Voice Mail

How do people perceive us by the message and tone on our voice mail? Is our voice mail consistent with the professional image or “brand” we are trying to portray?

A typical message like “This is Bob Jones. I’m sorry I could not take your call. Please leave a brief message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.” prompts a response. But does not instill in a stranger or a prospect any sense about who you are or build any anticipation about hearing back from you.

A voice mail message like “This is John Adams of Adams Photography where we make everyone look great. I really would like to talk with you, so leave a message and I will return your call before the end of day” conveys who you are and leaves the caller with a sense of excitement. The caller also knows that the call will be returned in a timely manner. (Of course, John needs to make sure he calls back by the end of day).

You may want to have several voice mail messages scripted, each of which will tell something different about you but will project the image that you want. Have associates and friends critique, so that once the message is on your voice mail you will be assured of always “being in brand”.

Personal Brand

Every successful business has a “brand” that is known by its customers and sets it apart from competition. The brand is the combination of all of the little (and big) things that sets a business apart and that conjurs up an image of the business in the mind of anyone coming in contact with the business. The “brand” can range from how merchandise is displayed, to logos, to signage,  to cleanliness and conditions of company vehicles, to how the phone is answered. Everything a customer sees, smells, hears, and touches about the business contributes to the brand in the mind of the customer (or potential customer). More about company brands in a future blog.

But what about personal brands? Each of us forms an image in what we say, what we do, how we dress, and how we present ourselves to everyone with whom we come in contact. As small business owners, it is often impossible for our personal brand to be differentiated from our company brand. If we have spent thousands on a logo, had the best graphic artist in town design our website, and have a unique product, none of that will matter if personally we come across as unkempt, or do not communicate well.

So, how do we improve our personal brand. We need to really look in the mirror and try to see ourselves as others see us, or better, as we want others to see us. Is my hair neatly trimmed? Are my clothes well pressed? Do I exercise good personal hygiene? Are my shoes polished? Is my cologne or perfume too strong? Do I look others in the eye when I speak to them? Do I really listen to what others are saying or am I just intent on what I am saying to others? Do I write thank you notes? Do I keep my word? Do I follow-up? All of these, and more, work toward making our personal brand.

I was reminded last night by a friend, Mark Madere, that exuding a personal brand is critical in publicity and public relations. Mark, a professional photographer, produced my professional “head shot” photograph that you see at the top of my blogs. This enhanced my own brand significantly over the quick home-made photo that I had previously used. I would recommend Mark to anyone in the Cleveland area who wants to upgrade their image. See Mark’s web site at www.spectralight.com.

Often a personal brand can be greatly enhanced by just a small investment in a photograph, or wardrobe enhancement, or just a good shoe polishing!

Will Limkemann
Limkemann Business Advisors
440-871-0976
www.neobizadvisor.com