Rudolph had a Branding Problem

The Momentum Files #16

Rudolph had a Branding Problem

If you’re like me and have grown up listening to and singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – you too probably know all the words by heart. You may also remember watching the movie on TV.

But something happened this year as I was hearing this song played everywhere I went.

Instead of feeling sad (then happy) for Rudolph and his situation, I realized that what was really going on is that Rudolph had a branding problem.

Now hear me out…

When I work with my coaching clients, they all struggle with tapping into - and really believing in - their unique value. They find it difficult to distinguish their special character, talents and abilities they possess that set them apart from others. Especially from others who hold the same job titles, degrees or certifications as themselves.

It is often not until they dive deep, through targeted and insightful coaching questions, that they’re able to bring to the surface the how and why they are able to do things differently from others - and what special talents they have that allow them to do this and then do it with ease, confidence and success.

And that’s why I wish Rudolph had hired a Coach earlier in his reindeer career.

You see, this is what I would have coached him on.

Rudolph already had many of the same talents and abilities as the other reindeer. He could run, jump, even fly. What got him shunned was his red nose.

Now nobody understood the value of his red nose. Not even Rudolph.

Coaching would have helped Rudolph better understand his uniqueness and what made him so special – and ultimately valuable. He would have grown in confidence and been better able to see how his red glowing nose actually gave him opportunities.

It wasn’t until Santa was struggling to solve a challenging problem – intense fog and not being able to see to drive his sleigh – that Rudolph’s unique ability was seen as valuable. (And note that it was Santa who saw the value in Rudolph first.  This often happens with people too!)

But just imagine, what if Rudolph could have articulated and promoted his unique talent sooner? Think of all the late night hide and seek and tag games those young reindeer could have been playing together. Or maybe he could have illuminated one of those snowy caves with his brilliant red light to create a fun party atmosphere. He’d be invaluable as a search and rescue guide. He might also have had a great career in the entertainment industry.

He could have been offering his red-nosed guide services all along. Distinguishing himself as unique in the flying reindeer space and offering something no other reindeer could offer.

What a boost to his self-esteem, confidence and opportunities this would have provided to Rudolph.

If you are struggling with identifying your unique value, let’s talk. I’d love to help you shine your bright light and be recognized and appreciated for what makes you special. It’s what I do as a Coach.

And I’d love to hear how you imagine Rudolph could have leveraged his unique ability in different ways. Email me with your ideas!

To Your Success!

Cindy Haba

P.S. Stay tuned for some exciting news about my upcoming 8-week group coaching program. Don’t let another year go by where you don’t absolutely love your job. Get started with me on January 30th to get Job Ready!

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