Like It Or Not, Donald Trump Has a Strong Personal Brand

Donald Trump Has a Strong Personal Brand

LIKE IT OR NOT, DONALD TRUMP HAS A STRONG PERSONAL BRAND

Article By: Gail Shapiro
Photo Credit: Dasha + Mari

By definition Donald Trump is a true example of a brand with a Charismatic Imprint.

Definition of Charismatic Imprint:

“A memorable impression created when personality, substance and antics result in popularity.” 

Just because he has one doesn’t mean everyone has to like it.  But that’s the point.  He tells it like he sees it.  There is no doubt about where he stands on issues.  Just ask and he’s happy to tell you.  He is truly authentic – no pretense.  Nothing is sugar coated.  The result?  You either love him or hate him.  

Let’s start with his Personality:  

No question he’s out there.  He puts people down.  He has no filter.  Nothing is off base with him.   Sometimes he comes across as a spoiled child, other times a bully.  Occasionally he engages in serious conversation about very real issues.  When a heckler showed up at one of his rallies he called for security to “get the baby out of here” and told the heckler to “go home to your mommy”.  Really?  This is the language of a presidential candidate?  But hey…some of you love the guy.   

His first wife Ivanka referred to him as “The Donald”.  There is truly no one like him.  He’s a stand out.  The one and only Donald Trump.

Substance:
He is successful in business.  I know everyone is quick to point to his failures but it’s fair to say that most successful people have experienced some form of failure during their career.  Bottom line is he has had more successes than failures.

When it comes to political issues he has solutions.  Does everyone agree with them?  Likely not but then when has any leader had all the solutions for all problems and without opposition.  

Antics:
Here’s where he shines.  He is animated.  He’s loud. He says and does things you remember him for, whether favorably or not.

I’m Canadian.  I don’t get to vote for or against him so my opinion doesn’t really matter.  I must say though that when it comes to The Donald everyone who has ever heard of him will either love him or hate him.  They will all have an opinion.  Most people know who he is and are not likely to forget him any time soon.

His followers are not sitting on the fence.  At the time I am writing this article it would appear that his stalkers just can’t get enough of him.  He keeps on winning.  Today he has no competition left in his race for party leadership.  He doesn’t fit the mold of a typical politician.  He doesn’t present himself as polished, sophisticated, conservative.  I can’t recall ever seeing him wear a striped tie.  He bucks the trend and it would appear that that’s what people want today.  Take our last Canadian election as an example.  We now have an inexperienced leader who wants to raise our sales tax to help offset his spending.  All in the name of change.  

Donald has chosen his niche; Americans who are tired of the “same old”.  

His message is clear:  Let’s make America great again.  Let’s bring jobs back to the citizens of the United States.  Who wouldn’t want that?

Whether The Donald becomes President of the United States remains to be seen but one thing is certain…this is a political race most Americans will remember for a lifetime.  Why?  Because of Donald Trump’s brand and it’s Charismatic Imprint!

P.S.  There is no political comment intended in this article, simply an observation of one candidate’s brand.

How to Make Your Brand Stand Out in a Crowded Market

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BRAND
STAND OUT IN A CROWDED MARKET

Be The #1 Brand In A Crowded Market

Article by Gail Shapiro
Photo Credit: Carley Page Interiors
Magazine: Issue #37

It’s a very popular topic and for some of you a very big worry. You think you have a great idea for a business but then you look around to discover “so many others are selling or teaching the very same thing”. So how will you survive, let alone be the huge success you dream of becoming? If you look around carefully and closely at what you are perceiving to be your competition I promise:

“You will not find anyone doing exactly what you do – exactly how you do it!”

And that’s exactly how it should be.

Think about this: when you decide to buy a book on any given topic whether you are trotting off to the local book store or shopping online, as soon as you start searching you discover there are oodles of books to choose from.
:: Are they all written by the same author?
:: Do they all have the same title? Typeface? Pictures? # of pages?
:: Are they all written in the same style?
:: Are they all bound the same?
:: Do they all cover exactly the same details from the same perspective or
angle?
:: Out of the entire selection is there one book that stands out and appeals to you above all others?

