Stand Out, Get Noticed, Get More Businses

April 1st, 2009

Isn’t that what promoting yourself and your business is all about!

Yet how many of us are afraid to stand out and get noticed? I’m pretty outrageous and still, sometimes I am.

For example, a few weeks ago I attended an annual in-person networking event. Last year I accepted a dare and modeled an outfit someone had on display… So this year I needed to do something special. I had a reputation to maintain, didn’t I?

Earlier this year, I attended T. Harv Eker’s Train-the-Trainer 1 event. I guess I reminded someone of the Energizer Bunny ~ they gave me the nickname “The Energizer Bonnie!”

The name followed me home… I was told it’s a ’sticky’ brand a la the criteria laid out in the great book, Made to Stick.

I had recently bought a pink warm-up suit, a matching pink t-shirt, and a pair of pink bunny ears (It’s time for the Easter Bunny.)

So I dressed up as “The Energizer Bonnie!”

Did I stand out? YES!
Did everyone notice me?YES!!
Does everyone remember me? YES!!!

Yet I haven’t worn my Energizer Bonnie costum since.

Why not?

Good question… and I have a few good answers…

I live in Floria so it’s already too warm for the warm-up suit…

I’m an extrovert by nature. I’m short, cute, energetic, and enthusiastic. So I’m visible and vocal at events regardless of what I wear.

And, yes. I feel a bit self-conscious every time there’s another live event where I could wear my bunny ears. I do want to stand out… I do want to get noticed…

I am in marketing, and I want to model for others what it takes to get more business.

Yet I’m not sure I have to ‘dress the part.’ I even wonder if the image isn’t a bit over the top and hurts my credibility. I’m not sure I agree with the adage, “Any publicity is good publicity.”

So I’m reaching out into cyberspace to ask you what you think. Do I go out dressed as The Energizer Bonnie, all in pink with ears and a tail? Do I take a picture and put it on my website? Or do I let my presence speak for me?

Am I suffering from Marketing Resistance Syndrome? Am I letting my fears and doubts keep me from creating a strong and memorable brand?

Or is dressing up, dressing professionally more important to my image?

What do you think?

And what do you do to stand out, get noticed and get more business? I’d love to hear your stories… see your pictures… get your opinion… so write a comment and let us in on your trade secret!

Tags: Branding, Marketing Resistance Syndrome

Entry Filed under: Marketing Resistance Syndrome, Marketing for Professionals