This question might sound a bit confusing at first, but really think about it. ( ..I’ll give you a minute..) A lot of the marketers and bloggers I see out there are making the same critical mistake of making their marketing a reflection of themselves.
I think it comes from the misconception that PERSONAL BRANDING is about YOU instead of your PROSPECT.
Too many people are worried about what “others” will think of them and spend too little time worrying about what their prospects want and need. …and trust me, PEOPLE NEED YOUR HELP! – I get more and more emails everyday from people who need guidance and this is what caused me to write this post.
(By the way if you’re reading this I haven’t replied yet.. I sincerely apologize – I’ll get back to you soon)
So, to try and make sense of this… this is what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna list everything in my marketing that screams ME, ME, ME! – ..and then list everything that screams YOU, YOU, YOU!
This will hopefully help you see that marketing is not about you, it’s about your prospects. I mean you REALLY gotta care. You can’t fake it, it won’t work!
Here’s Everything That Screams ME, ME, ME!!
1. Part Of My Header Image – It says HectorJCuevas.com with a picture of ME. The other part is my tag line which screams YOU.
2. My Social Network Link – This is so I can connect with you, but I’ll put it on the ME side.
3. My ReTweet Script – This is to give you the ability to spread the word about MY blog.
4. My Facebook Fan Page – This is so I can feel like a celebrity.. :0) (by the way.. click the LIKE button.. pleeeeaassee)
Here’s Everything That Screams YOU, YOU, YOU!!
1. Part Of My Header Image – The tag line reads ..”resource for YOUR blogging & online marketing NEEDS”
2. Intro Video – Welcomes YOU & tells you how I can help YOU.
3. Blogging Blueprint Video Course – An entire blogging & social media video series designed to get YOU up to speed.
4. Free Stuff Page – Redirects to Lead capture page which gives YOU my Blogging Blueprint video course.
5. Top Commentators Plugin – Rewards YOU for being active on my blog.
6. Comment Luv Plugin – Rewards YOU for commenting on my blog.
7. All My Posts – Designed to guide YOU in the right direction with Tips, Tricks, & Strategies
See what I mean.. I don’t even have an ABOUT ME page for crying out loud!!.. which I probably should – but that’s besides the point.
I worry about what I can give YOU, not the other way around. This, my friends, will get you places you would never imagine. A favorite famous quote of mine is from a guy named Zig Ziglar.
He says: “You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want” – I live by that, and I’ll die by that. As always, if you enjoyed this post, please share it, retweet it, digg, it and stumble it.
Who’s getting the conversation started today?
Have a great weekend,
Talk soon
Hector “The Alexa Director”
32
Hey Hector,
This is awesome that you are covering this. Everything you pointed out is on point. You want to make your nerve center based around your target audience. This allows you to connect with them. When you put your audience always in first. You can’t lose!
You should put an about me page. This is where you are able to relate with your target audience. They get to see that you are just a regular person with a passion to help others. My about me page has a great number of people opting in to my list. The visitors typically visit the page after reading one of my post. I know this because I test & track everything.
Have a great Saturday!
Josh
.-= Josh Garcia´s last blog ..Did You Know About These 3 Methods To Boost Your Traffic… =-.
Hey Josh,
Thanks for that extra info.. I wasn’t even thiking about putting an opt-in form in the about me page – but it totally makes sense..
I’m getting to that right now..
Thanks for stopping by & have a great one
Hector
Hi Hector,
Yes, your blog does a great job of answering the question people have “what’s in it for me”.
I do have to say though… people like the about me page. Gives them a chance to feel more connected with you. Mine could probably use some work, I haven’t looked at it in awhile…
Glad you brought this up.
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Susanna
.-= Susanna Hess´s last blog ..I Robbed Mike Dillard… Today’s Your LAST Chance To Do The Same With Traffic Formula 2.0! =-.
Susanna,
Yea.. the about me page is a great place to relate to others, as people… So I should put it up so you all know a bit more about me.. right?
even perfection can be improved, you never know what fixing it up might do..
Talk soon
Hector
Susanna’s “About Me” page is one of the best that I have seen.
What a story you have!
