keep going).
What’s the cutting difference? Branding is a marketing strategy. Marketing drives sustainable sales that ensure high profitability in the long term. Sales strategies outside of marketing plans result in an aerobic puff-and-pant rowboat effort that needs to be kept up and often results in burn-out, high staff turnovers and quick-changes that dilute brand offerings, just to stay in business.
Both Colleague and I rely on strategic marketing plans which promote our brands, cost little to design but result in high profitability when they are implemented well. They enable us to allow the seasonal winds to move us on track towards anchoring at the harbors of our business goals. What’s your branding strategy doing for YOU?
To get tips on how to strategize your business for more profits, call (603) 21697704. I'd be glad to offer suggestions on how you could fine-tune what you are doing at the moment, so that you get the levels of profitability that you want for your business.
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Cackle, Quack, Honk, Gobble and Measured Swoops
Don’t trainers seem to have a penchant for using birds of the feathered kind to demonstrate behavior styles? A couple of days ago one of them used eagles, geese and turkeys to discuss behaviors within small groups. A couple of months ago another trainer used eagles, ducks and chickens, also to demonstrate the same thing. You know what struck me? Apart from the eagles, the other birds are known to be rather lip-smackingly tasty. Dicey to be easily desirable? Hmmmm. Hmmmm?
The geese symbolized having a great team-spirit, taking turns to lead during flight so that the team effort is sustainable. They were linked to people who engage in making decisions jointly, and communicate well, for the greater good. The turkeys were described as meticulous, grounded, calm, compliant, and lacking innovation – reliable and steady sorts. The chickens and ducks were compared to those who are noisy but stay close to where they are fed and don’t fly very far. Less demanding, easily appeased and cost less to buy than the other 2 varieties too!
Eagles on the other hand were the visionary loners, aggressive, high-achievers with a strong sense of planned purpose. Hmmmm again. Notice how eagles are often pictured as ever watchful & waiting to swoop?
Neither trainer depicted the 5 types as working together. So how – in small groups - might those personal brand-behaviors be influenced to cooperate to help each other and heal potential fragmentation? The missing link is the HR Manager who makes assessments of aptitude before assigning responsibilities. When done well, the ducks and chickens happily cluck and quack while scratching the ground to keep it well turned as it must be, the reliable turkeys ensure stability in the group, the geese-types organize operations and back-ups, while the eagles monitor, innovate and correct. Not delicious or to cozy up to – these are the seekers who set the pace with an eye on the purposes and objectives to ensure the others don’t get eaten. Those who stray? End up on someone's plate, don't they?
Hmmmm. So what survival strategies could each behavior type engage in to make the most of their personal brand affinities? More to come :)
For tips on how to align behaviors in small groups call (603) 21697704 and make an appointment. I'd be happy to give you an assessment of the personality types you are dealing with and make suggestions on how you can align them so that they behave in ways that project your brand.
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
The geese symbolized having a great team-spirit, taking turns to lead during flight so that the team effort is sustainable. They were linked to people who engage in making decisions jointly, and communicate well, for the greater good. The turkeys were described as meticulous, grounded, calm, compliant, and lacking innovation – reliable and steady sorts. The chickens and ducks were compared to those who are noisy but stay close to where they are fed and don’t fly very far. Less demanding, easily appeased and cost less to buy than the other 2 varieties too!
Eagles on the other hand were the visionary loners, aggressive, high-achievers with a strong sense of planned purpose. Hmmmm again. Notice how eagles are often pictured as ever watchful & waiting to swoop?
Neither trainer depicted the 5 types as working together. So how – in small groups - might those personal brand-behaviors be influenced to cooperate to help each other and heal potential fragmentation? The missing link is the HR Manager who makes assessments of aptitude before assigning responsibilities. When done well, the ducks and chickens happily cluck and quack while scratching the ground to keep it well turned as it must be, the reliable turkeys ensure stability in the group, the geese-types organize operations and back-ups, while the eagles monitor, innovate and correct. Not delicious or to cozy up to – these are the seekers who set the pace with an eye on the purposes and objectives to ensure the others don’t get eaten. Those who stray? End up on someone's plate, don't they?
Hmmmm. So what survival strategies could each behavior type engage in to make the most of their personal brand affinities? More to come :)
For tips on how to align behaviors in small groups call (603) 21697704 and make an appointment. I'd be happy to give you an assessment of the personality types you are dealing with and make suggestions on how you can align them so that they behave in ways that project your brand.
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
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