There I was, perched atop the two-wheeled stallion I lovingly call “Romeo” prepared to beat my own personal best record for stationary bike riding.
You see my workout had grown a little stale and I wanted to have greater results in my muscle tone and strength. Not to mention, I realized I hadn’t pushed myself or changed up my routine in ages.
So off I went increasing the level, resistance, and time. Within the first five minutes, I thought I was going to pass out! What in heavens name was I thinking…
Just as I was about to revert back to my usual routine, I quieted the screaming in my head and reminded myself, I’m no quitter.
It was during the last 15 minutes of this 45-minute trek that I came to a startling realization… The more I pushed through the pain, the easier it got. And that’s when I made the parallel between my quest for better fitness and branding.
If you’ve been following me for any length of time you know I firmly believe that your personal brand is a direct reflection of your business brand. Meaning, if you aren’t willing to grow and push yourself through the tough spots, neither will your business.
Recently, I had someone make the comment that all this inner development is fine and good but it’s the action that makes growth possible. While there’s no question that without action you’ll never get into gear let alone move up to a new level however, it’s how you play the ‘inner game’ that determines the kind of action you take and results you produce in your business.
Let’s be candid, you can spend your last cent on marketing (brochures, flyers, websites, etc.) but without focusing on the why behind your strategy you’re aiming at a target you can’t clearly see.
And that’s where your brand comes into play…
Your brand is the why of your business. Why you’re in business in the first place. Why you chose the business, the market, the product or service you offer. All of these why’s point back to the purpose of your brand…your purpose as a business owner.
But here’s what it takes…
In order to get clear on the authentic, heartfelt why, you’ve got to get honest – real honest.
Not surprisingly, the person I mentioned a moment ago was only motivated by money. A brand that exists for the sole purpose of making money is a brand with a short shelf life.
Donald Trump, Richard Branson (of Virgin Records) and Oprah have some of the most recognizable, and wealthiest brands around. Yet, it’s the heart and soul of their personal brand that brings them mega success.
And guess what…as loaded to the gills as these mega-success stories are neither one of them do what they do for the money. They do it because they’re passionate about deal making (Trump), pushing the envelope (Branson) and inspiring change (Oprah).
No matter what the outcome of any of their ventures (and all have experienced significant financial loss and/or scrutiny), they keep their eye on the prize…honoring their true passion and purpose.
Some of the most confident women I coach merely scratched the surface of their true why on their own and it’s not until we go through the brand development process that they get very clear on the magnitude of their purpose. Some resist but those with a true desire to connect with their greatness commit to the inner work.
As I watched the green lights flash from one hill incline to another, and my pulse rate increased from 120, to 140 then 160, I thought for sure it was okay to stop. I mean after all, I had at least tried. But trying just wasn’t good enough. I wanted to break my plateau and reach a new level.
Yes, I had to guide myself through the pain.
Yes, I had to remind myself of the great pay off when I completed what I started.
Yes, I kept hoping for a power outage!
But by working through all of it and clearing the path of all the garbage that got in my way – and not resisting the process – I realized it was getting easier and easier. During the last 15-minutes of my virtual ride, my mind was suddenly more clear, my breathing no longer sounded like the pants of desperation and I was actually enjoying myself.
In the span of 45-minutes, I learned a great deal about myself and while the branding process takes considerably longer than 2700 seconds, you will learn a great deal about yourself. And once you make the incredible revelations and clarity about your passion, purpose and true power you’ll feel (and become) unstoppable.
The only way to reach a new level of success is to decide on a “no other option will do” attitude and that decision comes from the place the heart of your brand resides…within.
I was rewarded for all of my hard word with a message that lit up when I completed my ride: Good Job. You’ll be rewarded too for all your hard work with glowing reviews, a string of brand champions and oh yes, wealth and abundance ;D
Until next time…
Love and thanks,
Liz
Tags: brand, branding, inner game, liz pabon, marketing to women, mavherick, small business marketing, the branding maven
