What's your brand?

Quick, when I say "Mc Donalds" what do you think about?
How about Nike? Disneyland? Hawaii? Michael Jackson? Dolly Parton? Donald Trump?

All of these places and people immediately conjure up a certain thought or image in your head. These images or ideas are specific and for the most part, prevalent with most people. Although there might be a few variations, typically we all have a certain image of these products and people.

...And that is exactly how they want it! These companies have spent millions of dollars in advertising and the people have spent thousands of hours, ensuring you have that specific image of them. Whether you know it or not, you did not come up with that image of the product or person. It was specifically designed for you to think of when you see, hear or talk about them. It's called branding and it is one of the most powerful ways a company or celebrity has to get a message across to a potential client and to keep the ones they already have.

Here's is something you might not have realized. You have a brand as well. You as an individual and you as a couple. When other people think about or see you, there is a specific image, characteristic or idea they have of you. Immediately!

Think about it. When I ask you if you know of a Ken and Barbie couple, the couple that is just too good looking to be real, is there someone you think of?
What about the martyr couple, the ones who are always trying to fix everyone's life or do good, at the detriment of their own relationship?
What about the funny couple?
The to much PDA couple.
The angry couple.
The sad couple.
The totally in love couple.
The granola or tree huger couple.
The rich couple.
The "something's just not right" couple.
The touch-y feel-y couple.

There are definitely many different "types" out there.

They are all nothing but a brand you put on them. AND it is more often than not, the actual image they are putting out there. Consciously or subconsciously, everyone puts out a specific brand. Some couples actually work at it, where others let opinions or circumstance brand them.

I hope it makes you think about what brand you and your spouse are projecting for others? What image are you helping others conjure up about you.

Are you showing that you are the funny couple or the "put upon" couple?
Are you joyous in your afflictions or are you always complaining?

I remember the Cannon's. Growing up they were always a couple that would catch my eye. Outwardly they were not the best looking couple. He was balding and a bit overweight. She was on the heavier side as well. However, they were in love. You could see it all the time. They would always be holding hands, hugging and just looking at each other with "that look". It wasn't like they were newlyweds either. They had 4 or 5 kids and still had that look about them. I remember looking at them thinking how cool they were because they really showed their love for each other and to the world. No matter the packaging, they were in control of their brand.

If you want to be a specific brand and you're concerned your message is not getting across to others, then start creating what you want today. You can't fake it. You must become it. Then others will start to recognize your brand and think of you accordingly.

I am the worlds greatest husband and father. I introduce my self as that. So therefore I have to act as I think the worlds greatest husband and father would. Both in my house and out in public. It's the brand that I work on and I control.
And it works. Just this week alone, Shannon has had three different people comment on how much they enjoy seeing us together and how they love what they see. That is not the first time, not the 10 time that has happened. Why? Because I really am in love with her and she with me. Project the brand I want.
I don't say this to toot my horn. I created that.

Start acting as if you are the image and brand you want and you will eventually become that brand.