On Your Personal “Brand Promise”

In marketing terms, “brand promise” refers to the consistency of quality and experience a customer can expect. A company with a strong brand promise has a clear, definable character in the mind of the customer. What is your personal brand promise? One of the most often used self-descriptors I hear is, “person of integrity.” Integrity and integral come from the same root, which means entire and whole. Does your brand promise extend throughout all your dealings? Do people know what you value by how you act? Is your character consistent? Is their experience with you positive and satisfying? Repeat this: Starting with me, people will be able to depend on my actions being consistent with my beliefs – my personal brand promise. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Living Your Values in the Workplace

Minnesota has been at the center of a number of thorny issues around living our values in the workplace. Cab drivers refusing to carry people who carry alcohol. A grocery checkout refusing to touch meat packaging, and others. While this is a complicated issue, let me suggest a starting place for you and your values. First, choose a job which by its nature is consistent with your values. Second, within that job try to make reasonable accomodations with your employer for your personal beliefs. Third, be willing to pay a price for those accomodations (Such as working every Saturday while others work your Sundays). Finally, respect others, allowing them to act according to their beliefs. Repeat this: Starting with me, the workplace will be more than a job. It will be a part of who I am and what I believe. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Doing Whatever it Takes

I polled a number of my clients and associates recently asking them, "What’s the most common ethical dilemma in your industry?" It boiled down to this: "Do whatever it takes to get the job."In some industries it was misrepresenting capabilities. In some it was promising one level of product or service and then switching to a lesser quality or quantity. In some it was low-balling bids and then charging extra for contract details. Many rationalize, “That’s just how you have to play the game.” If that’s true, then you are contributing to unethical (and maybe illegal) practices. Repeat this: Starting with me, quality, honesty and a fair price will be the standard for getting and keeping work. For more tips and information, visit http://www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Saying No to Your Loved Ones

The subject of far too many TV shows and movies is the dad (usually) who disappoints his child by promising to be there and then letting work get in the way. If this happens to you more than a few times a year, you have a balance problem. But short of that, there are times when you have to just say, “No” to your loved ones. Here’s how to do it with a minimum of damage. First anticipate, and don’t promise if you’re not sure you can deliver. Second, as early as possible, communicate directly with your loved one. Be honest and direct. Reaffirm your love. Third, after the missed event, inquire about it with genuine interest. Repeat this: Starting with me, family relationships will always be valued more highly than work. For more tips and information, visit http://www.swimstartingwithme.com.