What’s a bio? Technically, a biography is a written history of a person’s life (Merriam Webster). Why would you want to read that? Are you attending my funeral? If you are, I can tell you now that I’m going to have my family make a bunch of stuff up so I sound more interesting than I really was/am. Sorry to let you down.
In the position I’m in now, I would think you’d want to know more about my brand, i.e. what I stand for that separates me from the competition. Yes, that’s right. I’m laughing in the face of conventional wisdom that says brand is an intangible – something reserved only for companies.
Well, today I think it’s more important to understand someone’s personal brand. See, with all the social media channels and personalized options for us to access it is critical to have – and manage – your brand.
So, what’s the Ben Brugler brand? It boils down to two things:
- I listen
- I do exactly what I say I’m going to do
Why does that make me different? Because it’s hard to find people who actually follow through anymore. You know, execute – that dirty little phrase that means you will receive the service you are expecting to receive.
But, I know you’re expecting a little more than that, so here’s a little more about the Ben Brugler Brand:
- I will argue what the best beers and wines are with you. And I will gladly sample any you are fighting for if it helps you make your point.
- I have a top 10 list on the best movies of all time and need almost no excuse to share it.
- I am always available – through cell, text, email, Skype or Twitter.
- I am a self-loathing Twitter fanatic – be ready to burn two hours talking about something that is done in 140 characters.
- “Who is John Galt?” – I know, do you?
- Your business is my business. If you’re there late, I’m there late. If you have to be there early, I’m there early. I’m kind of like that Bob Sugar rant in Jerry Maguire – without the inappropriate stuff. Unless you’re into that.
- I have worked at AKHIA since 2000. Its brand and culture is very important to me; I like to think that my brand aligns closely with the agency’s. I hope you get the chance to see for yourself.
- Risk is not a bad word. It’s an exciting word if done correctly.
- I believe Miles Franklin when he says ‘It is a sign of your own worth sometimes when you are hated by the right people.’
- I also believe Kurt Vonnegut when he says ‘We are what we pretend to be. So we must be careful what we pretend to be.’ Which is why I never pretend.
- And finally, I believe – and subscribe to the philosophy of Jan Gusich when she says ‘If we take care of our clients, everything else will take care of itself.’