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Yoda Was Right - Size Matters Not
Personal Business Skills Articles
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When I receive
speaking inquiries from organizations who want me to keynote their conferences
or meetings, I always chuckle when I hear comments like:
“Could you have your assistant fax me a fee schedule?"
“Who does your booking for you?”
“Should I call your agent find out if you have that date available?”
My response is usually something like, “Oh, well actually, it’s just me!”
A lot of my customers think that’s awesome. They value the ability to talk
directory to That Guy. In fact, most of my clients tell me that’s one of their
favorite parts about working with me.
On the other hand, some business people believe in presenting their company
(website, materials, voicemail and the like) in a manner which makes them appear
a lot bigger than they really are. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing; although
I think people must take caution while tip-toeing on the fine line between
professionalism and misrepresentation.
Then again, it depends on 1) your brand, and 2) your customers.
My brand happens to be friendly, transparent and approachable. So I have no
problem posting my fee schedule on my site, for example, or telling customers
that my company is a completely entrepreneurial, one-man show.
But your company might not be like that, which is cool too. If you want to
appear big, go big! As long as you’re consistent with your brand and it makes
your customers feel comfortable working with you, go for it.
The point I’m trying to make is this: you don’t have to BE big to do big
things. The Internet has eliminated many of the barriers that once stood
between you and the media, you and customers, you and other professionals. Here
are three examples:
1) A blog post will attract more PR than a sending out a press release or
running a full page ad in your local paper.
2) The Age of DIY (Do It Yourself) is alive and well. And it's enabling ANYONE
who has a voice to shout it from the rooftops! With the proper technology, an
individual can make serious waves within (or without) a company.
3) The world cannot resist a man on a mission.
I only know this because, since I started HELLO, my name is Scott in 2002, I’ve
been featured in almost every major news publication in the country, done
hundreds of radio and TV interviews and been quoted as an expert on
approachability in The Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan. And you know what?
I have all the cutouts pasted around the walls of my office.
And I look at them every day. Not because I’m a big shot, and not because I’m
some egomaniac, but because those are big things, and I’m just ONE guy. So I
truly believe that if I can do it, you can too. Whether you’re big or not.
LET ME ASK YA THIS...
In your business, does size matter?
LET ME SUGGEST THIS...
Grab a bunch of Post-It Notes and write SIZE MATTERS NOT on them. Stick 'em on
your computer screen, door, mirrors and walls. Take pictures, email them to me
and I'll post them on my blog!
© 2006 All Rights Reserved.
About the AuthorScott Ginsberg, aka "The Nametag Guy," is the author of three books and a
professional speaker who helps people maximize approachability, become
unforgettable and make a name for themselves. To book Scott for your next
association meeting, conference or corporate event, contact Front Porch
Productions at 314/256-1800 or email
scott@hellomynameisscott.com.
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2007-04-04 12:13:38 in Personal Articles
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