Let’s say you need a new pair of black heels so you head out to the mall.
:: Do all the stores carry the same styles?
:: Are all the black pumps the same price point?
:: Does one store more have a more comfortable shopping vibe?
:: Is the customer service the same in all the stores?
:: Is one store more stylish than the others?
:: Is one store just calling your name?
:: Do you find that one special pair that you just can’t live without?

I could go on pointing out the ways all these businesses are different but I think you are starting to see that even though the fundamental topic of the competition may be the same, that the “packaging and presentation” of the message or product is different every time.

As a customer or client yourself, I’m certain you have shopped in stores you have loved and can’t wait to go back to and those you would never set foot in again. You have likely worked with coaches or mentors you could relate to and followed to the letter and at the same time you have refused to work with others because they just didn’t get you or you could relate on some level.

Well it’s the same for you. You are not meant to sell or work with everyone looking for help on your topic. You must create your own Brand Magic that will attract the followers you are looking to work with. (lets get real here – you can’t and don’t want to work with everyone – it’s your business and your rules – be selective!)

You get to choose:
WHAT you want to sell
WHO you want to sell it to
HOW you want to deliver it
YOUR PERSPECTIVE or angle on the topic
PRICING for your products or programs

That’s your Brand Magic! Your Brand Magic will make you the #1 Brand to the fans and stalkers you want as clients!

Tres Branifique! Building a Brand Heritage

TRES BRANIFIQUE! BUILDING A BRAND HERITAGE

Article by Lynne Dominick
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard
Magazine: Issue #29

Tres Branifique! Building a Brand Heritage

Branding has almost become colloquial these days, yet I bet that when you think about branding, the first thing that comes to mind is some type of product or business. Yet when it comes to branding, the scope extends far beyond products or services. Just about anything can be a brand these days. Let’s take cities for instance, and, for the sake of this article, let’s take Paris!

Steeped in a history rich with art and design, The Paris Brand has been developing for centuries. Its gorgeous architecture, pristine parks, extraordinary cuisine, and exquisite fashion all contribute to a global brand image of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.  

Even before stepping foot in Paris, years of browsing through fashion magazines and watching old movies helped me conjure up images of romance, beauty, and sensual delights. 

Fall is an incredibly wonderful time to visit Paris.  Here are some reasons why the brand heritage is alive and well:

Savor the Experience
For my husband, Paris is all about its history; the crypts of the Cluny Museum, the underground maize and macabre past of the city’s sewers, the audacity of Napoleon; endless hours spent in L’Ecole de Militaire and Musee D’L’Armee.

For me, Paris is taking a walk in the Jardin du Luxembourg, eating a croissant on the I’sle St       Louis a Sunday morning, having afternoon tea at Marriage Freres, enjoying a chocolate chaud at Angelina, or riding the number 6 metro line just to get that first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower as the train speeds along, running outside, as it nears the Bir-Hakim stop.

Before You Go
I often find the planning stages of a trip almost as fun as the trip itself.  Maybe it is because I immerse myself in the process.  This includes reading books that take place in the country I am about to visit, watching movies that were filmed in that city and creating a playlist of related tunes on my iPhone.

Here are some recommendations to enhance the planning portion of your trip to Paris:

Book List|
    The Piano Shop on the Left Bank
    The Book of Lost Fragrances
    Hidden in Paris
    It’s Not Love, It’s Just Paris
    The DaVinci Code
    Murder in the Marais
    Lesson in French
    The Hare with the Amber Eyes
    A Tale of Two Cities
    The Chocolate Thief
    Lunch in Paris
    Paris Was the Place
    Anna and the French Kiss
    French Lessons
    Suite Francaise
    Paris, a Novel

Film List|
    An American in Paris
    Before Sunset
    Ratatouille
    Frantic
    Everyone Says I Love You
    Gigi
    Sabrina
    Funny Face  
    Charade
    Love in the Afternoon
    Midnight in Paris
    Moulin Rouge

Recommended Listening|
    April in Paris
    The Last Time I Saw Paris
    La Vie En Rose
    The Soundtrack of Midnight in Paris

Spending time online is also a great way to get the most out of a vacation.  

