8 Random Things About (Brand) Me

Games are a part of social conversations. The games we play weave our story into the network of our relationships and allow us to get to know each other better. Lewis Green tagged me with a new meme that originated with Anna Farmery at The Engaging Brand -- it's called 8 Random Things About Me. I decided to participate.

Here's Why I Think this Sort of Meme is Useful

I go to a lot of events; I see them as opportunities to learn something new and occasions to meet new people. One of the best ways to connect with someone new is to ask them to tell you about themselves. Admittedly, there is a difference between how Europeans and Americans respond to this question. And sometimes I get fresh and respond the Italian way -- I read, run, learn... you get the idea.

The fact is that here we often put on the professional wall and it is quite difficult to connect after that. We connect first and foremost with people. That is also something that occurs over time.

A few days ago I had an interesting conversation with a very talented business person. We exchanged information about our sweet spots and upcoming projects. When I hung up I realized that although we had connected briefly at an event and identified each other as like-minded, the pressure I felt during the conversation to deliver in a total bottom line approach drained me.

I learned a lot about myself and my own limits during that conversation. Yet I learned very little about the other person. That's what drained me. Connections are two-way streets.

Our Brand is Multidimensional

Don't get me wrong, I insist on delivering value. My approach to work is based upon tangible results and I follow through on my projects with careful measurement. And when I have a chat with someone new, I expect a more relaxed environment -- unless the conversation has a clearly defined agenda as agreed-upon ahead of time.

Our brands are nourished by many facets of our personality. The best sales and marketing professionals understand that developing permission-based relationships comes first. And we do not go from stranger to colleague in nanoseconds. I wonder what this would do to recruiting.

Ask Random Questions to Your Customers and then Listen

Every so often you are in a relaxed environment or situation with your customers. If you're not, I encourage you to build some into your mix. And make sure many participate from your company, not only the sales team. Why? People in other departments will have less assumptions about who your customers are and what they represent. They will more likely ask open ended, general questions. 

When you ask open ended questions, you are more likely to gain an insight into your customers' thinking. Sometimes you can even get a glimpse of what they are worried about, right now. What a gift that is.

Could this be the reason why social media is gaining so much attention *and* momentum? So much of it is unscripted and open ended.

The 8 Random Things About (Brand) Me

You've read this far... thank you.

1. I don't cook -- this may come to you as a shock. It never deterred me from eating great food.
2. Although these days I do a lot of typing, I love writing in long hand -- I still correspond with my younger sister in Italy by letter and cards.
3. Singing is one of my passions -- I've often thought of taking voice lessons.
4. If only I had taken guitar lessons... that was my favorite instrument as a teenager.
5. In my spare time (some people are laughing right here) I learn about red wines. And taste a few.
6. I never had a birthday party for me -- I celebrate every day.
7. As a child, I thought I could change the world -- I still do, one conversation at a time.
8. I am an incurable romantic -- over the years I've helped people connect with long lost friends and family. Now I'm sounding more like Oprah than Barbara Walters!

My turn to tag 8 people. Let's hear it for Greg Verdino, Philippe Deltenre, Gavin Heaton, Matt Dickman, Becky Carroll, C.B. Whittemore, Ann Michael, and CK (Christina Kerley). If you've already been tagged, graciously suggest someone you like and would want to get to know better from the self publishing world, and I will elevate your suggestion to my tag in this post.

[Image of wine label from Numero Otto, Tuscan Wine, Canaiolo Lombardi, 2005 produced 3,000 bottles. Fruity, 13% vol. goes well with fish, soups, cheese and vegetables. I have not tried it, yet.]

Comments

[Lewis Green]

Valeria,

Wonderful post! Your intelligence comes through with everything you write. So you're a matchmaker and a red wine enthusiast. Salud!

[Philippe]

Hi Valeria. I'm happy to see you're a singer. If we have the blogger social, I'll bring my keyboard and my record material with me. We'll make a band with CK ;-)

I've been tagged already. I'll browse some blogrolls in order to discover a fine blogger and forward him your invitation

[C.B. Whittemore]

Valeria, wonderful post as usual! And congrats on the Daily Fix!!!

Thanks for the tag; I've been tagged, but haven't yet responded - will do so soon...

[Becky Carroll]

Thanks for the tag, Valeria. Another singer - it would be fun to harmonize sometime!!

I will respond sometime soon with my own list (having also been tagged by Steve Woodruff!). :-)

[Valeria Maltoni]

Thank you, Lewis. It took me a while to get there and I appreciate you having faith in me.

Philippe -- has Kris been tagged? It would be easy to tag him instead.

CB -- I know, Bob Glaza tagged you. I just took too long to post. It's easy to know why anyone would want to learn more about you.

Becky -- you're a singer too? Fantastic. Maybe we'll do a BrandingWire reunion with songs.

[Anna Farmery]

Oh wow, that is such a great post. I just love (6) and (7) I always remember the quote if you don't think you are big enough to make a difference ask a mosquito!

[William Tully]

"I don't cook" - boiling water can be considered cooking... ;)

I used to say the same thing until people discovered that I CAN cook.. Now I just say "I can cook, I just choose not to".

Great post!

[Gavin Heaton]

OK ... I think we need to hear some MP3 recordings of that singing voice of yours!

I also love writing long hand ... but dont seem to be able to read my own writing anymore!

[gamommy]

You sound like such an interesting person! I, too, sometimes need to write longhand. It's more organic.