Do you know what your personal brand is? Many people operate on autopilot with a lack of understanding about how they are perceived. Your brand is the first 3-4 things that people think about you when they see you or talk to you. These traits are what you are known for and what makes people know, like, and trust you. Everyone has to figure out for themselves what makes their brand unique and find ways to stand out.
Do you want to be an extra in your life movie or the star?
I thought for years that I was the star in my movie, but I wasn’t. I was the person who was behind the star. I helped the star succeed and thought it was important for me to help them. They were on the stage and I was behind the curtain rooting them on. I made the choice to be an extra. It was the safe route and allowed me to play small. My brand at that time was that I was dependable, got things done, and was good at developing people. It wasn’t a bad brand, but it was no different than many other people who were my peers. It didn’t show my value or help me stand out. I didn’t understand the importance of a personal brand at that time.
If you don’t decide, someone else will decide for you.
Do you want someone else to make the decision for you or create your own brand? Spend the time to think about what people say when they are around you. Do they compliment you in some way or tell you what you do well? Think about who you want to be before you do anything else. Get clear with the thoughts that you have because your actions will be driven based on your thinking.
Create the brand that you want starting today. Pick three words that you want people to say about you when they meet you. Examples could be honest, bold, decisive, fun, strategic, intentional, focused, etc. Ensure that your actions are demonstrating whatever traits you choose every day. This is the brand that you want to be. Embrace it!