Here are some very good blogs to peruse as you plan your trip|
    French Essence
    Messy Nessy Chic
    Girls Guide to Paris

Once You Arrive
I recommend that you start your site seeing or exploring immediately. DO NOT TAKE A NAP. Seriously, this is Paris!
One of the best ways to see Paris than is on foot.  Here are USA Today’s best walking tour recommendations:

Self-Guided|
Those with an independent streak and no patience for groups can run their own walking tours with directions that are either printed on paper or downloaded to an MP3 player. An example of the former are the free tours offered by Paris Walking Tours. Depending on what you choose, you can visit such favorites as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Tromphe and the Champs-Elysees. The tours are quite basic, explaining directions and the names of what you are seeing but giving no historical background. Travel guru Rick Steves adds humor and explanations to his free MP3 audio tours, which include a historic Paris walk and specific tours for the Louvre and Musee D’Orsay.

Free|
If you prefer being guided by a human being but don't have a lot of money, then free guided walking tours are for you. These trips are characterized by enthusiastic, native Parisian volunteers and very large crowds who come and go throughout the narration. One example is Discover Walks, whose walks take you to several Paris landmarks, specific areas such as the Latin Quarter or to specific sights like Notre Dame. Walks typically occur two or three times a day, rain or shine, and require no reservations. Simply show up at the appointed place and time, and look for the pink outfits. Being volunteers, the guides appreciate tips at the end of the walk, though they are not required.

Commercial|
Companies that run commercial walking tours may offer smaller groups, greater selection, gift certificates and souvenirs. Reservations may be required, though some also allow you to just show up. As an example, Classic Walks covers such broad topics as Classic Paris, the French Revolution and World War II, or more specific areas such as Montmartre. If you want the intimacy of a walking tour, with the speed of a vehicle, the company also offers tours on Segways and bicycles. These types of trip cover more ground and enable you to reach widely spaced sights in shorter times.

Private|
Private tours cost the most money but allow you to focus on only the topics that interest you. You can take pre-planned itineraries, but take detours and skip sights you find boring. Or you can have the guide plan an excursion for you from scratch. Advanced reservations are necessary. An example is Context Paris Tours, which is endorsed by such travel luminaries as Fodor's, Frommer's, National Geographic and Insight Guides. They call their guides docents because they have advanced degrees in such subjects as art history, cuisine or archaeology, and feature a large educational component in their tours. Their planned itineraries are divided into themes like architecture or gastronomy and offer unusual views such as the belly of Paris and Modernist buildings.

Taking the Metro or the Bateaubus in season are other great ways to take in the city.

What to See
You can spend weeks, months even years getting to know The City of Light, but if your time is limited, you can still get a great feeling for this very special place in a short period of time. Here is your highlight list.  If you are a museum person, browse the list for the ones that best suit your taste, if your someone who prefers being outside and mingling with the locals, focus on the site list and the neighborhood list. 

Sites|
    Eiffel Tower
    Notre Dame
    St. Chapelle
    Sacre Coeur
    Montmartre
    The Paris Opera (see if you can get a tour)!
    Paris Cemetary
    Blois de Bologne
    Invalides
    Arch de Triomphe
    Champs de Elyesse

Museums|
    The Louvre
    Jaques Marte Andres
    Carnvalet
    Cluny
    D’Orsay
    Victor Hugo
    L’Orangerie
    Jeu De Palme
    Musee du quai Branly

Flea Markets|
    Clignancourt
    Porte de Vanves
    Marche d”Aligre

Neighborhoods|
    Isle St Louis
    Marais
    Latin Quarter
    Fouberg St. Honore
    Latin Quarter
    St. Germain des Pres

Where to Stay

Splurge|
    Hotel Le Bristol
    La Royal Morceau Raffles Hotel
    Hotel du Louvre
    Hotel Lancaster
    Hotel Le Burgandy Paris
    Hotel Castille
    Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere

Won’t Break the Bank|
    Hotel des Grandes Ecoles
    Hotel Arvor Saint Georges
    Mama Shelter
    Hotel Saint Thomas D’Aquin
    Hotel Mayet

Rent or Stay in a Paris Apartment|
    Airbnb
    Good Morning Paris
    Alcove & Agapes

Eat/Drink/Be Merry
When it comes to dining, the French know how to do it right.
Here is an eclectic list of places that will not disappoint.

