Selling Vs. Branding – Don’t Be “That Guy”

When was the last time someone tried to sell something to you? Maybe it was at a car dealership or at the mall, maybe even while looking at new cell phones. How did you feel when that person was talking to you? Did you feel like you had to keep your guard up? Because we already know the truth that Nobody Likes To be Sold To, we need to make sure we are not guilty of this on a little deeper level…

Have you even been in a networking meeting or maybe it was during a job interview where the guy or girl totally was trying to sell themselves? They are the ones that go above and beyond when it comes to handing out their business cards, expressing their ideas and making sure everyone knows that they came up with the idea. They usually come across pushy and arrogant. Think back to how you felt when you saw them, how you felt when they approached you to talk about themselves to you. Did you feel all warm and fuzzy inside or were you repelled in such a way where you either wanted to run for your life or slap them?

Exactly! This is why we need to be careful not to fall into the same trap of doing things like they do it! There is a better way… And it’s time to break the mold!

 

The Difference Between Selling Vs. Branding.

Selling is more of a pushy kind of deal. Where you try hard to convince the personal you or what you have is the best and then give them a call to action. Which in and of itself is not necessarily a bad thing. But, when it’s done in a way that makes the prospect feel bad or uncomfortable, then we are doing something wrong. You may say, “yeah, but I got the sale!” Which I would say, “Good for you, you will never see them again!” See when it comes to your personal brand, if you come across pushy, that is the image people are going to remember you buy. A “pushy, self-centered, only wants to get your money” kind of person. Which really ruins your chances of repeat business. Not to mention them ever referring people to you!

But, if you break the mold of selling and start focusing on branding you turn the tables…

Remember, branding is expressing the message and image you want people to have about you. So no matter what you are doing, in the store shopping or at a business event, you are expressing a brand image to everyone around you. So instead of coming across as a pushy salesperson, how much more effective would it be to come across as genuine, caring, professional and someone who offers real value?! People will think you are amazing!!

If you want to Rule Your Realm in the marketplace, at a business conference or wherever else you find yourself. Don’t sell!… Brand YOU and show them how awesome you are! 🙂

I recently got to do this at a business conference in Las Vegas. I didn’t offer one business card to anyone unless someone asked for it. And after speaking at this event, I had a following from that point one. I actually had to miss dinner because I was making time for all the people who wanted to talk to me. That is Branding baby!.. Not selling.

So don’t be “that guy” that everyone avoids because he or she is always trying to sell themselves… There is a better way.

So I want to hear what you think. Do you think selling is a good way to go, or is your focus on branding? Let me know! 🙂