The following definition of broduct marketing is courtesy of Wikipedia:

A brand is a collection of images and ideas representing an economic producer; more specifically, it refers to the descriptive verbal attributes and concrete symbols such as a name, logo, slogan, and design scheme that convey the essence of a company, product or service. Brand recognition and other reactions are created by the accumulation of experiences with the specific product or service, both directly relating to its use, and through the influence of advertising, design, and media commentary. A brand is a symbolic embodiment of all the information connected to a company, product or service. A brand serves to create associations and expectations among products made by a producer. A brand often includes an explicit logo, fonts, color schemes, symbols and sound which may be developed to represent implicit values, ideas, and even personality. The key objective is to create a relationship of trust.

The brand, and "branding" and brand equity have become increasingly important components of culture and the economy, now being described as "cultural accessories and personal philosophies". ^[1]

Because of the nature of my work, as a marketing coach and consultant, I come across many things, hear many things and do many things.

One of the most outstanding comments I have read went something like this;

MLM/Network Marketing is not about the company. MLM/Network Marketing is not about th product. MLM/Netowrk Marketing is about YOU!

Of course that raises the questions, what about my product? what about my company? Numerous marketers and very product driven. The end result of a product driven marketing approach is that you end up product branding. So familiarity with the product is created, but not with you the peddlar of said product!

Think about this, unless your product or company is offering the cure to poverty, world hunger, AIDS, Cancer and many other social problems that affilict people, truth be told what you have to offer is really common place!

Now before you pick up the phone and insult me, realise this,

1. YOU are not commonplace because there is only one of you, with the uniques genetic make up and qualities that none other possesses. Yes I may be funny, but no one else is going to be funny quite like I do, that is my unique contribution.

2. No one can take your place. Understand this, YOU can reach a group of people that no one else can. Just you! If you don't do it, it will never get done and if it does, not quite with the unique personal touch that only you could bring into the mix.

3. Being fully aware of this facts, companies invest millions to advertise their products. Product branding has given rise to a multi-billion dollar industry called advertising. I mean look at the super bowl slot with millions of dollars trading hands for a 30 sec blip in an effort to create corporate branding!

4. MLM/Network Marketing companies know they need you. If they could do it alone...well they would.

5.People have grown weary of dealing with nameless, faceless, money hungry, corporate entities. The personal touch will always win out. I am of the opinion that we need to re-institute the days of house calls by doctors. Oh how the personal touch goes a long way!

Because many marketers fail to realize the importance of self branding, they are continually running around like headless chickens, constantly in competition and worried about recruting because that is the only way to set yourself apart from the rest, HAVE THE BIGGEST ORGANIZATION!

A product is something made in a factory; a brand is something that is bought by the customer. A product can be copied by a competitor; a brand is unique.

A product can be quickly outdated; a successful brand is timeless."- Stephen King, WPP Group, London

What more is there to say about branding! A successful brand is timeless! I guess that is what makes th difference between a 65 Billion Dollar Billionaire and one who isn't?

Alright, now to the good stuff, how does one develop a good branding strategy?

Rule of Thumb: Just be yourself. You know the key mistake most people get involved in is trying to be something that they are not. Work within your strengths! And if you feel that you do not have strengths, then get some training for skill acquisition.

Keys to branding yourself:

1. Always look your best.

2. Learn all you can about your product/company.

3. Stop resisting change. It is important change to meet the demands of an evolving world.

4. Get some manners.

5. Speak like a pro.

6. Update your brand constantly.

7. Join a networking group and participate.

8. Surround yourself with winners.

9. Be polite to everyone.

10. Look for opportunity (no i do not mean the 3 foot rule, I mean assess the needs and see where you can provide a solution).