What's Your Zing Factor! eNewsletter No 11º

A Note from Van

Hi there! And first of all, my thanks to those of you who have recently joined the ZING Community! I have to say this community is, without doubt, curious, willing and poised to do whatever it takes when it comes to showing up and standing out – particularly, staking out your brand territory – so it’s great to meet you, see your name pop up in my inbox (that’s how it works, you know!) so a big welcome and I look forward to getting to know more about you, your biz and staying connected, of course!

Right now, and most of this week, I am sitting at my computer in Washington DC and looking out at an amazing blast of color! I’m only three miles from the White House but the woods are right out the back, and I can’t tell you how glorious it is. Nothing quite like the intensity of color. Even though I happen to prefer wearing black but that’s neither here nor there. Hey, I can hear the VP’s helicopter right above me (exaclty the same chopper sound you get in the movies, seriously) and despite what you hear, there are all kinds of good things going on in this town.

Getting back to biz, I’m holding (for the first time) a contest called the IS YOUR BRAND MISBEHAVIN’ CONTEST where you get the chance to win a 60-minute Brand Consult with me! There’ll only be three winners (random draw) and all you have to do is send me an email telling me two things: 1) what are the worst challenges your brand is facing right now and, ,2) how badly your brand is behaving! Email me at van@zingyourbrand.com and in the subject line, write Brand Misbehavin’ Contest. OK? Will announce the winners on my site, blog, and will tweet away. etc.

Will be back in NYC next week so look forward to getting together with some of you. So here’s a bit of an update, a wrap, some news and more next time:)
Until soon,
Van

An Idea | If your ship hasn’t come in, swim out to it.
Those words come from philanthropist and developer Robert H. Smith who spoke earlier this year at a black-tie dinner at The Portrait Gallery in Washington DC. (I’m based in NY but am spending inordinate amounts of time in DC this year but that’s another story for another time). So when I listened to his story about swiming and ships, I was spellbound. (And that’s not just because I am sea captain’s daughter.) It’s because there is something about the willingness and determination to go after what you want and that means, well…everything. Especially when it comes to building your brand.

On the heels of my Brand Reinvention Summit 2009 (www.BlahToZingSummit.com), guess what was one of the biggest takeaways for many of you? You let me know it was about really knowing what you want, understanding who you are and then Going For It! It’s part of the secret that lies at the heart of this wonderful world of branding, after all. So I pose this question to you today. Ask yourself: Are you the captain of your ship, with a firm grip on the wheel, navigating these tough seas and making progress? Or are you the strong swimmer, taking in occasional gulps every now and then, but keeping your focus dead ahead – in the direction of that ship of yours?! Kudos to you if you are nodding. On the other hand, if you’re not, this is a good sign that you need to pay more attention to your brand. Why not go back and remember why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place. Recognize your talent, gifts and passion. Remember, if you’re absolutely clear about what you really want to be doing, you’re going to make it a lot easier for others to ‘get’ who you are. (Go find a sea captain’s or a swimmer’s cap and strike a pose!)

A WRAP | AMAZING BRAND REINVENTION SUMMIT 2009!
My big thanks to all of you (again!) who took part in this Online Brand Reinvention Summit and thanks for your feedback, insights and raves! The Summit Interview Series kicked off October 1- 2 and then I kept it going for another 26 hours so I am very happy many of you got more time to listen to the Interviews at your leisure! For those of you newbies (you, being the ones who recently signed up!), here is the link to check out the Speakers at the Summit – http://www.BlahToZingSummit.com – and if you want to get your hands on the All-Digital Package of 10 hours of valuable info, go here and you can pick it up for only $47: http://www.blahtozingsummit.com/3options.
Besides picking up the Audio, you will also find information about how to sign up for my coaching program that started November 3rd, and also private coaching programs.

I am already planning the 2nd Brand Reinvention Summit 2010 and will be sending out a survey to get your input/insights re what you’d MOST like to hear about next! Watch this space.

The “What’s-Your-Zing?” Pilot Group Coaching Program – NOW FULL!
A few weeks ago, right after the Brand Reinvention Summit, I sent out an email inviting 10 of you to sign up for a new pilot group coaching program starting November 3rd! It’s called WHAT’S YOUR ZING? and the only thing was that you had to be willing, curious and poised to be part of this eclectic group! Great news, the program is full so if you missed out, no worries. There will be other opportunities sooner than later and if you’re craving some ZING in your biz right now, why don’t you sign up for a 60-minute Brand Audit? It’s FUN, intense and an illuminating 60-minutes where we spend time together, and as as your Brand Therapist/Analyst, I go in and diagnose your brand (probing your website) and spot the clues that are catapulting you forwards or hey, just holding you back. Then it’s a matter of interpreting the clues and translating them into a more powerful message. Sounds easy, right? It’s a 180º transformation process so not for the timid, by the way. Go to http://www.zingyourbrand.com and click on the BOOK A BRAND AUDIT link.

PS So to all of you curious, willing and poised business owners who signed up, I’m excited to be already talking to you, and hearing what’s really hurting in your biz. We’re going to take care of that, for once and for all. Guaranteed!

How do You Score as a Brand Storyteller? Go to www.entrepreneur.com and find out!

If you’re wondering how to tell your ‘brand story’ or whether or not your ‘brand pulse’ is pumping – and showing strong and vital signs, then go to http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/branding/article203748.html and look for my piece called “Does your Brand Tell a Powerful Story?” I’ve been a raving fan of Entrepreneur.com for a long time, and so I’m over the moon to have been invited to write for them. My big thanks to the fab editors there. They are a generous, insightful and brilliant team!