It's May. I know. I've dropped the ball. Perhaps it was a lofty goal to think I could read a book a month. Especially when it comes to business books. Often when find myself taking days and days to digest the information I've just read. That being said, I don't see this being an every month series like I had originally hoped it would be. Right now I'm going to play it by ear, especially as I move into wedding season. I hope you understand as I readjust The Bookworm Club schedule just a bit. It will continue to be regular series on the blog as I find them helpful and believe that books are meant to be shared and enjoyed! Reading will help us grow together! This month, I'd like to share with you The Brand Called You by Peter Montoya with Tim Vandehey.
I've just started to poke around this interesting book, and so far I've already taken three pages of notes! I won't say that the information printed on these pages is anything ground breaking or info that I haven't heard before. Instead that same information is processed in a completely new way, with a set of next steps at the end of each chapter. It takes that familiar knowledge and propels me forward by encouraging me to get out there and do what I've just read. Now these are the types of books I want to be reading!
The Brand Called You title is pretty self explanatory. It's a book all about creating a brand based around YOU and the unique characteristics and attributes that you bring to that brand. Down to every last detail your life and your brand should be a direct reflection of WHO you are, the kind of work you want to do, and the people you want to work with.
I'm such a geek for this kind of stuff so of course I'm enjoying every word. But beyond the information, the book is written in such a down to earth, tangible, get out there and DO IT, kind of way. I feel like the words jump of the page. The simple text juxtaposed with the end of chapter action plans are a formula for success. I would HIGHLY recommend reading this book if you find yourself building a brand OR wanting to readjust your business goals.
Here are some of my favorite take-aways in the first few chapters. I'm eagerly awaiting to dive into the next part of the book, but I'm trying to take it piece by piece, making sure to truly digest each piece of knowledge!
-- "..you can have a public persona that stands for something clear, powerful and compelling in the minds of the people you come into contact with." - In everything that I do as a businesswoman I am trying to connect with customers. I try making sure that they understand who I am, what I do, and what I stand for, so that they can either connect with me or move on. It's definitely a work in progress but the more time you are in your business the more clear this persona becomes.
-- Specialize, specialize, specialize. 'Nuff said.
-- " Use your brand to communicate that unique things you do that create value, from creativity to specialized experience to comfortable chairs." -- What do you do as a business that is unique, that creates value? Each of us does something different and we should be capitalizing on those things.
-- "Most great brands are built through sheer persistence and repetition. There's no magic bullet, just a lot of work and smart decision making." -- This is my favorite quote so far. I think they have hit the nail on the head here. Often we want things to just work immediately, we want to see a strong, successful brand right away. But the reality is, it takes time. We need to build trust in our audience and our customers. The only way to do that is to be consistent and persistent in your message over a long period of time.
I definitely think that this book is worth taking a look at. If you are just starting out, building a brand or re-branding your business, let this book be your guide along the way!
*As always I'm giving away one copy of The Brand Called You to one lucky reader. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below. The winner will be announced on Friday. Happy Reading!*