The Musts of Personal Branding [VIDEO]
One question from the class was, "how'd you get to be where you are doing what you're doing and getting paid for it." My suggestions to you (expressed in this video):
Be of use. When you see a problem, offer a solution. Doing so without thought of a reward sets you up to be of use in a paying capacity in the future.
Be consistent. Consistent messaging, clothing choices, posture.
Be vulnerable. Don't be consistent all the time. Life's not a press release.
Ask questions. In the checkout line, of your waitress. Identify pain points. Thinking you have all the answers short-circuits your creativity.
Remind yourself of who you are/who you're becoming. I use PDFs and daily intentions to keep myself on task.
Help others. People love to return the favor. (If they don't, let it go. Be gracious and generous.)
Keep a notebook. You're not just a marketer. You're a brainstormer. A blogger, a journalist-in-training. You're learning for life. Take notes!
Stay focused. I dig Gaga but if I showed up wearing a nightie and pasties, it'd be unfocused. It might be funny for five minutes but then...
Choose mentors. And if you can find a mentor you can be a mentor.
3 Intentions/MITs. Daily. Consistently. You have to practice self-control and this is one way.
These don't just apply to "personal branding," but to living life fully.
This is a section from on Ten Musts of Personal Branding. Read the full post.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Reader Comments (3)
More great advice, Gwen. Isn't it fun talking to students like that who are just starting out, all bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and hanging on your every word, ready to go out and conquer the world?
Bob Weisenberg
"Life's not a press release." Awesome advice.
Hi Gwen,
Obviously this is my first comment here. I really like what you've said at the beginning of the video about the brand of a 22 year old. And have to say: You are right.
I think branding is a process not a fact. I easily could say "Hey, my brand is blah blah.." but I don't consider this as branding. I'm currently going through the process of finding and developing my voice and style. Without these,I think branding is going to be a pain in the a*** (sorry for my language). You may think of yourself as the best designer, but are you perceived by your clients and employees as such?
Brand consistency is really important. But how can I make my clothing fit into my branding? Do I have to wear the same colors I use on my blog? Or should I wear casual cloths when I'm writing in a conversational style? I really don't understand this part.