Yesterday I attended the business before hours at the Greenville Commerce Club as a Chamber of Commerce networking event. Their was a significant number of companies represented that you would say are our competitors. Some of the companies in their introductions stated they were specifically “web design” companies, another company said they offered “total marketing solutions” but their solutions included web design, audio visual production which we also provide. In addition they also were quite a few photographers in the room sharing the specialities.

To a point there is almost a fear of our message getting lost in the sea of competitors but I was thankful we had a unique message that stood out. I was thankful that we were given as an example in another companies presentation when our RSS services like blogging and podcasting were mentioned. Yes, being in the same room with competitors can often be nerve racking but if you play it right you can gain from such an event. It was interesting the hear that each company representative gave a unique slant on their business and even playfully played off their competitors.

Among the companies who focused on web or new media in their introduction one focused on custom design, another mentioned search engine optimization and content management and we used our motto, Harmonious New Media to explain how our web services are the center of a hub of services that include podcasting, photography, blogs, business cards, logos, etc. and how we integrate those into a consistent branding strategy.

The photographers present also gave unique slants on their services. One mentioned how did not do wedding but specialized in arial photography while another made the point that he did provide wedding photography services and yet another made a big point to say his company had a full service studio.

What did I learn this event and hearing from competitors in the upstate South Carolina market? I learned that our motto and visual imagery of what we do stuck in the minds of others present based on networking conversations after the breakfast. I learned that we need to mention the marketing services we provide so companies can effective market themselves and achieve greater success. I learned that I need explain the distinctives of our web services like our user friendly content management system and commitment to compelling content which improves search engine results.

I had the chance share my own photography niches but since Heather spoke for our company I remained seated. Next time we will agree that both of us will speak but will give unique presentations on what we do either to break up our one company presentation so it is not as long or the showcase the different marketing services we provide for our clients.

The important thing above all is to listen so you can understand your competition but most importantly yourself. How are you using your listening skills in networking events where you are faced both by competitors as well as potential customers?

I remember when I was growing up seeing a popular commercial for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The commercial would usually consist of two people walking along the sides of a tall building and bumping into each other. One people would be eating peanut butter out of a jar and the other one would have a candy bar in his or her hand. Upon collision peanut butter and chocolate would combine and inspire the great taste of chocolate and peanut butter and thus, abet in a mythological way, the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup candy was born.

It’ has often been said the innovation most often occurs in course of collisions. Maybe not the kind where two people or vehicles literally collide but rather when we encounter new people at events, try out new products or discover that a current “solution” we are trying out does not quite meet our needs and we try to figure out a way to better match the job we need to do. Other times some things just happen like the “invention” of the potato chip or vulcanized rubber. The point is to get out there, meet new people, try new things and no matter how old you get always think like a child in aspect of playing with new things and never settling for “good enough.”

In our business we need to keep “playing” with new technologies. We can do web development the way it was done 10, 5 or even a year ago. In the past year or two social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. have taken a huge jump in popularity and even in those realms people are finding ways to innovate those things fit their needs. Podcasting, what we like to call “your own radio station” from both the user and producer end has just become mainstream in the past couple of years as well. We are working to position our company as the premiere podcasting source in Greenville,SC both in terms of helping clients get their message out as well as producing our own content.

How active are you and your business in local networking groups or connecting with others on a regular basis? If you are in your own world you may be perfectly content with how you feel about things and see not need to change but listening to others in person, via blog comments or participating in online forums is one way to keep you and your company sharp and on the innovative edge. What interesting collisions are you encouraging in order to think creatively and give new life to your business and personal ventures?

When you hear the term, “Personal Branding” an initial thought may be that it’s all about how you look and come across to people but I was very happy to see a very refreshing post at the Personal Brand Blog on the myth that personal branding is about you. Dan, who write and runs the Personal Branding Blog interviewed Daniel Pink about his new book, “The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need.” and one of his favorite quotes from the book is, “You’re here to serve, not to self-actualize.” I love that. What are your thoughts?

