I got more calls yesterday than I have in weeks and from real people too. Holiday weeks are when smart marketing takes place. Chances are you will get to talk to someone for the following reasons:

People are in a good mood - Its the holidays;
People are in their offices instead of traveling;
People aren't engaged in serious work because its the holidays;
People feel more giving of their time and resources.

So who took the time and called me this week? Three new clients who wanted to expand their personal brands. 4 people who read my latest article and wanted to know more. Two companies who wanted to hire me as an expert. And 'piece de resistance'... An interview as an expert for the Faith Popcorn BrainReserve

Now this isn't ego talking its a demonstration of a carefully orchestrated plan. It was by no means my first article and I get considerable response every week. This week's issue "Does your packaging, UMM, Smell?" brought considerable comment both pro and con. But the point is that it brought commentary. Never consider a negative response as a bad thing. People read you/heard you and the key thing here is listened to what you had to say. Most important of all took the time to write a comment. Its one of the best ways to get a dialogue going with someone.

I have been building my expertise credentials for a while and get tons of inquires every week and I try to respond to each one personally thanking them for the request. But I will have to admit it was very flattering to be asked to serve on the Popcorn BrainReserve. Best of all to get paid to do it too.

None of this happened overnight. As I have been explaining for months, you have to work at it. Every week add something to your portfolio of branding. Whether its a press release, setting up your personal website, becoming a speaker or simply creating your own blog, you are moving forward and the momentum will grow.

GOOGLE Women in Packaging or even me, JoAnn Hines and so what you come up with. This could be you too if you work at it.

So what if its a holiday who have you called this week?

For more insights on how to build your brand email me JoAnn Hines at Pkgcoach@aol.com

• So Whats The Big Deal In A Name Anyway?


• Would You Bet on Your Brand? - Three Strategies for Winning at Brand Poker


• Exposure: Name Recognition


• Branding, Concept, Communication and Focus Testing


• Golden Tip for a Successful Corporate Logo


• Search for the most Happening Product in Demand


• Branding and Marketing


• Your Business Needs Its Own Memorable Slogan to Make Ads, Website, and Yellow Pages Stand Out


• What Word Do You Own?


• Cal Worthington: World Champion Car Salesman