.-= Seth Miller´s last blog ..Want People To Listen To You? Have a Story =-.
Hey Hactor
This is amazing what you are covering taking each blog component and grouping it according to ME & YOU! Very original
I live my with Zig Ziglar’s quote and if only the rest of the world catches up it would be a much better world to live in, so it indeed starts with ME & YOU! Together we need one another to make the difference.
Have a fantastic weekend
.-= Ejaz Latib´s last blog ..Conquer Fear Series Part 2:Overcoming Fear =-.
Ejaz,
Thanks.. and you’re right, as online marketers – we can make a huge difference in people’s lives all over the world
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hi Hector…
As someone just starting out in the world of blogging, your suggestions are very welcome. I just activated the Top Commentators widget on my site following your lead.
I will continue to follow your blog so as to soak all your valuable words of wisdom.
Thanks,
Phil
.-= Phil Eldred´s last blog ..Quit School at 11, Went On to Earn Millions! =-.
Phil,
Thank you for reading and leaving a comment – I’ll keep the value coming.. I’m glad I could help
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hi Hector,
great post! It’s true that the concept of personal branding is very often misunderstood and we end up forgetting about our readers, those who are looking for our content, advice or services.
Thank you for reminding us not to neglect our readers, so vital for the success of our blog!
Have an awesome weekend
Paola
Hey Paola,
You got it!! Giving your readers valuable content is the best way to keep them on your site.. ..welcome for the reminder
Enjoy your week
Hector
Love me some me – Terrell Owens
Good stuff as always Hector!
Ray
.-= Ray Higdon´s last blog ..Why I am Attending The No Excuses Summit in Las Vegas =-.
Hey Ray.. thanks for stopping by
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hey Hector,
We all need a reminder to focus on “what’s in it for them”
Thanks Hector
Coach Freddie
.-= Coach Freddie´s last blog ..Some Entrepreneurs Are Riding Dead Horses =-.
Hey Freddie,
Everyone is tuned into WIIFM most of the time.. so as marketers, we need to provide.
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hi Hector
Excellent and timely post.
It’s true, I’m having a bit of conflict between creating a ‘Personal Brand’ that fits in with my personal values – and so attracts the people I want to work with, as opposed to appealing to the needs of the people out there.
I suppose, ultimately, the aim is to reach your target audience AND align your brand with yourself. I’m working on it.
Thanks again for putting this in my awareness.
Steve
Hey Steve,
Any way you put it – Personal Brand or Not.. this is business and yes, you’re right – Ultimately, the goal is to find a target market, find out what they want/need, and give it to them.
Hope that helps
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hector,
Thanks for sharing this, Its all about what you can do to help others and Offering people a resource but more important a friend,leader, expert they can rely on and go back to over and over again based on how you are helping them.
.-= Chris Bernardo´s last blog ..Why Social Media is Not Working For You? A Quick Fix =-.
You got it Chris..
Creating that valuable resource is where most people get stuck – they don’t know what type of “value” to provide or they feel they have nothing to share
thanks for commenting
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hey Hector,
Great timing on this.
We do see a lot of people focusing on the “YOU”. But, what the “You, Inc.” is really about is portraying what you are offering to your target market.
Everything you do, act, and say lives up to this. All of this is for their benefit. Yes, you have a business and you’re purpose is to make money at it, but it’s also to help other people as well.
That’s the old law of reaping and sowing.
Everyone’s blog should be personal to the “You, Inc.” model which is actually designed to help your target market.
Great post dude!
Have a great day,
Jerome Ratliff
.-= Jerome Ratliff´s last blog ..Wash Your Mouth Out With Soap and Get More Distributors =-.
Jerome,
That’s exactly right.. either way you put it – this is still a business. The more time you spent helping others, the more people you’ll attract to your business.
Great points.. always look forward to your comment bro
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hi Hector,
This is a glaring mistake made by most network marketers which you’ve skillfully addressed. Of course there’s a unique twist to your brand which says “Me” but by keeping “You” in mind with each creative act you become that much more appealing. The magic phrase is “What can I do for you?” Keep it in mind throughout the course of the day.
