The answer is – YES – it matters. In spades.
I have grown weary (and I’m sure I’m not the only one) of inflated humble brags….and empty suits posturing. As we say in Texas….where’s the meat?
However, it’s not lost on me that sometimes we have to capture someone’s attention, before they are truly exposed to the value we can bring.
It does not have to be that complicated. Relative to this ‘personal branding’ concept, how can we keep this simple and still relevant? A few initial thoughts, as we start this new month (and a shameless and exciting offer at the end):
- First, we need to simply determine what we want our brand to be. What do you want folks to think, say, or do when they meet you, interact with you, and when they speak of you to others? This is important. You may want to talk to other folks to get their insights. And most importantly: be authentic. This is not an episodic endeavor…building a brand takes consistency in thought, word, and deed.
- Secondly, write down the descriptors and actions which represent that brand. Everything from the length and type of emails you send, to how you dress, to how you “show up,” etc. These are the metrics and measures by which you will then be judged against that brand. This is what you will stand for and how you will be referred. Write it down; say it when describing yourself to others to cement it further – then do what is on that list consistently. Again, consistency is the key.
- Finally, hold yourself accountable to that brand. In fact, after you have written the descriptors of how you want to be referred – then “assume that position”. For example, if you are faced with a challenging situation and are not sure how to respond, think of how someone like who you have just described would behave – then do it. This is a great way to continually grow into your brand, and build your skills and poise over time.
And, for those of you who have mentioned to me:
“I don’t know if I even have a brand”, the answer is yes you do, even if you don’t realize it. (which can be scary, to be honest…..)
And, if you’re unhappy with your brand, the answer to the next question:
“Can I change it?” is again YES. It just takes conscientious self-awareness, authentic definition of how you wish to be thought of, and discipline and attention to making that consistently real to others.
Finally, my last thought – being in alignment™– in mind, body and spirit – is the absolute, non-negotiable, and required fuel for building what Simon Cowell used to refer to as the ‘X’ factor. It is not enough to have substance, talent, smarts, style and even authenticity if all of YOU is not in alignment through your mind, body and spirit.
Simply put: aligned individuals and leaders are unflappable, and motivated by a deeply felt purpose. As Oprah Winfrey offers: “The secret is alignment: when you know for sure that you’re on course, and doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing, fulfilling your soul’s intention…when your life is on a course with its purpose, you are your most powerful.”
Regardless of whether you like or hate Oprah……who can argue that Oprah Winfrey does not embody the ‘X’ factor and have an undeniable brand?
Which brings me to exciting news…..
I have recently launched two offerings in my Alignment at Work™ program.
These condensed programs are focused on Alignment™.
The first 12 week accelerated program (Inner Alignment to Outer Strength…a FastTrack to Alignment™) was launched earlier this year, and has received AMAZING reviews. The comprehensive process will take you from idea to concept to execution relative to creating an aligned career (and life). You can check it out here. There is no question that when we become aligned in our life and career…..we are at our most powerful.
And for those of you wanting to build out an uber strong, non-disputable Personal Brand……(aka: ‘NOT all hat and no cattle’)…..the second offering is focused entirely on how to stand out and how to differentiate yourself….
for real.
Net: how build a credible, reputable brand.
This was the one area many of my clients felt was lacking in their career progression. They were working really hard, delivering above expectations…yet, still not getting noticed, or promoted or recognized for the ‘next big thing’.
So, this program Brand Alignment™ is built around what my clients wanted and needed….and will guide you through a proven process with straight forward approaches, so that at the end of the 6 week program you will have a foolproof approach to building (or refining) and promoting your brand….in an authentic, humble yet powerful way.
AND yes…..when we get our brand ‘right’….it is unreal how doors open, opportunities are presented, and our careers can TAKE OFF.
Which brings me to my FREE OFFER:
I’m giving a sneak peek to the 6 TIPS to begin building an ‘Aligned Brand’ on Thursday, September 9th. If you want to join us – it will be a straight shooting discussion for about 45 minutes. 11am CST.
You can click here to save your seat. It is a pre-curser to the Brand Alignment™ offering.
Given we live in a world that is extremely transparent with a heavy dose of social media….it is an imperative to have a strong, ALIGNED brand that permeates every aspect of how you show up.
Without taking the initiative to build our own personal brand…..there is no question that a brand will be written and attached to us and we may not like it!!