Is Your Business Attractive? Or is it Just You?

I know many small business owners that absolutely dwell on the branding question.

• What is my company brand?
• Does my logo match the message?
• What is my unique selling proposition (USP)?
• What benefits am I providing to my customers/clients?

These are all very important questions (and you can get more information about branding at the BrandCurve blog) but no matter how clear you are on your branding, if you’re not attractive to the people you’re networking with, it’s all for naught.

Think about it this way. If you had a choice between:

• Visiting the ugliest website on the Internet that told you exactly how to be successful at what you’re doing, with step-by-step, totally plausible lists.
• The most beautifully designed website that had crap information.

It seems like a trick question, but really it’s the same when you’re networking. If you have a beautiful business card, but are an obnoxious ass…do you really think you’re going to get more business?

You are what needs to be attractive to your potential client, not your business. You come first, how you present yourself and how you communicate with other people. Your business brand, when you’re networking, is the icing on the cake.

So if you have the choice today between working on your communication skills and your branding, work on the people skills. Call someone and explain your business to them. Ask for feedback. Become more attractive.