From Issue 65 of YOUnique, the Reach Personal Branding Newsletter:

Toyota Rav 4 Some Things in Life Can Wait

I love this commercial because: I actually love the casting. I think the main character is the perfect mother – wishing for grandchildren; and love the way it is filmed flashing back and forth between the two scenes.

This ad and YOUR personal brand: If your brand community sees your value in one way, how can you show them your versatility? Letting them know ALL the value you can bring to an engagement.

From Issue 61 of YOUnique, the Reach Personal Branding Newsletter:

I love this commercial because: Nostalgia is powerful. There are a finite number of cars we own in our lifetime. Those cars are often connected to memories we want to treasure.

This ad and YOUR personal brand: Connect who you are and what you do to things that your target audience can relate to. Tell stories – they are powerful and memorable and often create emotional connections.

From Issue 51 of YOUnique, the Reach Personal Branding Newsletter:

I love this commercial because: Just when you think the ad is over, it comes back and surprises you. It also takes a competitor’s ad idea (scrubbing bubbles) and uses it against them.

This ad and YOUR personal brand: Think about what makes your offering better than the offerings of your peers or competitors and highlight it in all your marketing. You don’t need to make a direct attack on your competition, but you can highlight what makes you/your offering better.

From Issue 49 of YOUnique, the Reach Personal Branding Newsletter:

I love this commercial because: This ad keeps you interested. You have no idea where it is going or what the message is until that final frame, and it reflects what many people are feeling. In fact, I read a study that said that 65% of employees are looking for new career opportunities.

This ad and YOUR personal brand: Do you know what your next move is? Do you know what’s on the mind of your target audience?

From Issue 47 of YOUnique, the Reach Personal Branding Newsletter:

I love this commercial because: It is so simple yet so powerful. It uses emotion to make such an important message. No script. No special effects. Nothing you couldn’t recreate in your own living room.

This ad and YOUR personal brand: Marketing yourself does not have to be complicated. Sometimes the best message is delivered in a simple yet provocative way. Are you connecting with your clients on an emotional level?

From Issue 45 of YOUnique, the Reach Personal Branding Newsletter:

I love this commercial because: It touts a service that has come about thanks to Web 2.0. We can evaluate a product, service or person based on the feedback from others and we have an opportunity to share our feedback.

This ad and YOUR personal brand: How are you sharing feedback about your brand with the people who are making decisions about you? Do you have recommendations on LinkedIN? Are you sharing your 360Reach results? Do you get testimonials after each engagement?

From Issue 43 of YOUnique, the Reach Personal Branding Newsletter:

I love this commercial because: We are all routing for Ed. We know exactly how he feels. I am always on trains and in planes working on presentations, so I am right there with Ed! This ad tells me that Virgin ‘gets it.’ They understand my world.

This ad and YOUR personal brand: Can you express what makes you valuable to others through empathy? Do you have a clear understanding of what issues your target audience faces and what motivates them?

From Issue 42 of YOUnique, the Reach Personal Branding Newsletter:

Commercial Break – Nissan: Polar Bear Hug

I love this commercial because: As much as I like funny ads, the ones that truly make it to my favorites list are those that evoke emotion. This ad is so effective. You have no idea what it is about until the very end, yet you pay attention. It is beautifully shot and very clever. It is also timely.

This ad and YOUR personal brand: People make buying decisions based on emotion. Are you selling your services through a rational approach or are you connecting on an emotional level? Are you connecting your message to what is happening right now?

From Issue 41 of YOUnique, the Reach Personal Branding Newsletter:

CosmofonNuns

I love this commercial because: I love humor in advertising. I also love that there is no dialog in this ad. When the TV goes silent all of a sudden, you pay attention.

This ad and YOUR personal brand: How can you get your target audience to pay attention? How can you disrupt their normal experience so they focus on your message?