3 Takeaways from SMBME 70 – Personality and Your Brand

Thank you to everyone who braved the icy roads for breakfast with Alex Steed of Knack Factory, Erin Ovalle of MaineLife and Tim Cotton of the Bangor Police Department. It was a little raw out there, but so worth it. If you missed out, here are some takeaways.

You can’t fake it.

Be real. People are drawn to what’s honest. If you’re trying to be something that you’re really not, no matter how hard you try to fake it, people will see it.

Knack Factory sees the most success from videos that they actually want to make – the content that they care about and find interesting. This content isn’t promotional. It’s not manufactured. Check out the example below and tell me it doesn’t make you want to work with them.

“I Grew Up Here” by Jen Michaud, Timber Sports Competitor + Poet || KNACK FACTORY from Knack Factory on Vimeo.

Erin Ovalle spent years trying to fit the mold of who everyone told her she should be. It wasn’t until she decided to drop the act and just be who she really is – and wants to be – that she really started to succeed and grow.

In a world full of baloney, truth and honesty has real power. @MaineLifeMedia at #smbme this morning was powerful. Best of luck.

— Chad Gilley (@ChadGilley) March 25, 2016

Tim Cotton of Bangor PD has grabbed the attention and gained a loyal following of people around the world because he’s a character and he has an authentically good personality. The stories that he posts aren’t contrived or planned. He’s self-deprecating and isn’t afraid to make fun of serious topics.

Lesson from Sgt.Tim Cook of @BANGORPOLICE: Humor, humility, and connection- the elements of storytelling that matter. #SMBME #portlandmaine

— Leslie Dillon (@elle_dill) March 25, 2016

Don’t overthink it.

None of the speakers said they spend a lot of time planning what they do. Tim finds that it’s best to let the ideas flow – write the post first and come up with a reason for it post afterwards. Over planning leads to second guessing. Creating and sharing content in the moment adds timeliness and authenticity. It is ok, however, to plan the timing of your posts to ensure that people see them.

Theme of this morning’s #smbme: don’t plan stuff. Just post it. Maybe look up best posting times.

— Tess Gionet (@tessgionet) March 25, 2016

Respond to people – even the trolls.

Ok, maybe not always the trolls. It depends on the type of troll and your own personality. Do what is comfortable for you. It is important to remember that this is social media. Social – it’s about being friends with people first. Take the time to engage with people – read and respond. Have that conversation. A little kindness goes a long way.

“I see people all the time say ‘Don’t engage the trolls.’ I LIVE FOR THE TROLLS.” #smbme

— Knack Factory (@KnackFactory) March 25, 2016

“Kindness. Be funny. Engage with people, read their responses, talk to them. Then you can sell more widgets.” #SMBME @BANGORPOLICE

— Pulp+Wire (@PulpandWire) March 25, 2016

Thank you to our fabulous speakers. You guys inspired and entertained. What a way to end a week. Of course, none of this would have been possible if not for our generous sponsors. Thank you Portland Press Herald, Agents of Change Digital Marketing Conference, Gorham Savings Bank, and Vreeland Marketing for fueling our bacon addiction and helping us get our learn on.