Tracy Myers Delivers "YOU Are The Brand" Keynote at Sold-Out ConvergeSouth Conference

Award-winning small business marketing and branding specialist Tracy Myers took center stage at the sold-out ConvergeSouth Technology and Business Conference on October 12, 2012, where he presented his popular keynote, "YOU Are The Brand."

Held at the Elon University School of Law in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina, ConvergeSouth brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, technology professionals, marketers, and creative thinkers from across the region. The conference is widely recognized as one of the Southeast's premier events focused on innovation, technology, and business growth.

During his presentation, Myers shared practical branding and marketing strategies that business owners can implement immediately, regardless of industry or company size. Drawing from his own experiences building a nationally recognized brand, Myers emphasized that today's consumers are looking for authentic connections with people, not faceless corporations.

People Do Business With People

One of the central themes of Myers' presentation was the importance of personal branding.

"Your website should be an extension of you," Myers explained. "Even in our technologically driven world, people still do business with other people."

He encouraged attendees to create websites that not only generate leads but also showcase the personality and expertise behind the business. Rather than hiding behind a corporate logo, business leaders should position themselves as the face of their brand.

Give Value First

Myers also discussed the power of offering value before asking for a sale.

He shared an example from his own dealership where a promotion offering customers a simple $5 Walmart gift card generated a significant return on investment.

"You'd be surprised what people will do for a $5 Walmart gift card," Myers joked, drawing laughs from the audience.

The lesson was simple: giving something of value can be a powerful way to attract attention, build goodwill, and start meaningful customer relationships.

Become a Resource

Another key takeaway from the presentation was the importance of creating helpful content.

Myers encouraged business owners to provide valuable information through blogs, newsletters, videos, and educational resources that customers genuinely want to consume. By becoming a trusted source of information, businesses can build credibility and remain top-of-mind when consumers are ready to buy.

Celebrate Success and Address Challenges

Customer testimonials and success stories were another major focus of the keynote.

Myers advised attendees to share positive customer experiences across websites, newsletters, social media platforms, and other marketing channels. At the same time, he stressed the importance of responding quickly and publicly to customer concerns.

According to Myers, transparency and responsiveness can turn even a negative situation into an opportunity to strengthen trust.

The Power of Becoming an Author

One of the most popular topics of the session was Myers' advice to self-publish a book.

Whether it's a collection of articles, a special report, or a compilation of customer stories, Myers explained that publishing a book instantly elevates a person's authority and credibility.

"A book is essentially a 200-page business card," he told the audience.

As the author of the best-selling book YOU Are The Brand, Stupid!, Myers spoke from firsthand experience about the opportunities that come from becoming a published author.

Social Media Done Right

Myers also shared his philosophy on social media marketing.

Known for personally managing much of his own online presence, he encouraged attendees to be authentic, engage in conversations, and let their personalities shine.

His social media tips included:

• Don't spam your audience.

• Use a personal photo instead of a company logo.

• Post consistently.

• Be creative.

• Have fun.

• Engage with people rather than simply broadcasting messages.

He humorously remarked that having someone else completely manage your social media presence would be like "another man taking out your wife."

Give a Taste of What You Offer

Finally, Myers encouraged businesses to provide free samples of their expertise through e-books, workshops, webinars, reports, and educational content.

The goal, he explained, is to create enough value that customers naturally want more and are willing to invest in premium products and services.

Inspiring Entrepreneurs Across the Region

Myers' energetic presentation resonated strongly with the ConvergeSouth audience, offering a blueprint for building a recognizable personal brand in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

As technology continues to change how businesses connect with customers, the message of "YOU Are The Brand" remains as relevant as ever: people connect with people, trust creates opportunity, and a strong personal brand can become a business's most valuable asset.