If you’re reading this post you’re likely familiar with my blog tag: “Monday morning musings on all things communication.” Here’s the rub: since the creation and publication of that tag, less than 50% of my postings have gone online on a Monday morning. Those are some dismal stats.

Eating humble  branding pie.

In my defense, blogging is not my real job. And it was my real job (family, clients) that kept me from posting to my blog on time. But that’s not the point now, is it? The point is I’m setting expectations for Monday morning postings. I guess I’m just lucky that I experience 50% fewer Monday mornings than my average reader (how’s that for messaging spin!).

It’s a tricky thing, branding. How closely we must watch. How closely we must monitor. How easily we miss the subtle, yet meaningful hints that we’re off our mark.

Example: I was approached by a small-business owner recently who wanted to build his business based on personalized attention to every customer. Great. Great! Wow, that’s great. Except that he countered each of my comments with, “Did that!” “Tried that!” “Didn’t work!” After 5 minutes I didn’t want any more of his attention, personal or otherwise.

Example: I’m always in the market to partner with new firms and a few months back was urged by a web developer to check out her online portfolio. I got a 404 error. Guess she doesn’t have any clients.

Example: I subscribe to a delightful, wise, insightful blog that posts each and every Monday morning. Oh, wait . . .

You get my point. Now, take a look at your own subtle branding points. What are you missing there?