If you aren’t a web designer, know nothing about HTML, or just haven’t been using WordPress very long… then it may not be a good idea for you to use a custom WordPress theme. Unless you follow some simple rules:

1. Hire an expert. Ok… I am not trying to promote myself here. But seriously, if you are going to use custom themes, plugins, bells & whistles… but don’t know how to maneuver WordPress CMS… then don’t touch it. Ask an expert to do it. Many experts will let you hire them on retainer so they can this “stuff” for you when you need it.

I get calls all the time… “Help! I broke my site!” 

A lot of you don’t have time to learn to fix it. So hire someone who can do it in a flash. 

2. Learn to use WordPress CMS. CMS means content management system. And really, its easy. You can never be prepared for every emergency that might happen – but if you know the basics, you can save a lot of money on retaining that expert. This means knowing some simple HTML, too. And knowing how to maneuver an FTP program like Dreamweaver or just SmartFTP. 

3. Check your site after every edit. EVERY. EDIT. If you make some changes to the image on your post… save it, then check it before doing any other edits. If you make some edits to a sidebar widget, check it every time you update. If you mess with the plugins, check it after each plugin update.

Some things to watch out for:

• Some plugins don’t work together and can break your site. 
• Some custom themes require a lot of FTP file editing.
• If you change from one theme to another – check all of your pages, some of the code might change. 
• Some themes have special “featured” articles on the homepage that use TimThumb and you will need to learn to use custom fields.

This post is going to cover something a little more practical than social media: branding yourself through your dress. 

The truth is face-to-face conversations don’t (and shouldn’t!) stop just because you started using social media. Near the beginning your face to face meeting should actually INCREASE. This is a great opportunity to brand your personality – and it starts with first impressions! 

Does it matter what you wear? 

Of course! But there are unwritten rules in the business world that don’t make any sense at all! 

I know people who never dress down. I only see them in suits and formal business attire. I know other people who sometimes arrive in sweat pants. And yes, I am talking about business professionals. But let’s talk about types of professions for a minute. A baker is usually covered in flower. A roofing professional has stained hands and – during the winter – wears at least 3 layers at a time. Yet I know contractors who wear ONLY business attire! 

What You Wear Brands You as a Personality within Your Profession

Refresh your memory: a brand is what distinguishes you from any other person or any other profession. It is what comes to mind when people think of you. What you wear in-person is just one element of a brand. 

The contractor who wears business attire in professional settings tells people that he is serious. But the plumber who won’t step out of his “Mr. Rooter” outfit builds the Mr. Rooter brand and his comical personality becomes even more important to build his brand. The restaurant owner who wears jeans, a t-shirt and a hemp necklace at business meetings tells me that there is more than meets the eye. He may not own a high-end restaurant in town but his likable personality and honest attitude build his brand with integrity. And the hemp necklace? What a character… I already like this guy!

I wear jeans. Yes – I will admit it. I wear jeans with a blouse and heels. I wear lots of red and black. I wear long coats and carry a fancy purse. But I am the Director of Possibilities for Expressions Laboratories. It should be understood. I have a fun job… why wouldn’t I dress fun, too?! 

But do I wear business attire when necessary? Absolutely. As long as I can wear fun colors and lots of dresses. 

Relationships and Brand Weigh Out The Unspoken “Rules”

I would rather build a relationship with a real person than make the assumption that someone is professional just because they are wearing a tie. 

Who you are as a person (See the Conference Call Notes about branding yourself with Aristotle’s theory of Pathos) builds trust with people. Your uniqueness tells people that you are HUMAN. And being able to relate to people is far more important than looking like you have money. 

Resources

 1. Aristotle’s 3 elements of persuasion 

2. This Friday’s conference call will talk about the other elements needed for a good brand! Friday @2:30 EST  Email Jennifer to sign up. 

Chris Brogan created a great step-by-step guide for business professionals to creating their own personal brand. Check it out: http://www.chrisbrogan.com/

Our new PC business is just taking off. My partner and I spent our day yesterday at Liberty University’s community fair: where local businesses got a chance to welcome new students, give away free stuff, and hopefully get some business.

A couple things happened: 1)  We were able to claim our position among other local businesses, and 2) we began the branding process of telling the students that we should be their preferred PC repair shop.

There were all kinds of businesses there – hotels, pizza places, bookstores, coffee shops, the YMCA … but the one that really stuck out to me was a church college group. They brought at least 5 people from their group and were always surrounded by students. 

My question is… what is the value of representing your nonprofit or church in a community event like this one? 

I suppose it can be answered with more questions: what does the nonprofit or church do? Who do they serve? Are they already branded in the community? Do they not serve the local community at all… and if so… would is still benefit them to make an appearance? 

What about trade shows? Conferences? 

One of my mentors from the earlier days (from Grant Station) once told me not to waste my time at conferences. She had a valid point considering the return on investment. But what is the branding value if you have a representative who always attends these events? 

I would like some feedback on this issue.