Build Your Own Brand As A Person
To build your own brand, firstly you need to be a person and not a label. Strive to be seen as you, be yourself while not allowing labels to get the better of you and focus on being seen as the person you are rather than your traits. Ensure not to let any of the labels which have been placed on you by others define you, and the best way to do this is by consistently speaking your mind while staking out your position on issues among stating your unique take on everything. You must also avoid repeating what others might be saying, or voicing the same old party line from groups representing these labels. When you’re looking to give out an accurate impression among people who don’t know you, it is useful to identify what they are likely to be thinking and assuming about you already. Begin identifying the stereotypes that may come to mind when people look at you and once you can identify these, figure out the assumptions that might go with it of those which are true and can also work to your benefit. Remember to also identify the assumptions that might work against you, and if these are true, then try to work on changing them which will also help build your own brand. On the most part, standing or sitting tall, with a good firm handshake, while owning your space and speaking with confidence at any table is an impressionable start.
Your Brand And Reputation
It is important to identify the gap between your brand and reputation, as this gives you an understanding toward figuring out what needs to change. A great way to do this, is to ask a few people you trust, who could then tell you the positive words or any phrases which may come to mind upon them thinking of you and compare this information with your own then finding the areas you need to work on. Once you have identified, between the perception and reality, choose the aspect that will make the difference in changing peoples perceptions of you. Knowing what will give your own brand the biggest boost, will also make the other parts easier to work on. You may also like to invite others over to see you in action, as there is nothing more powerful and believable than having a person of opinion see you in action demonstrating your personal brand. Find the courage to step out, invite them to attend large events where you may be speaking or to join in on your client pitch, with in mind that you yourself could be creating a strong supporter and advocate for the rest of your life. A great way to change people’s perceptions about your personal brand is to start using the new words that you want people to associate with you, whether it’s strategic or assertive or tough.
Own Your Brand
If you’re in a large organization or business with its own brand, start behaving as though you need to own the brand, and the brand is yours as an entrepreneur would. However not in the sense of making it all about you, it simply means taking ownership of the position at your end of the branding, rather than relying on the brand and the corporate umbrella alone. With this attitude, you will rise up to the top in anything you pursue, and leveraging your successes in toward further opportunities for yourself as the brand. Another aspect of building your own band, it when you say it, you mean it, and your own personal brand will grow as well as your business if being self-employed. One of the key factors, is to keep showing up, and there will be days where you do feel like calling in on yourself as being sick, however huge results or opportunities have come from days such as these and by this meaning the biggest turning point in the many careers of the entrepreneur and for the brand itself. Your own personal time-out is important, giving you time to step back looking at the picture a little clearer, and upon return, continuing to build your own brand with the clearer perspective and any fresh ideas toward success.
