Seattle Community

<span class="supporting_member_name">Joe Hage</span>
Joe Hage
Seattle Marketing Strategy and New Ideas
Seattle, Washington
Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jun 10, 2008

Subscribe to Community-wide general discussion What's your positioning statement?

Share with the community: what's your positioning statement?

Remember, you need to fill in five blanks:

To whom,

The name of your brand

is the brand of what is the frame of reference

that what benefit does (brand) offer

because you why should I believe you.

Here's mine: To a Biznik indie professional, Joe Hage is the marketing strategy expert that can help you focus on the right strategies to build your business because Joe successfully helped other Biznik professionals.

119 Bizniks have posted replies

119 posts |12345
  • Caroline Strittmatter
    Posted by Caroline Strittmatter , Snohomish, Washington | Jun 19, 2008

    For hard-working families aspiring for a better life in Snohomish County,

    Caroline is the Realtor

    who can find up to $35,000 in additional money toward the purchase of your home!

    The reason you should believe me:

    When I found the little-known Nehemiah Down Payment Assistance Program, I found my calling as a Realtor. My husband Buddy works at Safeway (35 years now) ~ I know what it means to earn every dime you make! With Nehemiah, I finally found a way to get my own friends one step closer to their American Dreams. I would be honored to do the same for you.

    More about my target:

    • My target has good credit (or I can introduce them to Paul, the credit repair specialist)
    • My target has a solid job
    • My target wants to work with a Realtor who understands their situation (I scrimp and save too!)
    • My target wants a better life for them and their family

    Thank you, Joe for helping me think through this! It really does help me focus on the right places to spend my time and limited resources.

  • Howard Howell
    Posted by Howard Howell, Seattle, Washington | Jun 19, 2008

    To new business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs searching for information, resources, connections, and skills they lack, Howard is that biz mentor who can help you learn the essentials necessary to succeed, that are not taught in business school.

    Believable because:

    After creating numerous businesses over the last 42 years at a cost of over $11 million dollars, I have gained a unique perspective of the entrepreneurial world. I will share my wisdom for pennies on the dollar through free and affordable webcasts, workshops, and individual consults.

    Thank you Joe for challenging me to think about this all important essential for biz success. I am deeply grateful for your continuing insight and sharing.

  • Joe Hage
    Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jun 19, 2008

    Congratulations, Howard, this is very good. I have a challenge for your primary benefit.

    • In your benefit, you compare your essentials to those learned in business school. That leads me to think that your target went to business school and feels as though it lacked in some way. Is this what you intend? What about your audience of people who didn't go to business school?

    Two other (minor) suggestions:

    • For your frame of reference, I'd say "business mentor" instead of "biz mentor." In my article Strong positioning paves the way for good copy, I note how the positioning statement is just for you. Make sure you use a frame of reference that everyone would "get" at a glance.

    • Your supporting claim would be stronger if the last sentence were "See the value these entrepreneurs got out of my pennies-on-the-dollar web casts, workshops, and individual consultations:" (and then took us to the appropriate links.

    Joe

  • Howard Howell
    Posted by Howard Howell, Seattle, Washington | Jun 19, 2008

    Joe... Thank you for the comments.

    Initially, I used the phrasing of "essentials you never learned in school" and evolved to "not taught in business school" for the reason you have stated. I felt that wording would better define the audience to both categories, students and non-students.

    The reason I used "biz mentor" instead of "business mentor" is ThatBizMentor.com is a domain that I own, as is ThatLeaseGuy.com. I have used the word "business" liberally for the purpose of search engine spiders.

    I do have a link to student compliments on my BizChatz website under "Testimonials" that links back to Biznik. Do you think I should extract some of them and post directly on my website such as you have done with yours?

    Writing for human consumption and web browser/search crawlers is difficult, wouldn't you agree?

    Thanks again for your suggestions. ...Howard

  • Dawn Renee Mallory
    Posted by Dawn Renee Mallory, Seattle, Washington | Jul 11, 2008

    Your little interview and great interest has really moved me along with the marketing side of AUTOGRAF! SOOO... Here goes with number one:

    To sufferers of embarrassing flakes, scalp discomfort or itchy scalps, DARE TO WEAR BLACK Scalp Conditioning Shampoo is THE brand of treatment shampoo that: changes lives by allowing you to wear black, supporting your personal image and normalizing your scalp, skin and hair!

    and number 2:

    To salons, spas, barber shops and nail professionals, DARE TO WEAR BLACK Scalp Conditioning Shampoo is the brand of treatment shampoo that provides a solution for a set of your clients who may be shopping elsewhere: bringing new business to you and keeping them coming back. It is guaranteed to work so you can relax confidently and laugh all the way to the bank.