I’m going to focus on You by RT’ing on twitter and sharing with my FB friends
Thanks for sharing your wonderful insight buddy
Ryan
.-= Ryan´s last blog ..Why Should A Network Marketer Be A MAVerick? =-.
Ryan,
..and Thank YOU for the retweet.. You made a great point.. Keep in mind “what can I do for you?” ..and success follows.
Enjoy your week
Hector
Me, You, Me, You…..its all about providing Great value for your readers. Love your post Hector, so many blogs are all Me, Me, Me, Me. We could learn and again so much more by putting our readers/customers first.
Tks for sharing.
-BT
.-= Brian Tomlinson´s last blog ..The Power Within…Will Smith Tells Us Where We Find Greatness =-.
Brian,
That’s the best way to ATTRACT prospects – Give First.. Sell Later <– So many people get this mixed up..
Enjoy your week
Hector
found it on google. nice. ill come back to visit.
Cody
Thanks for stopping by
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hey Hector, good posting. Even though I recently started being part of your readers, I can tell that you have pretty good stuff, honestly.
I’ve been getting a lot of ideas to move my MLM business. I just stared being part of this networking world, and still have a long way to go ahead. But with persistence we can achieve our goals.
Keep your good work, and as always, Blessings for you and for all those hard achievers in Networking.
Jose Joe Lasa
Jose,
Thanks for stopping by & welcome to my blog… I hope you found great value in this post and my other posts..
Be sure to look around – it’s great to have you here
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hey Hector, This is really a great post. I like how you explained the Me & You. I have seen some blogs that only think of the way they can sell something. No matter what it is. This should help others to see how important their audience is.
Thanks for sharing.
Karen
.-= Karen Smith´s last blog ..How I show appreciation sometimes! =-.
Karen,
Yes.. the audience IS the most important – without it, your blog is dead.. thanks for commenting
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hector,
Great post. I think you have done a great job with making your blog a great resource for people.
Are you going to the No Excuses Summit in Vegas in July?
Rich
.-= Rich Hazlett´s last blog ..How To Save Time Creating Pay Per Click Campaigns =-.
Hey Rich,
Thanks bro, really appreciate that & no, I won’t be making it to Vegas
Talk soon
Enjoy your week
Hector
Another great blog post. How do you keep coming up with these great marketing ideas?
.-= Saleem Rana´s last blog ..Lesson 2: The Four Phases Of Marketing Success =-.
Saleem,
Thanks.. I just ask myself.. What am I doing today, in my business.. that my readers can benefit from..
So as long as I keep busy.. I’ll always have something to share
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hello Hector,
Another great post of yours and another interesting subject!
We brand us and establish our position as leaders through answering the needs of our prospects.
I mean, what use is there if people read about my results and what I achieved, if I cant show them the way how to achieve their goals and provide them an answer on what they actually need?
Keep rocking!
Milena
Hey Milena,
Great point.. that’s exactly the question I ask myself… & I always get the same answer – “people want results – so give it to them”
thanks for your comment
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hi Hector!
Great post once again!! I agree, we have to remember that we are here to help our target market, and the You-inc part is really to help us build know-like-and-trust, a necessary element of marketing.
I do agree with Josh and Susanna that your about me page would help people get to know you a bit more, for that reason to allow the ‘Me’ part of this equation to help build know-like-and-trust! Even though you provide awesome content and probably do well with enough with that, I think you’d see an increase in opt-ins with your about-me page!
Wishing You a Brilliant Day!
Vicki
.-= Vicki Berry´s last blog ..You Are Already Programming Your Mind – Let it Be for Success =-.
Hi Vicki,
I’m definitely putting up that about me page .. just because you, Josh & Susanna told me to :0)
But, you’re totally right about building trust.. adding that HUMAN element will increase the trust meter. Thanks for your comment, always look forward to reading them
Enjoy your week
Hector
Once people grasp the concept that its all about the prospect and put their needs on the back end, they will realize that success is tha collateral damage, which comes from helping others prosper.
You do know Your stuff Hector,
*Jonathan Sweeting*
.-= Jonathan Sweeting´s last blog ..Better than Email Marketing!? Instant Teleseminar Secrets Exposed. =-.
