Search the Site |
These Boots Are Made for Walking
When you think of branding, there are ‘famous’ people that easily come to mind because of their signature style or ‘brand’. Larry King and his suspenders, Bob Hope with his golf club, Elton John with his unique glasses and Barbara Bush noted for her 3 strands of pearls are examples of unique and recognizable style. Put any of these items up for auction, and the price to ‘own’ any one of these items would knock most of us out of the bidding.
Signature Look So, what’s my point? Having a ‘brand’ or recognizable ‘style’ is a huge advantage – especially in the marketplace. When we were youngsters, being the same as everyone else insured acceptance. We see that today – the way kids dress is the obvious example. Peer pressure is a very real issue. In our adult lives, however, both personally and professionally, maintaining uniqueness is memorable and certainly worth considering. I have a friend who always wears a hat in public. Another, whose signature style is black and gold and her wardrobe is coordinated with those two colors! I was at an event not long ago and began chatting with a woman wearing a beautiful giraffe pin. When I commented on it, she told me ever since she was a little girl, she’s loved giraffes and has a large collection of pins! Talk about being unique! As for me, for more than twenty-two years, I have been wearing cowboy boots. The only shoes I own are athletic. Do I wear cowboy boots year round? Yes. Even in the Summer? Yes. If I’m anywhere, I’m in cowboy boots. It didn’t start out that way. When I married a man my height, I didn’t feel comfortable in either flat shoes or high heels. And, every now and then, Phil would wear cowboy boots. So I thought I’d give them a try – moderate heal, very comfortable, lots of choices and not influenced by shoe trends and styles, I have been wearing them all these years! (10+ years ago, I did the Avon 60 Mile Breast Cancer Walk in athletic shoes and crossed the finish line in athletic boots! You can’t imagine the number of people wanting to take my picture with those boots!) People refer to me as “Bootgirl” which is also part of my email. No matter where I go, my style is recognizable. While others may not remember my name, they do remember that I’m the person who always wears cowboy boots. Recently, I was asked to be in a fashion show and I was really clear that if wearing shoes was required, I’d have to turn down the invitation. To my surprise, they actually wanted to match their Spring line with a casual, cowboy boot look! Go figure! The Connection While my cowboy boots and my business really have nothing to do with one another, the fact that I have a unique look and a unique business really blend nicely together. If someone were to mention my organization, The Joy of Connecting, it’s likely that my name or “Is that the group owned by bootgirl” comes up. The reverse is also true. “I know who you are – you have that organization for women.” Did I plan this? No. Am I thrilled that the association of one with the other works? Absolutely! So, what does this have to do with you? Are you looking to be memorable? Are you wanting to make some changes, give your look an uplift? Maybe, you’re tired of having to keep up with trends, magazines that run ‘must have’ featured clothing items or want to simply create your own style? There are so many options for women! Colors, accents and styles can be fashioned in ways that bring out your personality. Business branding is a very distinct way for the consumer to immediately recognize a product or service. Examples are everywhere and advertising is always focused on brand awareness. As women, we can choose our look and the way we want to present ourselves without the added issue of ‘advertising’. This is a great time to have fun with your look. Purge clothes you don’t like any more. Add to your wardrobe pieces or accents that begin to show-off the special, unique and fun loving side of you. Don’t be trapped in ‘sameness’. Choose to be different! Change is great. Experience the excitement of being open to a changing you! Others will take notice. Is this helpful? Please let us know in the comments your thoughts on this as well as other ways we can help you with your career and training.  Authored by: Bonnie Ross-Parker, The Joy of ConnectingYou can contact Bonnie at bootgirl@TheJOYofConnecting.com or 770.333.7923 blog comments powered by Disqus |