Entrepreneur magazine listed the 7 tenets of branding in its August issue. It suggested if one follows the basic
principles and practices followed by today’s cutting-edge businesses that one would be successful. Let’s examine how
these could relate to authors.
1.
Simplicity
“While
it’s tempting to try to be everything to everyone, one of the most impactful
ways to stand out in a crowded marketplace is to do one thing well.”
–Entrepreneur
As a
writer, you can brand yourself as being known for a specific thing, from plot
themes to character development to vocabulary used to story pace and length to
something else. This doesn’t mean you
shouldn’t be strong in all areas of your book and writing, but think about your
style and which thing should stand out and become known as your signature
style. In other words, what will
distinguish your work from that of another?
What’s your writing DNA going to be?
2.
Disruption
“Strategies
that break from norms can force an entire category to reevaluate its behaviors”
–Entrepreneur
–Entrepreneur
So, as a
writer, you can adhere to the norms and patterns out there or break away and do
something not commonly done. Will you
have a 99-page book or a 990-page book?
Will your book add in or hold back something unusual? Determine what will be unconventional about
your book.
3.
Original Expression
“A bold
statement or expression can establish a new narrative and original attitude.”
–Entrepreneur
–Entrepreneur
You can
make bold statements about your writing.
Or, your writing can make a bold statement. In either case, do you give off a feeling of
attitude or of providing a fresh voice?
To be different, sound different.
4. Big
Ideas
“A
groundbreaking idea that evokes emotion can generate brand loyalty in
unexpected and lasting ways.”
--Entrepreneur
--Entrepreneur
Touching
people’s hearts is a good way to get people to like you. What will you provide them? What can you say, do or be that will get
people behind you?
5.
Symbolism
“Powerful
symbols transcend words to trigger emotions and create a meaningful impression.”
-- Entrepreneur
-- Entrepreneur
Symbols
come in many forms. Some could be in a gesture, as in a symbolic act. Others could come in the form of public
statements. Another could be a visual
symbol. However you want to use symbolism, say something that will leave a
lasting impression.
6. Meaning
“Commit to
making a genuine connection with your audience, and you better your chances of
evoking an emotional response.” -- Entrepreneur
So as a
writer, you need to speak to your audience.
Determine what demographic you are seeking. Is your likely reader or fan a man or woman,
old or young, white or not, educated or wealthy, etc. Then seek to say and do things that sincerely
speak to the experiences, needs, desires, and feelings of those people. Get them to feel that you understand,
appreciate, and identify with them.
7. Depth
“Layers of
meaning and purity of purpose create a sense of warmth and emotion around a
brand.” --Entrepreneur
Show some
depth. You offer a real voice, personality, vision, and past when you write or
speak. Show others that there’s more to
you than the surface, that you have insight to -- and understanding of --
things that matter to your readers.
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Brian Feinblum’s views,
opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his
employer. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him
at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the
third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog © 2015
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