Okay, so the other day I’m reading an article someone forwarded to me about future trends.
Faith Popcorn is a futurist with one of the keenest eyes on what’s happening next.
In her article, she made the distinction between two brand shifts as the result of our changing marketplace.
Let me share them with you because they are relevant for your business and personal brand…
1.) The Whisper Brand: In response to what Faith refers to as the “cashing out” trend (seeking a simpler life), brands that gently whisper in the ear of their market rise above the noise.
I couldn’t agree more!
Jackie Kennedy possessed a whisper personal brand. She was known for being soft-spoken. When she stepped to the podium to speak, she maintained her “whisper” quality and commanded an entire room of voracious paparazzi. I’ve read that when Jackie took center stage, you could hear a pin drop.
Don’t be fooled into believing that in order to be heard, you must be the loudest, shiniest brand on the block. You do however, need to have something to say once you get attention!
2.) The Mafia Brand: Although I’m not a fan of the negative connotation the term mafia implies, I do appreciate the perspective behind this brand classification.
As the marketplace changes consumers (your future clients and customers) will need someone to serve as a personal filter. A filter that protects them from the garbage, and screens out the noise that should in fact have the volume turned down.
You know those brands well don’t you? The ones that should have their Internet business club card revoked…
I love the idea of a brand that serves as a champion for its market. A brand that “saves the day” and protects your interest by shielding you from outside sources (and forces) that seek to keep you down.
Although both categories are opposite extremes the truth is, we live in a time of extremes.
And if you dare to step into the din of today’s brand landscape, it makes sense to stake your claim and position your personal brand on one plain or another.
According to Faith’s brand classification, I fall into the Mafia Brand category and am happy to be referred to as your very own Internet Guido (or is it Guida?) 
The key to understanding where your brand stands is clarity.
Sadly, we’re more clear about who our next American Idol will be than we are about our personal brand.
Make the time to connect with your inner power….the success of your personal brand stems from that place and is how your brand gets “made.”
Whether your brand has a gentle voice or carry’s a set of brass knuckles, get to know her!
So, what side of the brandscape does your brand reside? Does your brand whisper or protect?
If you aren’t clear about this ask yourself…where do I want to position myself?
Tell me about it!
Until next time…
Love and thanks,
Liz
Tags: attention age, brand, brand marketing, branding maven, faith popcorn, help with my brand, inernet marketing, internet business, liz pabon, liz pabone, marketing to women, personal brand, success
