“YOU REPRESENT A BRAND”

 

"The keys to brand success are self-definition, transparency, authenticity and accountability."

-Simon Mainwaring

We are all familiar with brands and may have favorites in clothing, footwear, cars, food, etc. But have you ever thought of yourself as a 'brand'? What makes your 'personal brand' or the brand known as 'You' unique? The value of the brand lies in the consumer's perception, giving you the power to shape your brand.

Tom Peters, a management expert, introduced the term "personal brand" in 1997, suggesting that individuals should strategically market their careers as a brand. Crafting a unique "personal brand" means showing who you are through your personality, skills, experience, and behavior. The brand known as "You" impacts not only your professional life but also your roles as parents, spouses, friends, siblings, and more. Like any other brand—Nike, Apple, or Pepsi your "personal brand" is constantly sending out a message and is under the scrutiny of others. Your brand can become fully visible to the public with just one encounter or online search. The impression your brand makes, whether through online or offline interactions, will determine if people are attracted to it or turned away.

Marketing Your "Personal Brand"

• The brand known as "You" should accurately represent your values, passions, and identity.
• Create an advertisement for the brand known as "You," outlining your mission, passion, and strengths. Regularly revisit your ad to ensure its ongoing relevance and make necessary adjustments.
• Self-reflection and receiving feedback from trusted individuals can help identify opportunities to enhance your brand's appeal and its value to others.

Some Key Questions to Ask Yourself to Assess Your "Personal Brand" and Develop Strategies For Improvement.

• Considering yourself as a 'brand,' how likely are you to buy into 'yourself'?"
• Are there specific characteristics or actions that you should add or eliminate?
• What positive traits does the brand known as "You" possess that can benefit others? Are you consistent in delivering your work on schedule? Can others depend on you? Do you have the ability to anticipate and resolve issues before they escalate into crises?

Before writing this blog, I hadn't considered myself a "brand." However, upon reflecting on my professional and personal life from the perspective of being a "brand," I see many needed improvements. The good news is that I can start the upgrades today since I am in charge.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope my writing has encouraged you to reflect more deeply on the impact of the powerful brand known as "You."

References

Del Sesto, D. (2016). Shift your thinking: 200 Ways to Improve Your Life. Revell.

McLaughlin, J. (2012, January 9). What is a Brand, Anyway? Forbes.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jerrymclaughlin/2011/12/21/what-is-a-brand-anyway/

MS, D. L. M. (2023, April 17). The importance of personal branding beyond your work identity. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-personal-branding-beyond-your-work-lauritson-mba-m-s-/

Peters, T. (1997, August 31). The brand called you. https://www.fastcompany.com/. Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.fastcompany.com/28905/brand-called-you