Original Post: Embrace The Limb
By Ed Roach, Small Business Branding | September 8, 2012

…essentially all I’m saying is that if you’re not playing, you’re losing. That’s not to say that you’re not successful, but that you’re not being the best you can be. I’m saying that marketing can be a little easier when you compete as a leader not a follower.

First of all, what a great title! I was immediately drawn into the post because, as an entrepreneur, that’s what I (and we) do: we embrace the limb!

“That is to say, you have to climb out onto the limb first, then with all confidence embrace it.”

But particularly: yes, we can either follow and do the tried and true, or embrace the limb and “bold up” to be leaders. Just recently, actually, I felt the need to do a very bold, direct letter – a little departure from the normal business letter, but necessary in order to level with people who want honesty.

Ed Roach says it’s easier to be a leader; I’d say it’s harder in the beginning but the benefits will be easier long-term. I appreciate that he says, “Establish a strong set of Brand values and stick with them.” That’s probably number 1. If you do not have a firm foundation in your brand, you’ll be easily swayed (and that will confuse customers, yourself, and will cause the brand to fizzle).

I’d say another important way to position yourself well is to have a team of trusted people – whether they are colleagues, employees, or fellow entrepreneurs in their own businesses. Bounce things off of them, and listen to their advice. Sometimes we can think we’re going in the right direction but we do not see the whole picture because we’re blinded by our own dreams.

What other ways do you think you can position yourself to be a leader?