Friday, May 04, 2007 . 4:57 PM

My friend says that I should get another tattoo to change my 'branding'.

That came from nowhere, but not really since I 'asked for it'. Aaron and I were just mindlessly chatting (and sharing gossips - mainly me supply him with gossips since he was in the backwaters of the America continent) when it suddenly popped into my mind what I have been considering these past few days.

Getting a new tattoo on my ankle, left ankle. Why would I want to put myself through the pain again? Maybe cos people can't see the pain I went through for my first tattoo? Actually, it doesn't matter much cos the reason I got the last tattoo wasn't for cosmetic purposes. But now, if I do get a new one, it will be somewhere that people can actually see.

And ankle... well, it does sound a bit contrived, but it's better than putting it on my lower back. There is the over-crowing issue and also the pain factor to consider, not the ideal spot. Arm... nah, not ever! The back of my nape, I'll like to keep that place unmarked, thank you very much. So that doesn't leave me with many choices. The left ankle it is then!

But even before we go there, I have this branding issue to think about.

In my last class on branding, our lecturer, the sassy Ms Gen Woo, told us to think of ourselves as products. So that got me thinking. If I'm a product, what kind of positioning would I have, who are my target audience and what do I want to say to them.

As a product, getting a tattoo is akin to improving your product packaging. And if you'll only do that to reinforce your branding message or if there is any real improvement on the product itself. (Ha! I've been reading up on branding books, does it show?)

Let me see, what is my position? If I'm a type of pastry, I want to be tiramisu. Sweet, with a bitter aftertaste and the best part, it gets you high. I want to be the type of person whom you would never quite know what to expect. Unpredictable.

Sociable one moment and loner the next. Wild as a tempest in a teacup.


Now, my question is this: will my target audience buy my positioning? Do I have to offer promotion or incentive? I hope not! I'm a luxury goods okay? It's the intangible benefits that's pricey and that sets me apart and above from the commodities.

See, my $3.3k per semester school fees is paying off. I'm spouting branding/marketing theories like the best of them. My lecturers would be so proud.

Hence, in conclusion, I want that tattoo and I can have it cos it enhances my branding.

An event would be held (this is marketing comms) for when I get it, but before that, intensive marketing research would have to be carried out. Will keep you updated with my research report.

Meanwhile, adios!