Name Your Price With These Four Simple Strategies
How do we improve our brand image and design the best personal brand?
There are four quick start steps to improving your professional image and personal brand. These are:-
»» Identify your existing brand
»» Determine your preferred brand
»» Plan the strategic aspects of your new brand
»» Implement your new brand
You need to develop a highly effective professional image thus
creating credibility. Investing in your business image is investing in
your future success.
Consider how your potential may be discounted by the perceptions of
others. TAKE Jump the Q’s FREE mini Personal Brand Audit today!
Step 1 — Identify your existing brand
Most important is the consistent delivery of products and services
with your business image. Your business performance is what underlines your professional image and personal brand.
Your image can be critically harmed if your performance is inconsistent with your brand’s promise.
Consider how your potential may be discounted by the perceptions of others. You need to ensure you manage that perception. It will make an extraordinary difference. How you are known; your personal or business brand or your reputation is the most important thing as it is your promise to your client. It will ensure your business or personal integrity, if you seek to maintain it.
In order to improve, we must first identify the current perceptions and
reputation of our personal brand. The first step to designing your Personal Brand is an honest self assessment before revising or enhancing your marketing plan.
When people consider you and your business, what words would they use to
describe it? These words should be contained in your list. Is this your ideal professional image and is it accurate? Does your personal brand have positive associations? Or negative associations?
Completing this exercise in your Brand Yourself Blueprint worksheet will define your current brand position. Are you happy with the responses? Is there a need to make improvements? The purpose of a personal brand audit is to determine if you need to re-position, re-invigorate, reinvent or rebrand.
Brand Yourself Blueprint Work Journal Questions
Download a FREE copy of Jump the Q’s Brand Yourself Blueprint & Work Journal
Step 1 — Identify your existing image
In order to improve, we must first identify the current perceptions and reputation of our business and personal brand. When people consider you or your business, what words would they use to describe it? List these words below: ………………………………………………………………………………
Assess Your Current Personal Brand and Image:
When your name is heard what comes into the minds of others?
………………………………………………………………………………………
Your personal brand is what you stand for. What do you believe in or value? What is important to you?
………………………………………………………………………………………
What attributes are you known by?
………………………………………………………………………………………
What do people say about you when you are not there?
………………………………………………………………………………………
How do other people introduce you to others?
………………………………………………………………………………………
Your current worth: $_________________/ hour
Consider how your potential may be discounted by the perceptions of others. You need to ensure you manage that perception. It will make an extraordinary difference. How you are known; your personal or business brand or your reputation is the most important thing as it is your promise to your client.
Your image can be critically harmed if your performance is inconsistent with your image.
Identify any areas of performance which may diminish your personal or business brand. ……………………………..
Is this your ideal business image and is it accurate? Making a statement about your business image is at the point of each client’s interaction with your business.
These are known as Customer Touch Points.
List the customer touch points in your business:
» office stationery
» personal appearance
» staff uniforms or attire
» marketing material
» company authority website
» personal authoritative website
» email signature and correspondence
» newsletter
» answering machine message
» telephone greeting
» response time and manner to client queries
» vehicles
» staff conduct and appearance
» social media forums ie You Tube
» social media networks ie Facebook, Linked In
List your other customer touch points:
Consider each customer touch point and what message these items say about your personal, professional and business image? Create a list of phrases that come to mind.
This is step one to improving your business image. ie
» answering machine message friendly but not business like
» newsletter appealing but has spelling errors
» company logo professional and clean
……………………………………………………………………………………
Transcribe these notes to your Brand Yourself Blueprint Work Journal
Let’s now examine Step 2 to ensure we have captured every ingredient
of your preferred reputation and future personal brand.
Step 2 — Determine your preferred brand
Determine what values, virtues and qualities reflect your business.
What do you believe in? List a number of attributes, values or qualities you and your business would to be identified with eg. professional, excellence, creative, leader. Review the list you developed in the What is your best professional image and personal brand? section and continue to develop a list of words you would like your clients to say when they consider you and your business.
The goal is to make the first impression a powerful statement of the beneficial result the prospective client is going to receive from purchasing your products or services. The only reason they deal with you is that, to some extent, they see an advantage in it for themselves. They are buying a result or a benefit.
Importantly, people largely accept you, at least initially, at your own evaluation of yourself. In other words, whatever you say about yourself; however you describe yourself; whatever image you develop; people will accept without argument. They will then watch your behavior to make sure what you say about yourself and the way you behave are consistent with each other.
Brand Yourself Blueprint Work Journal Questions
What is your best business image?
Download — Brand Yourself Blueprint Work Journal
Step 2 — Determine your preferred image
The goal is to make the first impression a powerful statement of the beneficial result the prospective client is going to receive from purchasing your products or services.
The only reason they deal with you is that, to some extent, they see an advantage in it for themselves. They are buying a result or a benefit.
