Make Yourself Unforgettable (Part 2)

Think about it. What if you could draw the right clients and referral sources to you? What if you could spend less time on proposals that go nowhere and more time serving your best clients? That’s what being unforgettable—for the right things—can bring you. For the 600-word version, read my full article in “Think Like a Consultant”.

Or, stick to the headlines:

Know yourself and what makes you distinct. Get to the root of who you are, what you do and why it matters.

Align your stories, your actions and your visuals. Make sure everything you do tells a consistent, compelling, unique story.

Put yourself out there. Share your ideas with others by providing sustainable value and building real relationships.

Start the new decade right—and make yourself unforgettable. See you in 2010!

p.s. If this topic really intrigues you, enroll in my upcoming live or virtual sessions

What Matters Now?

Need some real inspiration this holiday season? Download a (free) fun, inspiring ebook assembled by marketing guru Seth Godin. He invited over 70 “big thinkers”, including Elizabeth Gilbert, Tom Peters, Alan Webber and Daniel Pink to riff on the question: what matters now?

Take a good look--there are some great ideas there. If your time is short, be sure to read my top 3 choices for consulting success into 2010: “ADVENTURE” (p. 42) “CONFIDENCE” (p. 54) and “GUMPTION” (p. 81).

What matters most to you now?

When Is The Copy Better Than The Original?

We all strive to be originals. The one that others want to copy. But can the copy ever surpass the original? You betcha. Consider this: Cher, live in Las Vegas. Then, just an hour later, “Divas” featuring a Cher impersonator. Can you guess who was better?

Yep—the imitator by a long-shot. Which got me thinking: what might make a copy BETTER than the original?

You take a flaw from the genuine article—and make it your calling card. While Cher was behind the curtain making uncountable costume changes, her impersonator was out in front, building a fan base.

You make it about content, not just window dressing. Cher looked bored in a series of Bob Mackie gowns while her counterpart (still looking every bit the diva) belted her songs out like her life depended on it.

You forge new territory vs resting on your reputation. Cher often simply stood and sang a few bars from her hits while her impersonator led energizing dance numbers with her back-up dancers.

Would I go to another Cher performance? Not a chance. The moral of the story: An original who loses her edge can command an audience (and premium fees) for a limited time only. But a “copy” who has found a better niche can steal the show.