Thursday
13Nov2008
15 Days of Marketing Day Thirteen: What NOT to Do When Marketing & Branding Yourself
Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 1:06AM
I've spent the last twelve days of this series talking about what to do to build your brand, increase your influence and market yourself and those that you work for (or hope to work for). Today I'm going to concentrate on what NOT to do. Some of these no-nos probably shouldn't even have to be mentioned and I'll trust that you're not engaging in that type of activity. But because I'm on the receiving end of some of these so-called strategies, I feel the need to mention them here. Now I'm not going to be a hypocrite and say that I've never tried any of these methods, because I've been guilty myself and quickly learned what wasn't a bright idea. So this list is compiled based on experience, whether dishing it out or taking it, and it is my hope that you'll take this list to heart.
And finally, one that keeps me focused, inspired, and steadfast? Comes from the band Journey.
YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Listen to/watch the video above and think about what you ARE going to do. And share your "Don't"s I might not have covered here.
ALSO...
I've opened up my program I'm calling my INNER CIRCLE to offer affordable consulting to moms, small businesses, and others that might be interested. If you're finding this series valuable and want more to go more in-depth as well as have access to exclusive information and updates, please sign up. I just posted this last night and the program is already half-filled.
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- Don't promote something that you don't believe in.
- Don't follow the maximum limit of 2,000 on Twitter because you're hoping to get the most followers you can in the least amount of time.
- Don't friend people on Facebook, especially those you've just met, and then immediately add links to all your sites on their wall.
- Don't put Google ads on your blog until you've got at least 50 unique visitors a day.
- Don't talk AT people, talk with them. Converse. Care. Ask Questions.
- Don't forget your friends and allies after you get big, especially the ones that got you there.
- Don't underestimate the value of hard work and consistency.
- Don't use TweetLater to thank me for your follow and then ask me visit your site that will then ask for money. I will unfollow. I promise.
- Don't forget that it's all about the content and conversation.
- Don't forget to say please and thank you.
- Don't assume your allies are mind readers. Ask for what you need.
- Don't sign-up for a bunch of forums for the sole reason to "plug" your product or service.
- Don't rush.
- Don't be too hard on yourself.
- Don't let pride be your biggest obstacle.
- Don't be afraid to say "I Don't Know".
And finally, one that keeps me focused, inspired, and steadfast? Comes from the band Journey.
- Don't stop believing. Hold on to that feeling.
YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Listen to/watch the video above and think about what you ARE going to do. And share your "Don't"s I might not have covered here.
ALSO...
I've opened up my program I'm calling my INNER CIRCLE to offer affordable consulting to moms, small businesses, and others that might be interested. If you're finding this series valuable and want more to go more in-depth as well as have access to exclusive information and updates, please sign up. I just posted this last night and the program is already half-filled.
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Reader Comments (10)
I am going to finish these 15 days of marketing even if it takes me 60 days!
Don't do tip - Don't bit off more than you can chew. Take baby steps until you can handle what is already on your plate. Don't be afraid to leave a social network if you aren't participating or if it's not what you thought it was. Also don't be afraid to not to sign up for a network because you are afraid of hurting someones feelings.
Pamela Kramers last blog post..http://babyandtoddlerproductreviews.blogspot.com/2008/11/crazy-train-day-65.html" rel="nofollow">Crazy Train - Day 65
I only stumbled upon tweetlater as promoted by @problogger today. Have tried to use it but do not use the autofollow function as I believe in personally checking each persons bio beforehand.
I only friend people on facebook that I personally know in reality as I believe in a close community there.
dominiques last blog post..http://dominiquegoh.com/?p=716" rel="nofollow">Which T-shirt fit’s better?
Great tips! I can't think of any yet but I'm sure they'll come to me and I'll come back and leave a "don't."
Lisa @ Serah'ss last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SerahsSoapBlog/~3/448397208/clean-campaign.html" rel="nofollow">A Clean Campaign
Some really fabulous advice here Jessica. Wow, the Journey video really brought back memories. Loved Steve Perry :). Don't stop believing, indeed! Thank you!
carole@hippostoess last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Hippostoes/~3/451313111/christmas-of-dreams-blog-party-day-1.html" rel="nofollow">Christmas of Dreams Blog Party - Day 1
Great stuff again!
Plus I LOVE JOURNEY!
Don't let fear stop you!
This Military Mamas last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThisMilitaryMama/~3/452060494/in-pain.html" rel="nofollow">In Pain
Here is a don't - Don't be envious/jealous of others. Follow their example and/or ask for their help if you like what they are doing.
Renée aka Mekhismoms last blog post..http://cutiebootycakes.blogspot.com/2008/11/story-time-with-rene.html" rel="nofollow">Story Time with Renée
Here's a tip I just discovered as a web developer... there is a great new site called http://www.addthis.com/" rel="nofollow">AddThis that puts a tiny badge under your posts so you can quickly add that page to any of your social networks. The list of networks is huge and covers more apps than the other WordPress plugins. The best part is that it tracks the activity so you can login to addthis and see where your page being posted. Very cool and easy to install. I'm getting a lot of requests to install it.
Gretchen Cawthons last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/GirlsCantWhat/~3/453674548/" rel="nofollow">Ann Dunwoody is First Female Four-Star General
Great list! Pretty much summarizes how I feel and what I believe are great recommendations to refer to if you ever find yourself needing focus or inspiration.
Thanks,
Gail
Gail - MicroBlogginMoms last blog post..http://microblogginmom.blogspot.com/2008/11/15-days-of-marketing-with-jessica-knows_12.html" rel="nofollow">15 Days of Marketing with Jessica Knows - Day 12
Great post! So helpful. I especially love your personal story of how you got started. It inspired me to post my own story and I promise to do it soon. I added a link to your blog on my brand new Mom with Money blog....Great tips!
Ann Levines last blog post..http://momwithmoney.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/a-time-for-restraint/" rel="nofollow">A Time for Restraint
Homework posted:
http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/15-days-of-marketing-day-13.html
Thanks for the reminders. Great stuff!
Deborahs last blog post..http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/dancing-blue-butterflies-take-one.html" rel="nofollow">Dancing Blue Butterflies - Take One