Your business image should reflect your abilities, values, goals and business mission.
Your image MUST:
»» reach your target clientele
»» reinforce your brand and preferred reputation
»» generate trust
»» have a degree of longevity and consistency.
Potential Personal Brand Image:
What words would I like others to use to describe me?
……………………………..
What words would they use if I had a fantastic personal brand?
……………………………..
What one word would I like to be remembered by?
……………………………..
What changes would I have to make to be that person?
……………………………..
You may wish to review the list you developed in the What is your best business image? section of our Brand Yourself Blueprint eBook and continue to develop a list of words you would like your clients to say when they consider your business.
Create a list of phrases that reflects your preferred business and personal brand.
Determine what values, virtues and qualities reflect your business. What do you believe in? List a number of attributes, values or qualities you would like identified with your business eg. Leader, professional, excellence, creative.
……………………………..
In summary, you should have outlined attributes you would like clients to list about your business and what reputation you would to have in the community.
It is important to me to build a fabulous personal brand because:
……………………………..
Because you are your number one asset! Start naming your price today!
And building your personal brand equity.
My new or potential personal worth: $_________________/ hour
– Congratulations!!
My Brand Equity: New $__________ — Old $______________ =
$_____________/ hour
Transcribe these notes to your Brand Yourself Blueprint Work Journal
Step 3 — Plan the strategic aspects of your new brand
Does your professional image and personal brand:
»» reflect your market’s expectations?
»» powerfully reinforce your brand?
»» attract clients?
»» reflect your business goals?
»» imply your business success which includes your attire?
»» complement your brands, logos and colors?
»» reflect the culture of the business?
»» strengthen your professional effectiveness?
What changes can you make to improve your brand?
Transcribe these notes to your Brand Yourself Blueprint Work Journal.
The following issues should also be considered when planning your
new professional image and personal brand:
What changes could improve your image?
Step 3 — Plan the strategic aspects of your new image
Review the following issues which should also be considered when planning your new image:
»» Position yourself with your business image.
You should develop the habit of continually thinking about how you are positioned in the hearts and minds of your client.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Your business image must reflect your brand.
Your brand should identify you as a leader and therefore should be distinctive and visible as well as consistent.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Your clients will judge you quickly by your appearance.
A decision about your abilities, capabilities and effectiveness are determined initially by what you wear before you say a word. Adopt a big business approach. An appropriate dress code is a core part of every business image. Develop a look which is comfortable, smart and easy to maintain, and make it your unofficial uniform. Your business uniform should reflect the image, values and standards of the business. A coordinated, consistent and professional image becomes your signature. You become a professional brand.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Ensure your business image commands authority
Whether it is a uniform, vehicle or stationery; the trappings of power or wealth should be consistent with your position as an expert in your field as people are easily swayed by the appearance of authority.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Changing your professional or business image
This process operates on an emotional, psychological and physical level. A professional image will generate an increase in teamwork, discipline and efficiency.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Why adopt a ‘uniform’ approach?
Necessity! Your professional business image must be consistent. Use templates, stationery, scripts and consistent procedures. You are quickly able to do what is required, knowing it will promote an effective business image.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Prioritize areas with the most impact for immediate results.
These may include your email and correspondence format, email signature, answering machine message and telephone greeting so as to respond to client queries more effectively. Always change the negatives first.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Improving business image and morale
Upgrading the office and workspaces to ensure they appear clean, tidy and professional. This may include new office and reception furniture as well as ensuring vehicles are detailed and restocked.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Review your marketing material
Your website, stationery and promotional material may need additional time and resources and should be budgeted accordingly. Is it consistent, branded and in line with your preferred image?
…………………………………………………………….
»» Annually review your client service policies
Seek feedback from your staff on what they believe is professional, realistic and appropriate.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Style is important
When upgrading your business image, style includes appearing in a way which reflects your individuality and current trends. Having style sends the message you are confident in yourself and your business. Style is about projecting an accurate sense of yourself and your business.
Ensure you and your staff identify with the business image and your unique business elements. If you are the business owner or a senior staff personal invest in a Personal Style Consultation with a Professional Image consultant to identify the most attractive styles for your body shape and other programs to assist you develop your own Signature Celebrity Style to brand yourself effectively.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Branding
Ensure your business image is branding your business and reflects your products and/or services’ market position. Your overall image should be consistent with your brand. For example budget or luxury, high quality, inexpensive products and services should be marketed consistently as budget or luxury etc.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Confidence
When you look good and appear comfortable with yourself, your appearance can then recede from attention and others can focus on you and the conversation. Focus clients on the relevancy of your products and services rather than if they want to do business with you as they consider your image.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Consistency
Consistency in your message or business image is essential to assure clients you can deliver; and your promise is the same today as it is tomorrow.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Timing can be everything
Strategically plan the introduction of various aspects of your new image. Ensure staff has had sufficient time to clearly understand and embrace the changes.
