Branding yourself is not all that different from branding a product or a business. The principles of branding are similar, and the main question is, “what distinguishes you from others.”? Simply put, what are the things that make you unique from others?
Always remember:
“You are the Brand” – “The Brand is You!”
“Branding Yourself” can be defined as being the “total created value of the sum of yourself!” As we get older and move through the different seasons in our lives, it is sometimes necessary to re-brand ourselves a few times. Your personal brand is a journey, not a destination, it’s about staying relevant while maintaining your core identity.
Mahatma Gandhi said:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
This quote has taught me not to wait for anyone else to make the move or create opportunities for me. If you do not address things immediately you dig yourself into a hole and become side-tracked. Be the change in life you want to see, do not wait for anyone else to make the move. “Do not die before your death” – Do something!
In relation to “Branding Yourself,” the following quote conveys a very pertinent message:
“The most important person you will talk to is yourself – so be careful what you say!”
What we say to ourselves helps determine what our responses will be. In difficult times it’s easy to go with the flow or get fixated on thinking about how we could have or should have responded differently. This negative self-talk only results in us beating ourselves up and can lead to anger and feelings of guilt. This creates an environment where it becomes more difficult to break out of this negative rut. When this begins to happen, don’t give in to it – focus on the positive.
A few strategies that can be used in continuously re-branding yourself:
It is not so much what you say, but who you are that defines you. Start by defining your core values, strengths and unique qualities. Constructive criticism refines your personal brand and helps you to adapt to changing market conditions and circumstances.
Always be open to learn from your peers, mentors and people around you. Be genuine and sincere. Humility goes a long way in getting people to help you, share advise and give you direction.
Have a strong online presence on social platforms by regularly creating valuable content that relates to who you are. At the same time actively react to those in your network.
Continuously develop yourself by looking at the latest industry trends, emerging technologies and evolving practices. In the dynamic, ever-changing business world, you have to stay relevant in your field.
Success is not about you as person, it is a collective sum of all the people around you. No man is an island, we work with people, through people, by people and with people. It is an indisputable fact that your network is your net worth. Networking is like a tree with many branches, not everyone is necessarily attached to the main branch, but they are still part of the whole.
Share your personal journey and experiences that relate to you and your brand. Sharing your experiences build credibility and trust.
Surround yourself with people that you can learn from. Be close to your mentor and manager and always be open to learn and experience. If you are not in the position where you have a mentor in the workplace, get yourself a business or life coach.
A strong personal brand will distinguish yourself from the rest, build credibility and create opportunities in both your personal and professional lives. Personal branding is an ongoing process and evolves and changes as you develop, change and set new goals.
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