Business writer and consultant Tom Peters wrote in a 1997 article for Fast Company, “Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me, Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.”
Personal branding is an important part of differentiating yourself from the pack and showcasing the unique insights, expertise, and experience that identify you as an expert in your field. Great leadership requires a deep understanding of self. In business – and in life – the talents and characteristics that make you unique are often your greatest assets.
Have you ever assessed your personal brand? Is it time for a redesign or an update to version 2.0? Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when defining “the brand called You.”
Be unique and play to your strengths.
What do you do better than anyone else? The unique talents and characteristics you’ve developed throughout your career are an asset you shouldn’t let go to waste. Think about not only what you’re good at, but also about the activities and experiences you enjoy most and build your brand around them.
Establish your core values – and stick to them.
Your core values are the set of personal, ethical, and ideological guidelines that set the standard for the way you conduct your business and live your life. Identify the qualities and beliefs that are most important to you and use them as the compass that guides your actions and decision-making process. And most importantly, don’t let yourself stray from them – even if the alternative course of action seems easier in the short run.
Perfect your craft.
If you want to stay on the leading edge, your quest for knowledge should be insatiable. There’s always something new to learn, no matter how extensive your résumé may be. In today’s tech-savvy world, we are able to access information on any topic, from anywhere in the world. So, there’s no excuse not to stay on top of your game and up to date with the most recent and innovative trends.
Whatever you do, do it with passion.
People gravitate toward passion. If you aren’t passionate about the work you do – or if you try to fake it – those you lead will pick up on it immediately. To truly inspire others and establish yourself as an expert, you have to love what you do. The drive to be the best is fueled by passion – without it, you may tend to view your work or activities as something you have to do, rather than something you get to do.
Share your knowledge.
Finally, probably one of the best ways to build your personal brand – share what you know. Whether it’s through a small group of co-workers, among colleagues in a professional organization, or even writing a book, make people look to you for answers. And if you’ve truly put forth the effort to properly build your brand, you‘ll be ready to answer them.
What are some tactics you’ve used to build your personal brand? Let us know in the comments section below.
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