A corporate brand is nothing more than your reputation. As a small business owner, you pour your heart and soul into your business. Your passion for what you do is obvious. Generally, you wear plenty of hats and you ply your magic from the wings or back stage at best. Your participation is pivotal is the success of your business.
Behind the scenes you are the person customers expect to see and you’re the person who directs the show. You step up to every role except one -
CENTER STAGE.
I think you should pocket your humility and step out into the spot light and claim your just rewards. Many small business leaders shy away from the idea of putting themselves out there. Do you realize that in every other way you ARE putting yourself out there already? You have no issues with facing your audience on a one-on-one basis, live in person, right?. Stepping into the spot light makes you into an icon for your brand. It provides a genuine personality that a prospective customer can relate to. It authenticates your brand offering and helps to position the company with a human side.
It puts your money where your mouth is. I had much the same apprehension when I first plopped my photo onto my blog. It made me very tense. It was when I decided that I was a product much like any other that I warmed up to the idea. Now almost four years later, I think it helps my brand. My face and opinion define me to my customers. My expertise and my style of delivery are reflected in how I position my identity. I have been called a person who delivers “straight forward valuable advice” and I believe my brand reflects this.
Give your business a face. Think of it as meeting someone just before the handshake. With your face, potential customers can see themselves doing business with you. Powerful stuff.
