by Charlotte L. Hanna CMO/Director of PMR/CMBS Global

How do you tell your market that you are the best – that you offer outstanding products and services and are the answer to their needs – without appearing arrogant? Why is humility strength, not a weakness, when you’ve heard that ‘bold is gold’?

In business, we have all been told how necessary it is to be bold, to find a way to stand out in our market and shine…and rightly so. But consider the 10-carat diamond that screams under the jewelry case spot light, demanding attention, versus the lovely little light-catcher that sparkles with an unmistakable, yet authentic fire – even in the average light of any given day. Often, the bigger the rock, the easier it is to question whether (or not) it is actually genuine. However, the authenticity of the smaller gem usually goes unquestioned.

I once purchased a ring that screamed to me from the jewelry showcase of a large retailer – only to step outside into the direct light of day and see no sparkle, only the flaws in the stone. I turned right around and went back inside for a refund. I later purchased a smaller setting from a jeweler with whom my husband had a satisfying experience and though not flawless, it sparkles and captures the attention of all who see it…the results are authentically consistent. [Read more...]