Jonathan,
“Success comes from helping others prosper” – I like how you put that..
Enjoy your week
Hector
Number seven in the “You” column obviously has a lot more weight than the other things on that list so the “You” column far outweighs the “Me” column.
.-= Seth Miller´s last blog ..Want People To Listen To You? Have a Story =-.
Hey Seth,
You’re right – YOUR POSTS are your most important “YOU” factor. This is where you showcase your talent by providing valuable info for your readers
thanks for stopping by
Enjoy your week
Hector
What’s up Hector,
Killer post man. I definitely agree with you. Your blog is a place for you to give back to your audience. Your opt in list should be the only place where you should “take” anything from your audience and even in that case, you are still “giving” them something of value in return.
I have seen blogs that look like one big sales page. Mine used to be like that.(lol) I had to change that though and begin to understand that life is really about helping others more and focusing on me less.
I love that Zig Ziglar quote by the way.
Fred,
Zig Ziglar is a great leader.. anyone that hasn’t listened to any of his lectures or tapes, should do it now..
thanks for commenting
Enjoy your week
Hector
Great post Hector. I think if we take care of people we get better results. If our only goal is to make money off people and not really build relationships we are missing the whole mission of network marketing. In turn our network does not grow very large. Keep up the good work!
.-= Keysha Bass´s last blog ..Are you investing in yourself? =-.
Keysha,
First off, welcome to the blog and thanks for stopping by
You made a great point – By focusing on “just making money” you really don’t see the whole point, and people can sense that and won’t be attracted to you.
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hector this is some great insight about getting the priorities straight. I have even began to re think about what I write and what I present to the public. Who needs to see it who wants to see it? I agree that some people might think others think they are crazy for posting about a particular subject but that subject might be of the utmost importance to their niche so who cares? Wheres that darn like button I’m pressing it now!
Steve Shoemaker
.-= Steve Shoemaker´s last blog ..MLM Review: Keep the Social in Social Media =-.
Steve, my brother
– hilarious man.. Welcome To Hector’s Fan Page lol
Totally agree.. It’s all about getting in tune with your target market, and the easiest way to do that is to get involved in the conversation that goes on in your community (whatever niche you’re in) OR just try stuff out and see what get’s people more involved and engaged on your blog.
Enjoy your week
Hector
Hector I luv your post. I see it all as “Take your eyes of yourself and help others”.
Looking forward to your next post!
Maria Eves
MLMTrainingBase
.-= Maria Eves´s last blog ..WP Blog Themes =-.
Hey Marie,
That’s exactly it.. (the condensed version lol)
Have a great week
Hector
I love the way you broke this topic down! It gives blog writers a chance to really think about how much of their blog is really dedicated to their readers! Great job!
.-= Cara and Jennifer Oberfoell´s last blog ..Work Less and Produce More =-.
Hey Cara,
Thanks.. I tried to keep it simple to get one point across - “worry about your prospects, not yourself”
Thanks for stopping by
Have a great week
Hector
Always good value Hector. I agree with all the other comments too. This whole industry is about helping others so one’s blog should reflect that and then there won’t be any personal branding issues.
~Marcus
.-= Marcus Baker´s last blog ..Fresh MLM Leads Just Delivered, Now What? =-.
Marcus,
Exactly right.. once you focus on other people, your brand will built itself because of the amount of exposure and followers you get.
thanks for stopping by
Have a great one
Hector
Thank you for this great post! I used your advice to tweak my header to make it scream YOU! I am also going to head over WP and find the top commentator plugin!
Thanks again!
Stacy
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..Who Are You Becoming? =-.
Stacy,
That’s Great Tag Line! It definitely screams YOU.. & I see you added the top commentators plugin, that’s awesome..
I like fast action takers like you.. thanks for stopping by
Talk soon
Hector
Hey Hector
VERY useful article…
Having successfully operated offline for sometime I am
ramping up my online presence and I’ll be implementing many
of your eye-opening suggestions right away.
Great post, thanks
Antonio Licchelli
Antonio Licchelli´s last post ..MLM Launch Formula IS LIVE!
I like how you explained the Me & You.This is really a great post.
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