Hot Chocolate|
    Angelina

Ice Cream|
    Berthillion

Afternoon Tea|
    Marriage Freres
    Laduree

Lunch Outdoors|
    Cru
    Ralph at Polo Ralph Lauren
    Le Tresor

Favorites|
    Neighborhood Bistro - Chaumette
    Fun, Hip, Good Food - Ze Kitchen Gallerie
    Can’t Go Wrong – Market
    Very Special Ambiance - Les Ambassadeurs at Le Crillion

Pick Up and Eat in the Park|
    Bon Marche Food Halls

 Best Views|
    The Terrace Restaurant at Printemps
    Monmartre
    Kong Restaurant
    Centre Pompidou
    Institute de Monde Arabe

Quiz: Uncover Your Influential Traits

Quiz: Uncover Your Influential Traits

QUIZ: UNCOVER YOUR INFLUENTIAL TRAITS

Article by Gretchen Harnick
Photo Credit: Rose Jane
Magazine: Issue #22

Have you ever had the most brief encounter with a perfect stranger, maybe you noticed something they did or said, and it stuck with you for the rest of the day? 

We often fail to recognize the potential for impact we have on others as we go about our day. When we can shed light on our unique areas of influence, it provides the awareness we need to keep developing those skills and shine them for others to see.

Take this short quiz to uncover some of your influential traits: 

1| My family and friends: 

A. Text photos of outfits and jewelry and ask me, “What should I wear on this date or to a wedding?”

B. Call me frantically from their kitchen asking “How do you cook that delicious eggplant parmesan again?” 

C. Ask me for advice on how to have a difficult conversation with their partner. 

D. Call me for a good laugh, and ask me to share a story from something ridiculous that undoubtedly happened that morning. 

2| At work, I select or am given projects where I:

A. Create detailed, organized spreadsheets, managing a large amount of information.

B. Start new projects and develop things from scratch. 

C. Gain notoriety and recognition from the industry and superiors. 

3| My neighbor, the guy who parks my car, the owner of the dry cleaners or my child’s teacher sometimes tell me that:  

A. I am different from other people. I actually listen. 

B. My child is lovingly concerned that his classmates do their work on time, he must have learned that attention-to-deadlines skill from me. 

C. I am so brave. I speak with such conviction and strength and they envy me for this skill.

Pull out a couple of influential words from each answer you’ve circled and jot them down in your journal or on a few post-it notes. These are values and influential traits you have within you. These are some of the ways in which you influence and impact people around you.  

So how will you use your power as an influencer the next time you’re in line at the coffee shop, about to take on a big project, or asked to mentor a new person who’s arrived in your life? 

Keep doing you. Keep being that awesome listener. Keep being an organized fashion expert. Keep reaching for the recognition and risky projects. And remember to shine that brilliant light of yours for others. We all need influencers like you! 

I’m curious, in which areas do you have influence and what are you going to do about it? 

4 Stellar Ways to be the Next SAVVY Empowerment Coach!

4 STELLAR WAYS TO BE THE NEXT SAVVY EMPOWERMENT COACH!

4 Ways To Be A Savvy Empowerment Coach

Article by Antiqua Lisha Libbey
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #21

You know you have some powerful programs that will change your client’s lives. Hey, you’re the next best kept secret in personal development. But no one knows your name – let’s go over some of the most effective ways you can change that today. 

As a coach you probably have heard this, taught this and preached this first tip, yet, not matter how successful you get this daily practice is a must. 

1.  Believe you are the expert no matter what. Yup, that is it. You can keep studying “HOW” to do business forever. But magic happens when you can take a stand and make it non-negotiable that your programs and messages get to the masses. Choose to be the expert in your own life and business. 

