For Personal Brands, It’s Self above Service

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Introduce photo from ShutterstockService listings that is.

Personal branding strategy to increase word of mouth

Let me tell you the tale of the financial planner…..

Hi, I’m Maria Elena and I’m a financial planner.  I provide 401Ks, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, SEPS, IRAs, I can help you with college planning and take care of all your financial needs.  I work with only the best providers and I have all the services to take care of your financial needs…(yawn! are you asleep yet?!  Have you made out your grocery list already during this time?!)  Does that kind of introduction motivate & inspire you to action?  I don’t think so.

Now, how about this…..

Hi, I’m Maria Elena and I’m a financial planner. A few years ago, I went through a messy divorce and ended up with nothing financially. I was devastated. Not just for me but for my children. I found myself desperately at my wits end. It was then I decided that no one should have to go what I went through. That’s when I decided to make a difference!  As a financial planner, I help women going through the tragedy and pains of divorce make sure they come out of it all… financially sound.

Same 30 seconds, right? Who told the story?

Does she “limit” the piece of the pie she gets that way?  There are many men who have “good friends” going through this same scenario.  She motivated the people listening to not only consider themselves as good referrals for her, if they are going through a similar situation, she compelled them to speak positively about her if any of their friends or family members are going through a struggle like that.

Remember, the story must be sincere.

A sincere story trumps a “service listing” every single time.

Picture of Maria Elena Duron

Maria Elena Duron

Maria Elena Duron, is managing editor of the Personal Branding Blog, CEO (chief engagement officer) of buzz2bucks– a word of mouth marketing firm, and a professional speaker and trainer on developing social networks that work. She provides workshops, webinars, seminars and direct services that help create conversation, connection, credibility, community and commerce around your brand.  Maria Duron is founder and moderator of #brandchat- a weekly Twitter chat focused on every aspect of branding that is recognized by Mashable as one the 15 Essential Twitter Chats for Social Media Marketers.

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