Sunday Sayings: Think big. Move fast. Take a chance.

Any time I need inspiration, I dust off my branding collage that I created after reading one of my all time favorite books, Tom Peter's The Brand You 50: Or Fifty Ways to Transform Yourself from an 'Employee' into a Brand That Shouts Distinction, Commitment, and Passion! (affiliate link), for the first time.
 

 

What is it that makes you unique?
 

When you apply to business schools, you need to explain who you are and why a school needs you as succinctly as possible. You need an elevator pitch, a story with a hook. So, I read Tom Peter's book to help with my applications to business schools for my MBA.
 

For my entrance essays and interviews, I wanted to present a consistent image that showcased my uniqueness and provided examples of success based on that uniqueness. I created a branding collage to help me focus and to ensure consistent interactions.
 

I later used my branding collage when I launched Words 'n More, my own content marketing and strategy consulting business.
 

As I've jumped back into my own business -- content, conversations, and experiences for creatives and technology evangelists -- it was time to see if my core brand needed updating. (It didn't.)
 

Finding Your Core Brand

Take the challenge now. Grab a pen and piece of paper, or open a note on your smartphone.
 

In 15 words or less, three words if you're ambitious, what strengths are valuable to those around you?
 

For a little more guidance, read Tom Peter's 1997 Fast Company article, The Brand Called YOU.
 

My Marketing Philosophy

My marketing philosophy:

• Simplify. Explain what you do and why in words and pictures a six year old can understand.
• Amplify. Share your message everywhere -- in person, online, in print, on the phone, through Twitter, and so on -- consistently.
• Qualify. Identify who you want to be with. You can't be everything for everyone. Choose the people who benefit most from what you offer.

 

My Mantra for 2013

I was once asked to explain how a watch worked in words a six year old would understand. Six year olds can understand 20,000 to 24,000 words; they use an average of 2,000 to 5,000 words when they speak or write. I try to keep this in mind when creating stories and developing conversations for my clients. It also guides the words I use for Gates' wall; this week I pulled seven words from my 2001 branding collage:

Think big. Move fast. Take a chance.
 

What's your mantra?
 

Credits: All layouts designed by and images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains an affiliate link, followed by (*affiliate link). I feature products that I own or that I am considering purchasing. All opinions presented are my own.