#372: What Do You Want to Be Known For? (Friday, February 14)

Sometimes who we are today isn't necessarily what we want to be known for. The good news? You can change it. We're all marketers. Whether you're "selling" a product, a service, an opinion, or your brand, chances are you want to get people to buy into that thing.

This week's action: 

• Step 1: Pick a few friends and family (people who are close to you) and some colleagues and associates (people who aren't so close to you). 
• Randomly ask them this question: "What's the first adjective or phrase that pops into your mind - good or bad - when you think of me?" (It has to be random, because you want their honest, knee-jerk answer not the politically correct response.)
• Be prepared for what you hear and don't get defensive or try to justify it. Consider it research to answer the question: What do you want to be known for?
• Review the responses. Do they align with your answer? Are you getting a lot of similar responses? 

Why we're doing it: These responses tell you how much work you have to do to get to what you want to be known for. Perception is reality. If you want to be known for being the best baker and no one says so in their response, you have some work to do to change the perception. If the responses are aligned to your answer, you're already halfway there.

Having a great business card also helps.