“Brand” kind of reminds me of “aura.”
It’s not tangible, it’s not a logo, it’s not a product or service.
It’s really closer to how we (the “collective”) feel about everything that you or your people do.
“Personal Brand” is simply the acceptance that as a human, the things that we do create imprints the minds of others.
Our actions evoke feelings for others.
What we do (or don’t do) creates “personal history,” whether we like it or not.
So we all have personal brand.
We create this daily – how we dress, how we show up, how we speak, the actions we take and how we treat others. While we don’t have direct control in what our brand is (remember, it’s how “others” feel about you), we do have choices we can make in terms of how we live our life.
For the first four, I refer to “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, which seem fitting:
- Be impeccable with your word and actions. Each conversation, phone bill, interaction, engagement is an opportunity, or a “challenge” to practice impeccability. This will heavily influence how you “land” with others.
- Don’t take anything personally. This means minimising self importance, how others show up is ultimately not your responsibility
- Don’t make assumptions. This is the kernel or driver of communication – through this, we connect more powerfully with others and allow a truer representation of ourselves to come through.
- Always do your best.
- Decide what you stand for – What is important to you? Where are you going? How do you want to feel? This will influence how others feel about you.
- Embrace your “Story.” Our personality and who we “are” exists because of our past experiences and connections. While we may or may not choose to “talk about it,” embracing it is helpful and will assist in moving forward powerfully.
- Be consistent. This is a choice, yet it is particularly helpful if you are looking to integrate your personal brand in your work or business. As humans we are pattern recognition masters, so consistency allows us to know what to come to you for.
- Understand “who” is it for. Again, if you are integrating personal brand into your work or business, who are you serving? What is their set of beliefs? Are you showing up in a way that is recognised by them? If in their circles they speak French, it doesn’t help if you are speaking English.
While we may or may not choose to actively create a personal brand, as long as we choose to integrate into the marketplace and social circles, we all have one anyway.
