Issue 70 - May, 2008

Branding

The best new brands have similar elements in common.

1 First in a new category.
2. Great name.
3. Tons of PR.

Source, Laura Ries' The Origin of Brands blog, March 28, 2008

A quote we like

People want authenticity, not spin. People want participation, not propaganda.

Source - David Meerman Scott. 'The new rules of marketing and PR', John Wiley and Sons, 2007

M Power's tips for networking

1. Keep a database of everyone you meet, from as early in your career as you can. It is never too late, though.

2. Go to things that interest you - speakers you like, topics you'll learn from, at buildings you'd like to see - don't just go to 'meet people' and exchange business cards. There is a falseness about that and life is too short.

3. Join alumni groups or at least keep tabs on the people you already know through work or study. It is not quite the 'old school tie' principle, but starting with who you already know makes a lot of sense.

4. Ask someone to mentor you (and join their circle) or make a contribution by mentoring someone junior to you.

5. You can meet practically anyone you like. Don't be afraid to call and ask for 45 minutes of their time to talk to you about their success in your industry. Successful people love to help - and 45 minutes is a reasonable request.

This month's book review

'The Power of Now - A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment' by Eckhart Tolle, 2007, Hachette Australia

I rarely do this but here's one NOT to read. I am a bigger-than-average reader of books of the 'self help' genre and have often wondered why that term is so often derided.

Now I know. Exhibit A. Here are a couple of sentences from The Power of Now - 'My mind cannot know you, only labels, judgments, facts, and opinions about you. Being alone knows directly.'

I kid you not. I couldn't get anywhere near reading all of this book but would be fascinated to hear the views of anyone who has and who might be able to tell me what I am missing. The book is a New York Times Bestseller. It must have something going for it.

Last month M Power -

• undertook various executive coaching assignments
   
• facilitated workshops for various clients on a range of themes
   
• provided public relations counsel to clients
   
• made publicity happen
   
• provided business advice to start-ups
   
• wrote and produced various newsletters
   
• spoke about public relations and communication at various forums
   
• promoted Karen Morath's book 'Palm Trees and Margaritas - Finding Your Oasis in a Busy World'. Haven't got yours yet? Click here.

Contact us to see how we could work to empower you or your organisation.

The M Powerer comes to you each month from M Power.

Its 'fast four' format makes The M Powerer a purposefully quick read with a mix of quotes, tips, reviews, news and views on areas we work in, including

• communication
• public relations
• empowerment
• individual effectiveness
• organisational productivity
• life balance
• customer service.

Karen Morath
Managing Director
M Power
karen@mpowercct.com