As a fledgling Author, branding has become a heated personal topic. Many times I over complicate things. This happens to be one of those things.
Each and every individual has already "Branded" themselves. By branding, what I mean is a persona seen by the world. This persona states... this is who I am right now. It is the identity we project onto the world. This is a compulsive part of being human.
Many times we are Branded through circumstances beyond our control. Where we are born, were we born into poverty or into affluence, are we male or female, are we fat or thin and numerous other conditions. These, however, are only the beginning/current factors. They are only the end if you choose for them to be.
When anyone looks at us, a picture is immediately formed within their minds. This picture is a calling card of sorts. It changes each time we decide to change our appearance, clothing, or even our mood. Seeing ourselves from the inside, this is often over looked. We become confused as to why the world does not respond to us as we see ourselves internally. This is because of the appearance we have projected on the outside, having nothing at all to do with our personal inner lives.
To complicate this, we often become confused over the vast gap between what is seen internally versus externally. That gap is present because we are not receiving the attention desired. Is this the other persons misunderstanding or have we simply not projected the image to the world needed for it to see us in the way we desire?
To take this further, the internet brings with it an interesting paradox. We meet someone on the internet, get to know them without this sensory experience of seeing them in anyway. Everything is going well, we believe the other person knows who we are. Then.... we send them a photograph. The photograph does not match the other persons fantasy of what they think we should look like.
Branding ourselves is simply knowing who we are then projecting all of that into the world. Consistency is everything. We come to expect certain levels of quality from certain brands.
Just as Corporations change, so do we. We in effect are more than a human being, we are a corporation with the same responsibility to present ourselves as someone that is trustworthy, dependable and stable. Failure to do this will not kill us but it will certainly hold us apart from our greatest aspirations.
Why spend the time to sort out what is inside versus what is seen on the outside? Failure to do so is a waste of time and the cost to us financially may be devastating. We can come to the interview completely polished then on the first day of employment (or the 1st day after our probation has expired) show up in ratty jeans and a tee shirt. We might retain the job but in that instant we have severely limited our future growth. Conversely, if your employment depends upon a relaxed Brand, showing up in an expensive suit and polished shoes will equally limit future growth. Even when we are our own employer, this is a truth.
We may even have a different Brand with various groups of people in our lives. The key is to be consistent with each group never mixing the two. For instance a Parent is often one Brand with their children and another when out with their friends.
We have a responsibility to others regarding their mental health. What I mean by this is..... it can be mind bending for others to think they know us only to find out that we are NOT that person. Our Brand must be as unique as we are and consistently personify us as the individual we believe ourselves to be.
Branding ourselves is not complicated. Simply... who are you? Are you showing this to the world in every action. Does your physical projection match your inner self?
You are the Brand of YOU. There is no way to get away from this. What does your Brand say? Is it saying what you want it to?
Here is a good place to read more about this, if you are interested. http://unleashingyourbrand.com/
Have a Fantastic weekend.... see you soon.
Hugs,
Sho
check out my book being released in June: Http://iamnotlistening.com
Above image from: http://blog.zopim.com/2013/05/20/5-branding-tips-for-small-businesses-to-stand-out-from-the-crowd/
