Do you remember the Lone Ranger? Everywhere he went he would leave something behind. No, it wasn't Tonto. It was a silver bullet.
He would be riding off into the sunset and invariably someone would ask, "Who was that masked man?" The response always went something like, "I don't know, but he left this silver bullet. He must be a good guy!"
The Lone Ranger was a master marketer. Everywhere he went he had people talking about him in a positive way when he wasn't around. This is one of your objectives in personal marketing.
The "mind of the market." The top companies, entertainers, and entrepreneurs realize they must have a unique and powerful position in the mind of the market. The same goes for you. There must be a sense that nobody else can do exactly what you can do. If you are in sales or business development, consider the possibility that this positioning is accomplished not so much by what you say or do while you are with your prospect; it's how people feel about you when you're not even around.
What's your silver bullet?
What will you leave behind? Here's where the work comes in. It's not always easy being distinct. (Refer to http://highachieversnetwork.com/high-achievers-network/personal-marketin...). For a period of time in my seminars I actually gave out silver bullets (they weren't exactly silver...). I had a personal brochure for awhile. I've given away t-shirts, books and audio programs. I left my banjo at a speaking engagement once, but that was an accident. These days I usually leave my audiences with a song and give away music (you can download several of my songs here: http://listn.to/douggrady).
Need some stimulation?
Look for examples. You probably know of people in your industry who are known and appreciated for something they leave behind: cookies, gift cards, fruit baskets, or flowers. There are thousands of promotional items you can purchase, from pens to coffee mugs to chocolates to hot sauces. If you can think of it, you can probably find a company to buy it in bulk and put your name and logo on it. Resist the urge to be perfect. I tend to lean toward anything being better than a typical business card. Speaking of business cards, yours might include a link to an online gift of some kind.
Get personal. It is personal marketing we are talking about. A good friend of mine has the habit of taking pictures with his clients and prospects and sending them in a frame. At times you might leave people with a warm hug, a bottle of wine, or a joke of the day. You can give your prospect a referral or an idea to help build their business. Or donate to their favorite charity.
Just like the Lone Ranger riding off into the sunset, people will talk about you when you're not around. Be conscious of your communication. Develop memorable moments. Leave behind something special.
Do you have an effective leave behind you would be willing to tell us about? Leave a comment- we'd really like to hear from you.
Happy trails...
Doug Grady has been studying and teaching the pathways to personal potential for over 20 years. Exciting, entertaining and enlightening are words invariably used to describe his unique seminars and workshops. Doug is an entrepreneur, musician, and author of The Ripple Effect. He is President of High Achievers, and is owner or co-owner of three additional companies. His companies, writings, trainings, and music are designed with one purpose: to help people reach their God-given potential.