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Marketing Yourself Is HARD.

Marketing Yourself Is HARD.

Would it surprise you to know that marketers often have a hard time marketing themselves? It’s a conundrum, for sure. You’re great at what you do for others—so why can’t you just do it for yourself?

I think the problem comes (at least for me) when overthinking takes over. If I’m writing for another company, I have a clear narrative, scope, and voice to adhere to. When I’m planning my own communications, there are so. many. decisions to be made: What is my brand’s voice? How do I stay true to myself while remaining professional? What the hell am I supposed to take pictures of for Instagram? What if no one likes what I’m doing? Should I do it anyway? There are so many questions, doubts, and concerns that it all becomes muddled and overwhelming.

So, I’ve decided to just be me… with a slight filter. I’m going to put information out and if you don’t like it, you probably wouldn’t like me. (Or maybe give me a chance and tell me why I’m wrong?)

I’m working harder on marketing Silverbrook and expanding my network, so let me know if you’d like to chat. People say I’m pretty cool and I’ve got a reputation for being good at what I do.

Using Color for Your Personal Brand

Using Color for Your Personal Brand

One of my favorite quotes in Steel Magnolias is, “My colors are blush and bashful.” In the movie, Shelby is describing her wedding colors—which the rest of her family says make the church look like it’s drenched in Pepto Bismol. But Shelby knows one of the best ways to anchor your personal brand is with a signature color or palette.

For a business, it’s easy to incorporate a signature color or a brand color palette, which is usually tied to the logo for that company. A visual branding guide outlines usage of the logo and colors with guidelines like:

  • the colors with which the logo is allowed to be reproduced;
  • the “safe space” that must surround the logo;
  • the colors in the palette described in various ways (typically PMS color book number, CMYK value, RGB value, and hex code for web use);
  • appropriate combinations of colors;
  • any fonts used in the logo or tagline and their appropriate usage (italic, bold, etc.);
  • shapes or other symbols used outside of the logo; and more.

For a personal brand, it’s unlikely that you will create a branding document. But using a specific color in your resume, your personal business cards (yes, this is a thing), and even in your wardrobe can help make you memorable. Imagine when you show up for a job interview wearing a shirt that’s the same color used within your resume. The interviewer might not realize it at the time, but you’re sending a subliminal message to remember you when they’re reviewing your resume later.

My signature color, you ask? Well I gravitate toward anything in the turquoise-teal range. My office is painted in Sherwin Williams’ “Little Blue Box” and my company logo is PMS 7472, which is a similar Tiffany blue-green color. Ironic, because I’ve neither set foot in a Tiffany’s nor have I ever owned anything from there. Any willing participants want to remedy that? 🙂