Who Are You?

So many strong, valid points here. Comes down to what my friend, Bob Burg, calls The Golden Rule of Business - "All things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to,people they know, like and trust." Which is why I enjoy my work with Bob and coaching his work- it is the foundational building block of successful relationships in business.

But I particularly like your reference to a mirror - as I believe self awareness is the foundational building block of the relationship you have with YOURSELF. Reflection requires a reflective surface (your mirror analogy) but also distance in order to be in proportion. You must be able to back off and look honestly into that reflection and ask the hard question "what do people know me AS, and, once they do, what reason to I give them to like me and trust me?"

Thanks for the stimuli for thought and the conversation. Know why I like and trust YOU? Because you're thought provoking, you're consistent in your message and you value two way communication. Yeah - just thought you might be curious :-)

So many strong, valid points here. Comes down to what my friend, Bob Burg, calls The Golden Rule of Business - "All things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to,people they know, like and trust." Which is why I enjoy my work with Bob and coaching his work- it is the foundational building block of successful relationships in business. But I particularly like your reference to a mirror - as I believe self awareness is the foundational building block of the relationship you have with YOURSELF. Reflection requires a reflective surface (your mirror analogy) but also distance in order to be in proportion. You must be able to back off and look honestly into that reflection and ask the hard question "what do people know me AS, and, once they do, what reason to I give them to like me and trust me?" Thanks for the stimuli for thought and the conversation. Know why I like and trust YOU? Because you're thought provoking, you're consistent in your message and you value two way communication. Yeah - just thought you might be curious :-)

I love what you're saying here because I think it's just an extension of being genuine. I was once having a tough conversation with someone who said, "I'm tired of people not trusting what I say". Well - then stop stretching the truth. Start living with integrity.

There's a verse in the Bible that talks about how out of the heart, the mouth speaks. I love that verse because I think that most people can only fake it for so long before they get caught. It's way easier to live with integrity in every area of life - online, offline, inside, outside.

No false fronts means no rude surprises.

I love what you're saying here because I think it's just an extension of being genuine. I was once having a tough conversation with someone who said, "I'm tired of people not trusting what I say". Well - then stop stretching the truth. Start living with integrity.

There's a verse in the Bible that talks about how out of the heart, the mouth speaks. I love that verse because I think that most people can only fake it for so long before they get caught. It's way easier to live with integrity in every area of life - online, offline, inside, outside.

No false fronts means no rude surprises.

I love what you're saying here because I think it's just an extension of being genuine. I was once having a tough conversation with someone who said, "I'm tired of people not trusting what I say". Well - then stop stretching the truth. Start living with integrity. There's a verse in the Bible that talks about how out of the heart, the mouth speaks. I love that verse because I think that most people can only fake it for so long before they get caught. It's way easier to live with integrity in every area of life - online, offline, inside, outside. No false fronts means no rude surprises.

Yes, Danny!

"Your view, and that of other people, is what shapes your brand, personal and professional."

Today people have more choices than ever on who to do business with and more input than ever too. If you push yourself out there as someone who doesn't care about anything more than the sale, you might serve that customer or client once but if you are forward-thinking, you will realize the opportunity to build a life-long alliance.

Yes, Danny! "Your view, and that of other people, is what shapes your brand, personal and professional." Today people have more choices than ever on who to do business with and more input than ever too. If you push yourself out there as someone who doesn't care about anything more than the sale, you might serve that customer or client once but if you are forward-thinking, you will realize the opportunity to build a life-long alliance.

Powerful - as always! One thing I've learned is that not only can I shape my brand both positively and negatively, so can others. It is important to protect the brand from those that would do it harm. The trick is doing this while still allowing productive and helpful insights into who I am as a person, business and brand. It's an ongoing learning process. Top-notch my friend!

Powerful - as always!

One thing I've learned is that not only can I shape my brand both positively and negatively, so can others.

It is important to protect the brand from those that would do it harm. The trick is doing this while still allowing productive and helpful insights into who I am as a person, business and brand.

It's an ongoing learning process.

Top-notch my friend!

"Your brand is your voice but don’t be afraid to let others shape it."

I love this line! So simple, but the implications are so complex. I was recently challenged by a male marketer (former client) who feels it does not matter how you market to women as long as you have a good product. He says, "they (women) will roll their eyes and buy the product anyway." He says much more on my most recent blog post at she-conomy.com (would love to know your thoughts)

But, you are so right. Good product or not, once you expose who you are (and especially if you don't) consumers DO have a choice and they are choosing "who you are" more and more!

Great post, Danny!

"Your brand is your voice but don’t be afraid to let others shape it."