    Well so much for my first efforts... it has become a game to think like this!

    Thanx, Joe... Dawn

  • Joe Hage
    Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jul 13, 2008

    Dawn, I like how you distinguish between two very different targets: end users and retailers.

    Nicely done.

  • Dawn Renee Mallory
    Posted by Dawn Renee Mallory, Seattle, Washington | Jul 13, 2008

    I have a GREAT coach!!!

  • Kimberly LeRiche
    Posted by Kimberly LeRiche, Cornelius, Oregon | Jul 14, 2008

    To small business owners, solo entrepreneurs and other busy professionals who would like to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on their revenue generating activities.

    Kimberly is the Virtual Assistant who will work with you to determine which tasks can be delegated and suggest ways help optimize other business tasks thus freeing up more time to work on higher payoff activities.

    Partnering with me for your administrative help is a cost-effective and time-efficient option because you are only paying for the time you need and you are hiring a highly skilled, trained professional who can hit the ground running.

  • Mark Silver
    Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | Jul 14, 2008

    For those who ended up with a small or personal-sized business because they want to make a real difference in the world and that was the best or only way to do it, and have found that making a profit hasn't been as easy.

    Heart of Business shows you how to make your business thrive, without compromising your integrity, or losing your sense of spirit and heart. We have a unique Sufi-based spiritual perspective that informs very specific and grounded business teachings, so the actions that are necessary for your business, like sales and marketing, creating systems and structures, are as nourishing as what you actually love to do.

    Since 2001 we've worked with hundreds and hundreds of business owners- everything we do has been tested and works.

    The business teachings are common-sense, grounded and easy-to-understand and apply. It's not rocket-science, and it works.

    The spiritual perspective comes from a 5000 year-old tradition, and a 1400-year old unbroken lineage. No new-age fluff- countless spiritual students, saints, and sages have used these teachings throughout the centuries.

    Me myself, I grew up in business- I'm a fourth-generation entrepreneur, and my parents run a retail store that was my grandfather's since the 1930's . I spent years in activism and nonprofit work as well- my heart is in changing the world. I also spent years as a paramedic- so I'm very grounded and practical-minded- get'er done, well, quickly, efficiently, and don't kill anyone. :)

    We have nearly 4000 readers for our weekly article, a thriving online membership community, and over a 1000 customers of our flagship product: Unveiling the Heart of Your Business, with a total of three (or was it four) returns.

  • Mark Silver
    Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | Jul 14, 2008

    Is that what you meant by a positioning statement? Any place it could be more clear? Shorter? Easier?

  • Joe Hage
    Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    Mark and Kimberly, you've given me a lot to think about. Will need a little time.

  • Tammy Redmon
    Posted by Tammy Redmon, Olympia, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    Tammy Redmon and the team at Redmon & Associates provide solutions that empower business leaders to achieve their goals and take their teams to new levels of excellence. Our proven techniques in the coaching and organizational development industries are supporting growth initiatives across the country.

    Are you ready to take your company, business or organization to the next level, our superior business coaching for teams and leaders is your working solution.

  • Joe Hage
    Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    Tammy, I'll start with yours.

    To whom? Business leaders is too broad. Business leaders in big companies? Small? In Olympia? Globally? What is your key insight about the business leaders you want to target?

    Who? The team at Redmon & Associates. Good.

    Frame of reference? This isn't clear. Are you consultants?

    Benefit? That will help you achieve your goals and take your teams to new levels of excellence sounds lofty and not specific enough. As a result, it lacks credibility for me.

    Remember, a positioning statement is NOT copy. A positioning statement is YOUR blueprint to give you the clarity around exactly who you want to target and why that target wants your offering ~ and why the target should believe you.

    If you haven't already, check out an article I wrote on "The First Three Questions." It may help refine your positioning statement.

  • Joe Hage
    Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    Kimberly, yours is really good.

    To whom? Small business owners, solo entrepreneurs, and other busy professionals who would like to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on their revenue generating activities.

    I think that's great. I get a little skittish when I see "and other busy professionals" because its best when you have a narrow focus. Remember, this shapes YOUR plan about where and how to focus your marketing efforts.

