Whether you are aware or not, you have a personal brand—and it’s not the product or service you represent. Your personal brand is a combination of your image and your reputation. It’s important that you clearly identify the brand you desire and that it aligns with your natural and authentic self. Once identified, you must develop it daily, nurture it with great care, and protect it at all costs. It is how your customers, competitors, and coworkers perceive you, and it is intrinsically connected to your character, integrity, and work ethic. Good or bad, fair or unfair, your brand reflects others’ opinions of you when you are not around.
Regardless of what brand you show to the world, it is extremely important that it is built upon a foundation of unwavering authenticity—anything less simply won’t do. After all, if you’re not genuine, then what are you? Your words and actions must consistently be in alignment, day after day, long after the sale has been made and the commission check has been cashed.
Identify your best traits and qualities that you bring to your professional life. Creating a positive and long-lasting depiction of yourself requires introspection and an honest self-evaluation. Once your objectives are declared, subject yourself to unfiltered accountability from a mentor or other trustworthy person who has earned your respect.
It is important to understand that you will likely need assistance from a respected third party to establish an authentic brand. Ideally, this would be someone who understands your goals and will deliver accurate personal feedback. Remember, your brand is not what you think you are projecting; it’s how others perceive you when you’re not present. Know what you want and govern yourself accordingly.
Power Quote
“Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you becomes your trademark.”
—Jay Danzie
Harris, Chris. “Your Personal Brand.” “Phase Selling for Additive Manufacturing.” 2020, pp. 110-111.
