The ubiquitous Mitch Joel writes an eloquent response to my human tagging post of last week in his Twist Image blog. In it, he makes the case for being remembered by being memorable, saying:
"Social media is heating up the online channel and Marketers can’t forget that creating a lasting impression in face-to-face situations (think about Norm from the old sitcom Cheers) is becoming more challenging (as Andy so illustratively demonstrates).
I don’t think it can be facilitated by simply “tagging” people in real life. I think the real opportunities lie in individuals developing their personal brands so the people they’re meeting remember them."
Now, as the King of Personal Branding (now there's a sobriquet for the quote sheet, my friend), Mitch travels the country teaching common folk how to develop theirs. And as anyone who has ever seen him can attest (and lemme tell you, these days, from The Power Within to keynoting at the Canadian Marketing Association's National Convention, he is EVERYWHERE evangelizing this message), he makes a strong and entertaining case for it.
But here's the one problem I see, Mitch:
Some people's Personal Brands are boring
In other words, it just may be that one's personal brand is a dull one. It may be unique, but not exciting. Despite the shade, a grey accountant or middle management suit is still grey. Try as they may, some folks just add to the background instead of cutting through it.
And if so, these people need one of two things:
One of my "tags"...
Or one of your Personal Branding Workbook CDs.
Or both!