Nice post @mrlogic.
It is becoming more and more mainstream to advance on deed rather than esoteric's. Look at the TV Show the Voice, where it is based on blind listening for quality and that mojo type feel. In the end it is skill and persona that sets the person apart.
Branding is difficult and so many tear at it from envy or desire to grab your hard earned market share... oh I better stop as this could be another article... thanks again.
RE: Building your brand - my reflections as i push the restart button