Earlier this summer, I wrote a TMC (Tuesday Morning Commentary) about the passing of my sister Brenda, the impact she had on her family, clients, and community, and what I learned from her. Today, I am in Regina with my siblings, nieces and nephews, family, friends and colleagues presiding over a celebration of Brenda’s life at the Hotel Saskatchewan (her “residence” in Regina). We also buried Brenda today in the same grave as her twin brother who died at their birth. On Thursday, I will be at Heritage Park in Calgary for another celebration of her life.

Some folks ask me, “Why two celebrations?” The answer is simple. Her life touched so many people in markets from Ontario to BC, south to Palm Springs, and across the pond in England. The two markets where she spent the most time were Regina and Calgary and these were the two main markets for her business as well. In each, we have received over 75 responses from folks coming to celebrate and expect over 75 to 100 to show in each market. Brenda left a positive mark on hundreds and hundreds of people. These folks all need closure. They want to celebrate her life. They want to share and hear stories about Brenda. They want to get together with friends and colleagues they have not seen for a long time. Brenda always brought people together and that’s why we are holding these two events. Our goal is the same as Brenda’s—to bring people together. That was her legacy. She had an innate ability to bring people together, and even months after her passing, she continues to do so.

I don’t think Brenda ever had a plan to “leave a legacy” or thought about what others would remember about her, but there were a few key things that stand out from all the tributes and messages we have received. She was a hugger. It was a trademark. She genuinely cared about people. She lived to bring people together! So, the question I have for you as a reader is “What will you be remembered for?”

When we work with individuals on their brands, we tell our clients to figure out what differentiates them from others. Simply, what will people remember about you or what do you want them to remember? I think about this personally and review it quarterly. I search to ensure I know what “represents me.” I track comments and feedback such as “You are the guy with that Tuesday blog thing, the guy who sends amazing birthday greetings, an industry innovator and leader in sponsorship marketing, the guy with the Western Sponsorship Congress®, the guy who wrote Reality Check – Straight Talk about Sponsorship. These are all things I have shared with others. It’s my hope that others will remember me as the guy who shared his knowledge, expertise, friendship, leaderships, and more—just like my sister.

I urge you to do the same. It may not be the goal or legacy I have, but think about what you want to be remembered for—in the short or long term. Perhaps you are the person at the property who always has innovative ideas. Or maybe you are the community investment advisor who supports others in their applications, and shares insights and knowledge. Possibly you are recognized as the go-to knowledge person in the sector or that brands come to you not just for advice on their investment with your property, but with other investments as well. Maybe you are their “mini agency.” Or it could be that you are remembered as the parent who always supported the teachers at school or coached the little league baseball long after your kids had their own kids. Figure out what you stand for. Determine what you want to be remembered for and then exemplify it. Do it not to be remembered, but because you love doing it. That’s what Brenda did.

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