My BIG Branding “Mistake”

Yesterday, I had a really exciting interview with a woman based in California. I can’t wait to share it with you …. just as SOON as this thing is published! But, she threw me off when she said this,

I’ve been on your list for probably a year now, and I’d love to know how you are able to weave your Maverick-like personality into each and everything you say or post.”

Maverick-like personality.  

I didn’t have an answer to that one.  “Maverick” is synonymous with non-conformist, individualist, rebel, loner, unconventional.  For better or for worse, I don’t deliberately weave that into anything.  These traits — again, for better AND for worse — are woven in to me.  I don’t know any other way to speak, write, present, consult or BE, for that matter.  99% of the time, I think 99% of people are wrong.  When I fall in step with the majority, I KNOW I’m headed in the wrong direction.  She’s right.   “Maverick” fits me.

But, do I want to “fit in”?  A lot of people in my industry are fluff-talkers.  But business — yours and mine — is too important to me for such time wasters.  I’ll always call it the way I see it.  The conversations I have with my clients are not usually fluffy or pleasant or even enjoyable.  I often apologize up front for that.  But, I don’t try to change it.

So MY “maverick”-like brand — I’m assuming — is here to stay.  Is it a mistake? Well, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have chosen it deliberately.

Because FLUFF, B.S., and Unicorn Farms on the beach are MUCH easier sells.

Harsh reality as a selling point,  much more difficult.  

BUT, I’ve learned that reality will always work WITH you… as long as you acknowledge it.  So, that’s where I live.  It’s where my clients and I START.

We assume nothing.  We ask.

We ignore our own opinions in favor of what our NUMBERS show us.

We have grand visions.  But, we take small, difficult steps towards them every day.

And we achieve.

Because we operate under the Law of CREATION… meaning, we actively — with sweat on our brow — CREATE what we want.

And this “maverick”-style approach of hard work, long days, sweat… well, like I said — it’s not an easy sell.   BUT, anything “sweeter” is putting lipstick on a pig.

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE this gig.  It’s what I was BORN to do.  I am thrilled to be a self-bosser in today’s economy.  I’m invigorated by the challenges I face every day. I’m PROUD to be my own economic stimulus package, and HONORED to stand among YOU — my entrepreneurial colleagues — as we stare down economic adversities, thieving politicians (looking to take from us in order to give to those who risk little and work less) and more…. and WIN!

Maybe it’s the “southern girl” in me…. but well, “Welcome, Ya’ll!” I’m just thrilled you’re here…. and humbled at how well you tolerate and even embrace my Maverick-like brand.  If I KNEW another way to be, I might try it… even just for a little bit.  But for now, I’m just glad to have you with me.  Mavericks, each of us, in our own way.

We’re coming up on the LAST WEEK OF THE YEAR.  So, PUSH.  Get more done this week than in any other week of 2011.  Don’t close up shop YET.  Set a crazy sales goal.  And push to reach it.  End strong.   Because you can.