THE BUSINESS OF STYLE BRANDING YOURSELF

Maybe you are looking for a new job, promotion, new clients or as a sole trader to supercharge your business success. Just for one minute, think of yourself as a product.

I know, I can hear you saying you are not a product, you’re a person! However, think about it for a moment. The most successful brands have a clear, recognizable identity, we know what to expect, we know the values of the brand, we can bring an image to mind immediately.

Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Virgin, Nike, Apple, Haagen Dazs, Armani, we know immediately what to expect, what will be delivered and how and to what standard.  Strong, powerful brand messaging.

What is the message you send out, visually, verbally and with your personal presence?

How do you look, sound, and behave your way to success?

When thinking about yourself as a brand, do you know what your reputation is and how others perceive you? The people you most want to impress, employers, new clients, colleagues.

Are you clear on your IMPACT when you are in a meeting or walk into a room? Your IMPACT is everything that seen, remembered, and perceived about you. Perhaps what you think people notice and believe about you, is not what they actually believe and act on.

Your reputation and “bankability” are linked to your personal branding. Time to do some research?

You’ve got 30 seconds to transmit to somebody who you are, what you are about, what your values are, whether they trust you, believe in you and either want to employ you or do business with you.

It is really hard, if not impossible, to change someone’s negative opinion and perception of you. It can and will result in you losing out on the job, the sale, the new opportunity.

Why leave it to chance? Take control of the IMPACT you make and consciously plan how you want to impress.

This includes:

Your style of dress

Your voice and tone

Your manners and etiquette

Your communication skills, verbal and non-verbal

Your personal presence, are you a good listener, do you remember people, are you seen as knowledgeable and the expert in your field

Is your opinion valued

Are you trustworthy, trusted to deliver without fail and on time, whatever your business is?

Can you deliver an elevator pitch, clearly, succinctly and on time, usually 60 seconds.

Define your personal brand and make sure it delivers what you want it to.