Brand "You" by Writing
I just found out this week that my most recent book, Masters of Sales, hit the New York Times Bestsellers list. Of course I am ecstatic about this, but it also got me thinking about what an amazingly powerful advertising and branding tool it is to be a an author. With each article and each book that I write, I am building brand recognition for me and for my business. This is a technique that has worked well for many people I know. For years I’ve recommended that people write as a way of developing personal and professional credibility in their business. I’m always amazed at how many people say it’s a great idea but then don’t actually do anything about it.
Recently, I’ve formed a small mentoring program for people within my business to brainstorm and talk about writing and how to get published. Since then, many of these people have published dozens and dozens of articles. As a result, I thought I would share some of my thoughts on how “you” might like to begin this process.
Let’s be real here—most business people certainly do not have time to sit down and write an entire book, but writing articles are something that most people could find time to do at least once a month. Writing articles consistently and for an extended period of time is a plausible, virtually costless way to brand yourself and your business by increasing visibility and enhancing credibility in the community—it’s just an idea that most people are simply too lazy to implement.
But for those who are willing to step up to the task, here is my best advice:
• Think about the things you know and understand best, pick out the elements of that knowledge that might be of interest to the general public, and then review the types of media outlets that write for that audience.
• Either by phone or letter, tell an editor why readers will be interested in the feature idea you have or why it’s newsworthy (or better yet, use your network to connect with the editor).
• Stick with it and remain consistent in submitting articles and before you know it, you will be well on your way to branding yourself as a local expert through being a recognized, published author.
Ivan:
First, let me thank you for the mentoring. I did not realize how far reaching the opportunities for writing would go. I have had the opportunity to submit articles to my referral partner’s news letters, blogs, and many online sites. I was recently asked if I would be interested in submitting articles to a local business paper, and I have been invited to be on a local business radio program.
As a result, I have doubled my credibility not only in my own town, but across the country. I have been asked to speak more often, sit on panels, nominated for awards, and be known by people I do not yet know.
I am sought out as an expert in a field that seems to be full of experts. As a result of this tactic, both of my businesses have grown and several opportunities have come my way that would not have otherwise.
This is a business tactic that anyone can utilize and the results are great.
Thanks for the opportunity,
Hazel M. Walker
Referral Strategist
Referral Institute – Indiana
BNI-Indiana
Writing is NOT a natural talent for me, so I am very fortunate to be working with Dr. Misner as one of his writer mentees. For months, I listened to Ivan’s “how to” advice but I did not take action. Selecting the topic was easy enough – networking and referral marketing. I simply couldn’t decide WHAT (subtopic) to tackle first. It seemed overwhelming!
Ivan began last month’s writer’s discussion a bit differently. He invited us to share our networking success story. One by one, we began telling our stories WITH ENTHUSIASM. After we’d exhausted all possibilities, Ivan said, “WRITE ABOUT THAT!”…and we did!
That day, Ivan helped us realize that we inspire others through story telling all the time. Now we must learn to re-tell those same stories through the written word. Start with what inspires YOU!
Ivan,
I couldn’t agree more. As my friend, Scott Ginsberg (www.hellomynameisscott.com), says, “Writing is the key to all wealth.”
Writing articles are an easy way to get started in writing. They don’t take much time and you already have the knowledge in your head.
And best of all…they position you as the EXPERT in your field.
Thanks for another great point!
Weston Lyon
Author, Speaker, & KING of the Functional Fitness Jungle
This advice is on target! The best way to build your brand is through articles and contributing to new publications. The toughest part of the whole process is to just get yourself to commit to doing it! Now I take every opportunity (even writing feedback to articles you read) to submit an article or get my name in print. All you need to do is follow Dr. Misner’s simple steps!
Ivan,
By experience, I have been successful this year at writing articles because of your support through the mentor program. In addition, I have been successful at getting them published by applying step #2 on your blog entry … spreading the word through my network. Virtually every published opportunity has been referred through my network. In my opinion, the more you talk about it … the more opportunities come available.
Michelle
Thanks for sharing! One of my long terms goal is to be published in a national publication. The hard part is determining what I will write about (-:
Hello Dr. Misner:
It is an honor to even be able to write a message to your blog. Because I have learned so much in the last 4 years from BNI, I am very grateful to you for starting such a wonderful organization!
I wanted to say that although I’ve written only two articles, and on a much smaller scale, I’ve gained so much because of it. Not only do I gain more knowledge about the topic I am writing about, but as you say, I have gained some “branding” recognition among my peers. Something that I didn’t even think would happen. My hope is that as I try to help others succeed by contributing more articles that can help them become better at sales, marketing their product, and networking, that the branding will just happen naturally.
Thank you so much for all that you do Dr. Misner. Keep up the fantastic work!
Sincerely,
Christopher Signore, Agent
As someone who is being mentored by Dr. Misner, I can’t tell you how valuable it has been. Not only am I learning how to get published, he has been a valuable asset to help me in knowing what to write about. I am forever grateful for his offering to be a mentor and sharing his knowledge with others.
It’s a real honour to be mentored on the other side of the world by Dr Ivan Misner. He has motivated me to be more prolific in writing on subjects that I care about.
Writing for the media, blogs, books etc is not a one-off activity. It slowly builds one’s reputation and leads to other opportunities and invitations.
Thank you Ivan for your persistence and guidance with your “writing family.”
Hi Ivan,
Well I haven’t been on your mentoring programme (which I have great interest in), but your great influence, example and huge success on referral marketing over the years has been an inspiration for people like myself.
You have so kindly helped me personally on my first book and I know you help many other people on writing articles on their business subjects.
You lead by example in your own writings of books and articles. I have set up various ways to pick up your articles immediately they are published on the net as I find them most interesting and helpful.
Here’s to you continuing with your great work and inspiring and helping many others in achieving their own success.
Best regards,
Vince Golder