I love this line! So simple, but the implications are so complex. I was recently challenged by a male marketer (former client) who feels it does not matter how you market to women as long as you have a good product. He says, "they (women) will roll their eyes and buy the product anyway." He says much more on my most recent blog post at she-conomy.com (would love to know your thoughts)

But, you are so right. Good product or not, once you expose who you are (and especially if you don't) consumers DO have a choice and they are choosing "who you are" more and more!

Great post, Danny!

"Your brand is your voice but don’t be afraid to let others shape it." I love this line! So simple, but the implications are so complex. I was recently challenged by a male marketer (former client) who feels it does not matter how you market to women as long as you have a good product. He says, "they (women) will roll their eyes and buy the product anyway." He says much more on my most recent blog post at she-conomy.com (would love to know your thoughts) But, you are so right. Good product or not, once you expose who you are (and especially if you don't) consumers DO have a choice and they are choosing "who you are" more and more! Great post, Danny!

This is a great post Danny! I am now transitioning into PR/ Marketing from my previous career in the performing arts and this is something I am trying to figure out for myself.

I was very sure about who I was then and now I am slowly trying to figure out who I am in this industry. The use of social media is really helping me connect with people and also find my personal voice. Your advice is really sound. Thanks

This is a great post Danny! I am now transitioning into PR/ Marketing from my previous career in the performing arts and this is something I am trying to figure out for myself.

I was very sure about who I was then and now I am slowly trying to figure out who I am in this industry. The use of social media is really helping me connect with people and also find my personal voice. Your advice is really sound. Thanks

This is a great post Danny! I am now transitioning into PR/ Marketing from my previous career in the performing arts and this is something I am trying to figure out for myself. I was very sure about who I was then and now I am slowly trying to figure out who I am in this industry. The use of social media is really helping me connect with people and also find my personal voice. Your advice is really sound. Thanks

Involving your community in the shaping of your brand allows your community to take ownership of that brand.

The key is to find ways of rewarding everyone's hard work. With this blog, everyone is rewarded with valuable information and freedom of expression. Dividends are given to shareholders to keep their investments in place and the same needs to happen as your community invests in your brand with their thoughts, effort, and time.

Involving your community in the shaping of your brand allows your community to take ownership of that brand.

The key is to find ways of rewarding everyone's hard work. With this blog, everyone is rewarded with valuable information and freedom of expression. Dividends are given to shareholders to keep their investments in place and the same needs to happen as your community invests in your brand with their thoughts, effort, and time.

Involving your community in the shaping of your brand allows your community to take ownership of that brand. The key is to find ways of rewarding everyone's hard work. With this blog, everyone is rewarded with valuable information and freedom of expression. Dividends are given to shareholders to keep their investments in place and the same needs to happen as your community invests in your brand with their thoughts, effort, and time.

Loving this post Danny and the timing is impeccable. I was just sitting here with my coffee browsing Google Reader thinking about the people I do business with and what I've learnt about them, and people in general, since I launched Red Cube. There are a few people that have initially come across as having integrity and a similar work ethic to mine. Alas a few have proven me wrong and things like social media really helps to hold a mirror up to these, perhaps, hidden traits. I now have a list of those I want to do business with out of respect for how they conduct themselves, and those I absolutely don't. This stuff is important and it's the same across all businesses and sectors.

Loving this post Danny and the timing is impeccable. I was just sitting here with my coffee browsing Google Reader thinking about the people I do business with and what I've learnt about them, and people in general, since I launched Red Cube.

There are a few people that have initially come across as having integrity and a similar work ethic to mine. Alas a few have proven me wrong and things like social media really helps to hold a mirror up to these, perhaps, hidden traits. I now have a list of those I want to do business with out of respect for how they conduct themselves, and those I absolutely don't. This stuff is important and it's the same across all businesses and sectors.

Loving this post Danny and the timing is impeccable. I was just sitting here with my coffee browsing Google Reader thinking about the people I do business with and what I've learnt about them, and people in general, since I launched Red Cube.

There are a few people that have initially come across as having integrity and a similar work ethic to mine. Alas a few have proven me wrong and things like social media really helps to hold a mirror up to these, perhaps, hidden traits. I now have a list of those I want to do business with out of respect for how they conduct themselves, and those I absolutely don't. This stuff is important and it's the same across all businesses and sectors.

"If you want to come across as narcissistic, you will. If you want to be known as the person that never listens to others and does exactly what you want, you will. If you want to be known as the hard-assed boss, you will." As you said, on the internet you can be or portray yourself as what you want, but the problem is that it usually is not long-lasting. Your real self will be discovered sooner or later. That is why it is better to be yourself.

"If you want to come across as narcissistic, you will. If you want to be known as the person that never listens to others and does exactly what you want, you will. If you want to be known as the hard-assed boss, you will."

As you said, on the internet you can be or portray yourself as what you want, but the problem is that it usually is not long-lasting. Your real self will be discovered sooner or later. That is why it is better to be yourself.