When you think of “Coca-Cola”, what comes immediately to mind? … A sense of thirst, a refreshing beverage, a red can, a huge corporation? … and when you think of a “Ferrari” what do you think of? … Speed, Money, Success?
If you think of Mahatma Gandhi, how does it impact you? Purpose? Vision? Strength? Standing up for a cause? Freedom?
And if you focus on Oprah Winfrey? … Determination? Power? Leadership?
The question is: can people be brands? The answer is yes, they can!
Personal Branding is not just for celebrities, it is for all of us.
We have little doubt about what the people above evokes in us. Do you know why? It is because they have a strong and well-defined Personal Brand. Their beliefs and their authenticity are very natural in themselves and easily perceived by others. They align their behavior to their strengths, and as well as to what they believe in, what they value in life. That is strong personal branding, and it is powerful in building Trust!
Why do successful companies invest heavily in their brands? Because they recognize the brand as an essential asset. Their brand keeps them close to their targeted audience, and on their radar screen. Their brand helps them sell more of their products or services.
Now, let’s focus on you for a moment! What asset do you possess to “sell” who you are and the value you bring? It is not your resume, your college degree, your professional title, your years of experience… NO, it is YOU! YOU are your own Personal Brand!
When you have more clarity about who you are, when you perceive yourself better, you will be better perceived by others, and this will leverage your identity! Who you are is what people remember about you, and that is vital to get a promotion at work, gain a new customer, land a new contract, and even make your team commit to a specific goal or result. What people remember about you, is what you have that is UNIQUE!
So, what is your Personal Brand?
Your Personal Brand is a UNIQUE combination of your strengths: Passions, Talents, Skills, and your Purpose.
Is it wrong then to pay attention to how you look at yourself, how you are perceived by others, and letting that influence your behavior? What do you know about yourself? About your uniqueness? Each and every one of us is unique, and we can leverage our uniqueness by knowing and accepting who we are. Seeing yourself as your authentic brand, and acting like one leverages your personal resources.
When your natural behavior aligns with your values, your passion and your purpose, you become authentic to yourself and perceived as authentic by others, and that builds LOYALTY and TRUST.
