Your friends and clients like you. You've done a good job branding your business. Now you need a little something extra. Why? Because it gets you talked about.
Here's what I mean in the context of being an advisor or agent. Being talked about is another way of saying people like you and have something good to say about you. It's a positive. Oscar Wilde said, in a "Portrait of Dorian Gray," "There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about."
Put another way, it's how a friend can communicate an intangible, something they like that makes you stand out.
Eight Examples of that "Certain Something"
Here are a few easy examples of personal branding.
1. Your Favorite Champagne
An art dealer friend was active socially. When she came to your home for dinner or a party, she brought a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne. When people thanked her, she would explain it's her favorite. The champagne brand must spend millions sponsoring high profile events like polo matches and yacht racing. She piggybacked on that advertising, adding to her personal brand. "You've been invited to (name) house? Bring Veuve Clicquot. It's the only champagne she drinks."
2. Signing Letters in Purple Ink
One of my previous managers has a distinctive trait. He would sign letters and memos in purple ink instead of black or brown ink. You knew when something came from his desk before you even read it. Everyone who knew him in the firm probably knew this trait and identified it with him. At virtually no cost, he did something that made him stand out. Do you know that manager over there? He's the guy that always signs his name in purple ink.