HeatherO

Who Are YOU?

HeatherO on 02 8, 2009

It always amazes me as I work with, or simply observe small business owners, how many have conflicting messages. Without realizing it, so many are not only inconsistent with their “message” or “telling their story”, but worse! They say that they do one thing and yet their logo, or ads or other “messages” are in complete conflict.
The way that I see it, there are a couple of things that contribute to this…
1. They don’t see themselves as others see them.
They know what they do, but they do not see themselves as consumers do.
2. They are trying to appeal to the entire planet! Many people (especially now!) are just trying to make money. Wherever and however they can. Out of fear of “losing someone”, they try to be all things to all people. They dilute their brand, their value and therefore their revenue.

I believe that many people don’t even know who they are! So, how can they expect anyone else to?
Are you “the best burger for the money, around? or the best steak dinner in town? or are you trying to be a chinese buffet?”

Nothing against a chinese buffet, but let’s face it, no item on a chinese buffet is truly amazing!
Are you trying to be the best, and the most convenient, and the cheapest, and and and?
Do any of those “points of value” even matter?

In most cases, people will choose one of these. They either want the best haircut, or the cheapest, or the most convenient. They will choose the one who conveys that message the loudest!

First and foremost however, people will always choose who they like! If you don’t know anyone (or particularly like anyone) who cuts hair, you will probably choose where to go based on one of the above three things.
However, if you really, really like someone who isn’t necessarily the cheapest, best or most convenient, you will go to them.

So, what does all of this mean?
Decide what your purpose is? What is your passion? Is it to make others feel great by giving them a great look? Is it that you really care?
Build your business AND your brand around who you are and who you really want to be!
We hear that the “in” thing is “being authentic” and try to figure out how to “do that”. I hear people say “I use facebook for my personal life, and so and so for my business.”
When your message, and your business and your life are about who you really are, it’s easy! Because they are all the same!