What came first, the chicken or the...website?

Humor me as I modify the age old question.

A current project that I am working on has multiple dilemmas revolving around the organization's identity. Years ago a website was set up that has content and functionality that doesn't reflect the current mission of the organization. Add to the mix the need to write proposals to secure business and not being sure how to position the organization or reference the website prior to changing it.

Sound familiar? Marketing plays a massive role in organizational identity and business development. When done correctly it eliminates confusion and differentiates your services from others.

When starting a business there are fundamental rules that should be followed. The first is...state why you started the business? The answer isn't "lowest price and best service" because everyone and his brother says the same. You have a reason you know in your heart as to why you chose to go this route. In addition to establishing your "why" is a set of beliefs that you have about your business and the market you serve. Find a way to articulate those beliefs. These critical points will be at the core of your marketing plan.

When Rollin King and Herb Kelleher wanted to start an airline 40+ years ago they were told they were crazy because at the time 15% of Americans flew and the market was already over crowded. Their response: "We want to serve the other 85%. We don't want to be an airline, instead a champion for the common man." Today we know that airline as Southwest Airlines, one of the few profitable airlines and country's strongest brands. When you fly Southwest you clearly understand the identity, culture and mission of their business.

Marketing becomes a bit easier when using the model Southwest used. They didn't build their website or marketing strategy prior to establishing why they would come to exist in the first place. It's a lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses unsure of why they lack growth.

EMBRACING Social Media: I need your help

Building a community means building relationships. I need to develop relationships with people in these 3 areas:

1. Social Media Experts - They may be consultants, authors, marketers or bloggers. These people can speak with authority about how to be successful using social media as a marketing tool. 
2. Business Development Professionals - Anyone that has responsibility in their business to grow the bottom line by adding customers and increasing revenue. 
3. Social Media Nay Sayers - I want to include the universe of people that have dismissed social media for whatever reason. 

Your help building this community is appreciated. I prefer introductions, otherwise will add names of people you know to my database. As EMBRACING Social Media grows in numbers it will grow in ideas, solutions and revenue for your respective businesses. 

EMBRACING Social Media is currently a LinkedIn Group. It will expand in the spring to monthly meetings and ultimately webinars. 

EMBRACING Social Media - "Educate, Share and Prosper!" 

Thank you! 

Honoring Commitments

Business Network International (BNI) taught me how to develop business by building quality relationships. Will someone trust me enough to refer someone in their Rolodex to me? How couldn't they? I'm such a lovable guy!

I watched people's behavior in my BNI chapters and over time made judgments about whether I could refer business opportunities to them. If they behaved with integrity and showed interest in helping others first...they received my referrals. If they showed up late for our meetings, were unprepared, and looked to make the "quick hit" sale...they received nothing. No matter how hard we work to make life fair for everyone, there are some things that will never change. Acting with questionable integrity is almost impossible to overcome.

We win and lose support from others based on our commitments. When you commit to doing something, do it! If something comes up that interferes with your commitment, use the other "C" word...communicate. We have more communication tools now than ever.

Your personal brand can be influenced by many things. Your day to day commitments are being monitored by  your first level of contacts. Judgments are being made.

The goal is not to become a perfect person. We can strive to be conscious of our actions and realize that they have consequences, good or bad.