There are some companies that have marketed their brand so well that consumers can recognize their presence in a second. You see the “swoosh,” and you think of Nike. If you see the “golden arches” poking through the trees as you drive down the interstate, it’s certain that a McDonald’s awaits you at the next exit. Many individuals also have done an outstanding job with personal branding, making themselves into a product that is known around the world. No one else can wear a rhinestone glove unless they are imitating Michael Jackson. And, let’s face it. Isn’t Sarah Palin now the first person who comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “You betcha!”? And I hope that you think of me when you hear “Act As If” or “Living the Dream!“.
These examples may be simple pop culture references, but they demonstrate the power of developing a tightly packaged image of how you want the world to perceive you. What makes you memorable? What do you want to enter someone’s mind when they think about you? What sets you apart from the rest?
Over at Dan Schawbel’s site, The Personal Branding Blog, writer and Online Reputation Management expert Pete Kistler shares a wonderful exercise for professionals who are working to establish their own personal brand. He offers ten questions for reflection, explaining the purpose of each question and even providing his own responses as examples.
Some of the questions, Pete challenges the readers to answer include:
1.What are your values and passions?
2. What are your core strengths?
3. Who is your target audience?
I strongly encourage you to check out the post and take the time to give careful thought to all of the questions. With all of your answers laid out in front of you, I know that you will begin to see the brand that you offer to others. Just keep in mind that your brand will evolve over time as your experiences and goals grow. You are a work in progress!
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Thanks for sharing this. The community cannot have enough tools and guidance on building their personal brands…
Joe,
Thanks for spreading the word about the personal branding worksheet, published on Personal Branding Blog! I hope my examples are helpful – it took some deep thinking to complete it myself. The worksheet questions were authored by executive personal branding strategist Meg Guiseppi, whose insights (http://executiveresumebranding.com/best-of/) make her a leading voice in the field of personal branding. I can’t get enough of that worksheet! I point everyone to it as a first step in thinking about their personal brand.
- Pete Kistler
CEO, Brand-Yourself.com
Hi Pete – thank you so much for your comment! I will regularly recommend the blog post and worksheet from now on as well! Great job and I am happy to spread the word. Best Wishes -Joe
Great lessons about personal branding I like it!
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