Debunk the big myth that it takes forever to gain visibility and fame in an industry. What it does take is: 

2.  Don’t wait for someone to discover your services, discover yourself. Then join a community, no one get’s known on their own. It is all about who knows you, join groups that are doing what you want to do and get yourself known. Hooking my clients up with opportunities to fuel their dreams within our community is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Risings Star coach.

Now let’s get into the visual of the whole thing. This piece I have been learning over the past year with myself and my businesses. Ask yourself this question: 

3.  Do you know your style? Your personal unique look, the one that lights you up and makes you feel fierce, powerful and sassy? If not it is time to hire a stylist and get your look together and then work your look. Then bring it into your marketing making your brand as unique as you are.  

Last but not least create a clear vision of what you desire for your business, just because your fellow friend is getting noticed as a writer doesn’t mean it’s the right move for you and your personality. 

4.  It’s refreshing to get super clear know how you want your vision to feel, touch and smell. Once you know where you are going you can work backwards. To master this skill you can hire a visibility coach and become the Rising Star that you already know you are destined for. 

Your Brand Identity: An Inner Beauty of Brilliance

Inner Beauty Of Brilliance

YOUR BRAND IDENTITY: AN INNER BEAUTY OF BRILLIANCE

Article by Denita Austin
Photo Credit: Rose Jane
Magazine: Issue #19

The Key ingredient of being brilliant is making the decision to become a leader. Not just in business but in life.

Brilliance is more than just coming up with a fantastic idea, it's the core essence of truly being you.

Allowing your creativity to run wild while taking ownership of what is yet to unfold. For me, a brilliant beauty is a striking person who shines a light well beyond themselves. This beautiful soul is someone who stands for something larger than themselves which continues to speak volumes in the world on many levels. We become brilliant by doing the work and learning from our mistakes. Creating solutions to problems is a great attribute of brilliance.

Are you a problem solver? Do you create solutions? Push that fear aside and allow that exceptional talent to shine. 

This magic that you hold is too big to fit within a box. Unleash that Inner Beauty of brilliance to the world and watch how intriguing your gift truly is. Be Creative, Be Bold, Be Brilliant! 

You Have an Idea, Now How to Make it Happen

Where is your vision?

I've had shards of my vision floating all around me, but it was hard to catch them and put them together into something I could dive into and shine like a beacon out into the world.

I would have a huge brilliant idea pop into my head, and would sometimes write it down and build on it, but it eventually got lost to mundane life distractions. In order to find my moxie, I realized the need to harness the sparkle of my vision.

Here's how to find brilliance and pizzazz in your vision.

Dream big, but have a strategy.

Visualize your dreams, feel them, write them, plan them. Add them to your calendar and find a strategy.  Sometimes finding a strategy is the challenging part.

Take action.

All of the dreaming in the world is useless unless you act on it. Your calendar dates will pass by fruitlessly unless you act.  Make a list each day of actions that will bring you closer to your dreams and DO THEM. Set up a schedule and stick to it. 

Prepare for success.

Plan out what you are going to do when your desired dreams come true. If it is about creating more income, where will it go? How will you spend it and where will you put it? If it is about new clients, how will you accommodate them? If it is about creating a masterpiece (artwork, writing or anything else creative,) where will you hang it? where will you publish it? Get the idea? You must have a plan or else you will never live into your bigger vision.

Connect with spiritual source.

Daily connection with your inner wisdom,  spiritual guidance,  however you experience it. Follow the tiny voices that lead you into an inspired life. Let go of static ideas and go with the flow. There is power in allowing, and quiet, meditation and receiving from the spirit world.

Have someone hold the vision for you.

Perhaps this is the most important one. Through my own experiences, having a coach who holds the vision for me, who believes in me and my success and doesn’t buy into my bullshit stories of not being good enough or capable enough, is invaluable and VITAL.

Of course you will get lost along the way, especially if you are dreaming big. A coach/guide’s purpose is not just to cheerlead,the good ones lovingly and fiercely believe in you and your capability to live into your biggest dreams. They take the dreams out of the abstract into reality.

Article by Kelly St. Claire
Photo Credit: Rose Jane
Magazine: Issue #19