I have mentioned and explained in a previous series the concept of “personal branding.” We usually think of branding as something connected to commercial products you buy off the shelf but really the idea of “personal branding” is nothing new, it’s basically a new term for the old concept of having a good name and reputation.  What is new however is the ways we encounter potential employers, clients, etc. We are a new media centric company in that has the web and related media as the core of our business with photography, print, audio and video services used in critical support roles with a mindset of consistent branding across those media. However I left our one critical “media” and that is you.  Ideas, the way you dress, speak and your reliability are how other people perceive you. Resumes and portfolios can be one thing but it’s amazing how a face to face interview and good references can make or break the decision to hire.

The same holds true for business owners, sales people and marketers. Yesterday we started the process of looking for a new car. One of the things I dread the most is stepping on to the lot of a car dealership. The high price points, choices and stereotypes of car salesmen make thinking about the experience stressful.  However yesterday was not such an event. The salesman approached us and yes he was aggressive but I expect some degree of aggressiveness from sales.  He was not dressed in the usual sport jacket and tie but still smartly and neatly in dressy casual attire.  That made me feel more comfortable from the beginning. As he began talking he never mentioned the price. Instead he started talking about features and then took us for a ride pointing out such things as the design of the vehicle, suspension, braking. It was also refreshing to hear him admit he didn’t know some things about the particular model but would get the information for us. This reminded me of an article I read this morning by Chris Garrett called, “What is Authority?“.  He mentioned that it is a combination of personality, expertise and visibility and when those three come together the core is authority. Of course expertise and visibility come to mind but personality? Yes I can see how that sets on up as an authority.  If you come across as selfish, a jerk or you’re trying to trick people all expectations of authority more often than not may be lost.

How do you come across on your web site, social networks, e-mail, etc?  Does the design you have make you look professional? Would you be proud or embarrassed for employers or clients to see the activities you “advertise” across forums, blogs and online social networks? How do “brand yourself” in real life networking meetings, sales calls and presentations?

This month we are pleased to be an advertiser in Personal Branding Magazine. You can get a sample issue at personalbrandingsample.com and then have an opportunity to subscribe to the full version for the following year. Connected with that is the Personal Branding Blog which I would encourage you to subscribe to and read frequently.

Last night was a great night of networking and learning in various networking groups. It wasn’t until the middle  of the afternoon when I looked at my wife and business partner’s shared calendar that I was aware of a Small Business Owners meeting at the Greenville, SC Chamber of Commerce. I am so glad I went.  Everyone there were small business owners in the Upstate of South Carolina or interested in entering the Greenville,SC market. We had a chance to listen to Timothy Justice of Rescom Construction and ask him questions about what we could do in our own businesses to take them to the next level. Very encouraging.

After the meeting at the Chamber I went to the meeting of the Upstate Entrepreneur Forum which was about a mile away. This was another opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and listen to Elizabeth Garrison of Ever Green Recycling, her business vision and past business experience.  Once again I got some great tips and ideas to grow my own business and to make it stronger.  Not to mention I love meeting others I can work with and help succeed and thus help my community prosper.

I had to leave the UEF a little early, It pained me to do so but on the other side of town another group I am very passionate about was meeting.  The Greenville Mac User’s Group has been around a long time and I’m happy to be a part of the group of enthusiastic Mac computer users.  Last night’s GreenvilleMUG meeting revolved around the discussion of backups and we also had a video conference with our local Apple rep who could not make the meeting in person last night. I have a desire to start a more specialized group of people who want to develop applications of the Mac OSX platform and the iPhone.

The only thing I regret about going to all the meetings last night was I had to spread myself around, leave early at one and show up a little late at another. I didn’t get to network and make as many connections as I could have. I do plan on e-mailing people I meet with last night who I exchanged business cards with to do some of that networking today.

Did you see me last night (4-14-08)?