LEGO gives Brand Context via Video Marketing

LEGO, manufacturers of the plastic block building systems that many of us enjoyed as kids and as adults, celebrated their 80th anniversary this month.  How did they celebrate?  By releasing an animated short (completed by their in-house team), which illustrates and narrates the joys and trials of the business to-date.  The delightful 15-minute video gives context to the brand story by sharing many behind-the-scenes examples and circumstances that many consumers of their products may not be familiar with, but add to the value the company incorporates into their products.

This short is a nearly perfect example of using video marketing to tell [as Paul Harvey would say], 'The Rest of the Story.'  See for yourself.

How have you put video marketing to work to tell your brand story?  Do you have a favorite(s) example of genius use of video for this purpose by brands you patron?

Personal Branding 101

Hello, my name is .... and I ....

When you introduce yourself to a new contact or colleague - do you stand out? Is what you're sharing about you memorable? Have you personal brand? Of course you do!

Personal branding is what makes you uniquely you. It's all of you from your appearance to your opinions to your knowledge and expertise. A fraction of it is even includes what you do for a living. So what's a brand? A brand is often what distinguishes one product, service, or experience from the next in the business world. We're in an era where the professional, personal and social aspects of life are increasingly blended together.

Personal branding has long been a habit of politicians and celebrities for years - there's no reason why you cannot develop your own personal branding.

How does one define a personal brand?

• Define how you stand out from the crowd.
• Understand what your core competencies and abilities are.
• Map out the value proposition that you offer.
• Figure out what makes you compelling.
• Don't borrow someone else's brand - the best person to be, is you.

When you feel you've sufficiently mapped out this process - consider building a personal mission state and begin implementing the process with action.

• Clearly and consistently communicate those points across all platforms.
• Execute your consistent message via online and offline means.
• Look for opportunities to establish yourself as a thought leader.
• Find peers in field - learn and grow from their experiences. Be a mentee/protegee.
• Discover your circle of influence and consider offering yourself as a mentor.

Two final thoughts on the importance of your personal brand - say what you mean, mean what you say. Live it out, repeatedly.