    You would be delighted to get "other busy professionals" if they walked in the door, but that doesn't mean that you need to spend your time and money targeting a group as broad as "other busy professionals."

    Who and Frame of Reference? Very clear. It's you, and you are a virtual assistant.

    Benefit? I really like this: you are essentially promising that you'll help them figure out if they need you. No pressure! You give a consultation and if it makes sense for them, great! They have nothing to lose by contacting you.

    Your secondary benefit is "you only pay for the time you need." Perfect.

    Supporting claims? Here, you'd benefit by trotting out your endorsements and testimonials from happy clients ~ preferably those that your target audience can relate to. Better still if you have a semi-famous client that inspire your targets.

    Nice job!

  • Joe Hage
    Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    Mark, as you can see above, you really "just" have to fill in the five blanks. (Harder than it looks.)

    What you have is more like copy. Read this article, "Strong positioning paves the way to good copy." It may help. I'll check back and see what you come up with.

    Thanks!

  • Mark Silver
    Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | Jul 15, 2008

    I apologize- I didn't read your article first...

    For people who got into a small business, maybe almost without meaning to, to make a real difference in the world, and now find it's challenging to make a profit, too, Heart of Business can transform business practices like marketing and administrative details from nauseating, soul-draining or integrity-compromising, to ones that are effective, sacred, and nourishing to your heart.

    Is that more like what you mean?

  • Valerie Farris
    Posted by Valerie Farris, Edmonds, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    To small business owners and solopreneurs in the greater Seattle area, Valerie Farris is the lawyer who can help you create a plan for your business and your life - bringing you peace of mind and security. Valerie works with small business owners and solopreneurs every day, and she has a passion for small business, which gives her a unique understanding of your needs.

    Am I in the ballpark here?

  • Krista Dunk
    Posted by Krista Dunk, Olympia, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    To the engaged couples and newlyweds of the Pacific Northwest, NWweddingplace.com is the Northwest's best wedding resource website that is helping NW couples plan their dream weddings and successful marriages, by offering comprehensive wedding vendor information for every NW city, photo galleries for ideas, planning advice, tips, free resources & downloads, expert articles, shop online, gift ideas, and (unlike other wedding planning sites) love and marriage advice all in one place.

    How's that?
    I think that might be the longest sentence in the world... Thanks! NWweddingplace.com

  • Joe Hage
    Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    Wow, guys, great.

    Um, I kind of have to go to "work" work now, but I'll take a look later!

    P.S. I'm hosting a last-minute strategy lunch at Russell's on Wednesday. Three spots left if you're interested.

  • Elizabeth Lee
    Posted by Elizabeth Lee, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    I tell people that Joe Hage is a marketing genius because he is. If you can attend his lunch at Russell's you should.

  • Joe Hage
    Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    xoxo

  • Kaya Singer
    Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Jul 15, 2008

    I help small/micro service or small retail businesses owners clear their focus so they can grow their business, overcome obstacles and ultimately improve their bottom line. People begin businesses and don't realize it will be so hard and so much work.

    I have worked with literally thousands of people over 25 years and have helped people move through, transform and change themselves. I combine a background in counseling with being a small business owner and a corporate trainer. My products and services work and people move forward with more direction and confidence.

  • Kimberly LeRiche
    Posted by Kimberly LeRiche, Cornelius, Oregon | Jul 15, 2008

    Joe, Thanks so much for the feedback. I appreciate your suggestions for improvement and agree with them wholeheartedly. This has been a great exercise and has helped me to bring my statement even more into focus.

  • Rachel Whalley
    Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    How's this?

    To independent worldbeaters, Rachel Whalley is the healer/psychotherapist who can rapidly transform your unusual state of stuckness because Rachel facilitates rapid, yet comfortable change in just a couple sessions.

  • Joe Hage
    Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2008

    Oh my, I've got quite a backlog now.

    Will advise.

    Quick thoughts for Rachel: -- a term like "stuckness" rings of copy to me. -- What is a worldbeater? In a positioning statement, things need to be clear enough so just about anyone can read it and be, like, "Oh, I get it!"

    -- Your supporting claims needs more meat. Why should I believe it will only take a few sessions (you don't know my situation...). You have some very powerful testimonials on your page ... maybe encapsulate them for your support? Maybe talk about patients healed, years practicing...?

    Joe

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