…………………………………………………………….
»» Color has an immediate psychological impact
Choose the color and design of your stationery, logo and uniforms with care. Some colors build rapport and credibility immediately.
Ensure your business has considered the following:
If you are the business owner, ensure you look your best in your best signature colors. Invest in a Personal Color Consultation with a Professional Image consultant to identify your best personal colors.
Determine which universal colors will suit all staff if a uniform approach is adopted. Consider which colors represent an appealing and persuasive package. Do those colors represent the solutions your client is looking for in your services and products?
Other Issues:………………
Transcribe to your Brand Yourself Blueprint Work Journal
Step 4 — Implementing your new professional image and personal brand
Execution! If you are specific and action oriented, your relationships and business can really take off.
An interesting aspect to human behavior is that we will behave consistently with a commitment we have made. This underlines the importance of ownership of outcomes; as well as taking the time to commit to designing and then implementing your improved personal brand.
Research has concluded that whenever one takes a stand that is visible to others, there arises a drive to maintain that stand in order to look like a consistent person.
If you have staff, provide an explanation of why you are implementing new measures such as staff uniforms or codes of conduct. Because is the key word. Because people simply like reasons for doing what they do. Ensure your staff understand how important their image is to you.
If you are not taking advantage of managing your professional image,
chances are you are undervaluing and very possibly, underselling
yourself and/or your business.
Image management is vital in today’s business world.
Brand Yourself Blueprint Work Journal Questions
Implementation and Execution
Step 4 — Implementing your new image
Execution! If you are specific and action oriented, your relationships and business can really take off.
Areas of Improvement: What changes can you make to improve your image?
» ie Newsletter — Have proof read and spell checked
» Answering Machine message — Have professional message recorded
» Engage Professional Image Consultant to determine your best personal colours
…………………………………………………………….
How to reposition your brand? 5 things I will do to build or enhance my personal brand today:
…………………………………………………………….
Becoming your own brand is essential! Improving your image is an investment in building your personal profile, reputation and the results you will achieve.
Transcribe these notes to your Brand Yourself Blueprint Work Journal.
Good luck with your Brand Yourself Blueprint! and mini Jump the Q’s Personal Brand Audit.
So, with a better brand image, a better bottom line is achievable.
You can name your price…
Often your incredible potential is not recognized because your outer presentation does not endorse you. Take charge of the message you deliver.
How do we achieve this? We may be an individual, but you have resources that large businesses do not.
Generally, you:
»» have all the information you need to make a decision.
»» are more agile, responsive and can change direction promptly.
»» are the human touch.
»» control the message. Your enthusiasm, passion and commitment will inspire.
»» have the whole business at your fingertips.
It makes sense to focus and invest in areas impacting on your client’s perception of you and your business. Altering your business image can be effective in capturing a greater market, building presence and ensuring long term business success.
The better your image, the better your bottom line. It’s that simple. In 30 seconds your potential client has judged your business and decided whether they like you, whether they trust you and whether they will do business with you. Rachel Quilty
In essence, you can control your bottom line. Because you control the message!
Take control of your personal brand and start naming your price.
Are you:
• struggling to position your personal brand and build credibility?
o struggling to gain brand awareness which means less market share?
• struggling with constantly justifying your prices and/ or charges to clients?
o struggling to connect the pieces of your brand story with your life purpose?
• struggling with how to promote your brand values, brand vision and brand voice?
“Brand Yourself! And Jump the Q! Your personal brand should reflect your abilities and potential.”, says, Rachel Quilty, Personal Brand Strategist & Chief Dream-caster at Jump the Q Inc. Known as ‘the Authority’ on personal branding and author of must- have instructional manual ‘Brand Yourself’ Rachel shares her strategies, tactics and tips in this personal branding blueprint. Start now — http://www.brandyourselfblueprint.com
So you can …
… become crystal clear about your life and brand purpose, your calling and your path!
… leverage your personal brand to become a recognized authority in your field!
… discover how productivity explodes as you become strategic, purposeful and intentional around your brand design, communication plan and engagement activities!
Jump the Q will assist you to strategically and systematically your build professional profile and leverage your authentic personal brand to become the recognized authority in your industry.
…STOP Failing to Own Your Brand Story, Your Expertise and Your Authority and START to Intentionally Focus On Your Brand, Establishing Brand Leadership And Differentiating Your Brand In The Marketplace … Grab your free personal branding blueprint full of strategies, tactics and action steps and start your personal brand story today:
Thanks for your time! What did you learn? Leave a comment and let us know what resonated with you. If you enjoyed it, hit that like or heart button and share. It would mean a lot to me and it helps other people learn more about building trust, credibility and brand leadership in their field.
Remember, immediately go and grab your copy of Jump the Q’s FREE strategic brand blueprint and work journal:
We look forward to sharing your personal brand story with you.
