I'm sure we have all been in this situation before. You are in a discussion with a colleague, friend or even an acquaintance, who obviously has been watching you in recent past and has a 'notion' about who you - your mien, attitude, person. He reveals his findings, and instantly you feel it is a misconception, like we all do, you quickly put up a garb of self defence, trying to justify every action or inaction ascribed to you, to drive home your point you blurted; "that's obviously not me"; "it's a wrong notion" and if it's in the extremely- "you obviously don't know me".
Sound's familiar right, but you know the truth- that is obviously YOU!
It all about you, and what defines you, which ultimately is the branding of your person- it is your Personal Branding. It's the way you actually portray yourself, and the notion you give others about yourself.
The reality about our world is that everyone is a brand! You ask how - advertently or unwittingly, we all represent something -our values, notions, way and impressions. We daily create lasting impressions about ourselves, comportment and person.
Contrary to what most people believe, the reality is that your personal brand is the impression of others about you! It is significantly different from what people believe it is, because most people believe, your personal brand is what you think about yourself, that is- what you think you are, sorry you are very wrong. Personal Branding is very different from this.
Your Personal Brand sets the expectation for the experience that people will have about you. It sets you apart from the crowd. It is what connotes your innate strengths, capacity to deliver, mien, uniqueness and value add with other in the discharge of your daily affairs. The outward reflection of these put together is what sums up as your brand- your Personal Brand.
That is the point. It is what qualifies you above others, the perception people carry about your person, and the reality of their feelings towards you. In short Personal Branding is you! The way you talk, walk, work, sleep (yes sleep), think, the books you read, the company you keep, the movies you watch, the food you drink and way and where you drink it, where you stay, what you think of, what you do; be it sport, work or play and how, where, and when you play it. The things you see, the games you watch and the ones you play, the stand you seat, the company you keep. In short the list is inexhaustible.
Note that it has nothing to do with being aloof, but rather has all to do with being receptive, accomodating and concerned. It not faking it, as it won't last, but being real and assertive.
So if you want your brand noticed and you want to be that Super Brand, always remember that all you do encapsulate you and it is not a matter of having plenty or little, it is the perception you create. That is your Personal Brand. So next time in all you do be conscious that you are creating a "Brand" and if you actually have a destinaion in mind then be sure you don't step on landmines as it can be deadlier than you think, or the saving grace for the day of reckoning.
