It's amazing being in the presence of babies.  Their purity, innocence and limitless potential are so inspiring. Even though we grow up & get jaded, it's good to remember what's possible.

It got me thinking about what you might be keeping under wraps that might actually help you market your businesses.  Now you're probably wondering how on earth my adoption, or something personal about you fits into marketing your business. 

You probably already know that people do business with people that they know, like and trust, right?  So how do you think they get to like you? It's by getting to know the more personal parts of you. 

I've had several conversations with business owners and managers lately who struggle with revealing the more personal parts of themselves.  Yet, doing so is key to building strong relationships. 

I interviewed Laura Holka, TV Producer last spring and one of the things she said was key to getting free publicity was having a 'hook'. Hooks are characteristics that make you unique or interesting. We all have things like that, but we often discount their value in branding or marketing our business.

A couple of years ago, I attended a meeting for the National Speakers Association in Arizona and our presenter spoke about growing up the 'baby' in a huge, boisterous family.  He uses pictures of his family and has branded his marketing consulting practice as "Being Heard Above the Noise".   There are tons of marketing consultants in the world, but I will probably never forget his brand.

So start thinking about what's special or unique about you.  Do you/did you:

• grow up in an interesting place?

• have an unusual hobby or talent?

• have a strange nick name?

• have a weird job when you were young?

• have any distinguishing physical characteristics?

Items like these can be leveraged to help you stand out from the herd, get heard above the noise and carve out a place for yourself and your business in an increasingly crowded market. So figure out what's special about you and build your brand and marketing messages around it.

4.x

"We all have our time machines.  Some take us back, they're called memories.  Some take us forward, they're called dreams."  

It's the time of year that many business owners start thinking of how they'll improve their business results next year.  One of the easiest ways to do that is by increasing the amount of business that comes to you by referral.

I've pulled together concepts, tips and tricks I've learned along the way and produced a 2-hour program that will leave you empowered, skilled and ready to ask for AND GET more referrals.

Stay tuned for Early-bird Special bonuses and pricing. You'll be hearing from me shortly!

I Want More Clients, Mujeres Latinas De Exito (MLDE),  Thursday, November 20, 11:30 am.  E-mail Ana or visit www.mlde.org for more information.

Leadership without Limits: Inspiring the Best in Yourself, Your People and Your Organization, The Awakening Conference: A Voice for Change, May 15- 17, 2009.  Call 602.347.7799 or visit: TheAwakeningConference.com to register.