Monday, May 14, 2007

What’s Your Brand?

When I went to the Writer’s Conference I learned so much. The workshops were great. I especially found interesting the one on “Creating a Writing Brand” by Chip MacGregor. He was funny and informative at the same time – a great combination.

What’s a brand? In advertising this is a popular concept. When you need a tissue you usually think Kleenex. When you think about a Barbie doll you know exactly what type of doll you are getting. A brand is what a person thinks about when they hear your name. In writing when you have a brand you offer a promise to your readers – this is what my voice is going to be. A brand reveals who you are, what you write about and why you’re unique. Does this mean you can’t expand your brand – no.

What do you think of when you hear the following: Ted Dekker, Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway, Frank Peretti or Jane Austen? That’s their brand. You know what type of book you’re getting when you read their stories.

This got me to thinking about what’s my brand? Do I have one yet? If you go by my blog articles alone, what do you think of when you hear my name? I’ve only written one book and I’m working on a second one. Is that enough to develop a brand yet? All good questions and I welcome any thoughts.

Let me take this a step further - what does God think of when He hears my name? Does He think good and faithful servant. Will I be able to say that I’ve done everything He sent me to do? Will He be pleased with the amount of time I sat in His presence? Will I be known for someone who worshiped God with her whole heart? Will he think of me as a friend? I hope that when my time comes my Maker is pleased with who I am.

© Nadine Z. 2007

14 comments:

Emancipation of the Freed said...

Your last paragraph literally brought tears to my eyes.
"What does God think of when he hears my name?"
Wow, it really makes me think…

Tom

Deb said...

You are amazing , you really make us think.

Louise said...

Great questions....I'll have to answer those for myself!! Thanks again for getting me to think!!!
Have a great day!

Diane Viere said...

Nadine,

Beautiful post! Yes, brands are important....but it truly IS what our Heavenly Father believes us to be that matters the most.

Your writing is so brilliantly thought-provoking while poignantly authentic. It's enticing!

More like silky, tasty chocolate....than Kleenex!

Diane

Tammy said...

Wonderful thoughts, Nadine...
I recently also posted about how ultimately it is what God thinks of us that is what's important. I'm sure there are many times He is disappointed with each of us...but because of Christ, He sees His righteousness.

I would have loved to have attended that Writer's Conference!
Blessings!

yours truly B said...

I think of encouragment and uplifting thoughts and peace when I hear your name and I am sure God is smileing too.
Billie

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Nadine, just wanted to stop by & say thanks for stopping by to see me. I'm so much enjoying meeting all you nice women out there. I'll have to read about your book more & check it out. Please stop by again...I love to hear from all of you.

Rhoda
Southern Hospitality

Emily Suess said...

Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. I have enjoyed your blog and plan to make a return visit. Excellent post.

Jill said...

I think "warm" when I read your words and when I think about you. This is a really thought-provoking post, Nadine. Thank you.

eph2810 said...

Although I only read a couple of your posts on your book -- I think you would need more than one book to get a 'brand'...

Regarding God - I sure hope that He will be pleased with the things I have done with my life (well - maybe not the earlier parts when I was kinda wandering around without Him)....

Be blessed today and always.

Anonymous said...

You have such an amazing way of writing. Always thoughtful, always thought-provoking!

Jane, Pinks & Blues Girls

palmtreefanatic said...

Very thought provoking here Nadine! From my guess He will be VERY pleased with you!

this really makes me think as well!

D said...

Excellent food for thought! I too, think of an encourager when I think of you!

all over the map said...

Before I got the last two paragraphs I already said "A woman who loves God" in my own head about you.
I'm fairly new here, but it was apparent from the start where your heart is. This is awesome.
We all should be asking ourselves the same thing. Where does Jesus fit into all of this?, is what I find myself asking.
Thank you for sharing your love for Our Lord.