What do Apple, Coke, Starbucks, Gucci, Louis Vuitton all have in common? They are strong brands! As consumers we have an expectation when we buy these brands. We expect it to function, to taste a certain way and to make us feel good. For example, I will not purchase another mayonnaise that’s not Hellman, in my opinion, it’s just the best. I will also not trust my favorite sandwich or potato salad to any other brand. What about those infamous McDonald fries or apple pies? There’s a certain feeling and memories of my childhood that seem to be attached to these items.
Brands have the power to capture our hearts and wallets and they have done it for decades!
But, none of this was done haphazardly, there was a very strategic approach by their marketing experts. Experts planned and put steps in place to achieve the impact it has had on you and on me.
Which leads me to think about personal branding.
What is a personal brand really? According to Wikipedia— Personal branding is the conscious and intentional effort to create and influence public perception of an individual by positioning them as an authority in their industry, elevating their credibility, and differentiating themselves from the competition, to ultimately advance their career, increase their circle of influence, and have a larger impact
As women in workforce, we carry a personal brand everywhere we go. You don’t have a brand on the weekend and another during the week. You don’t turn your brand on and off—it’s who you are and how you show up. It’s more than the clothes you wear, it’s the essence of you. People closest to you are very aware of it. They know your likes, your reactions, your abilities, your expertise, your strengths, talents, weakness and gifts!
You may think that there are so many others that do the same thing you do, why is it important that I pay attention to this but the fact is—no one does it like you! You provide others with a sense of familiarity, of trust and consistency that they can count on when they work with you. Think about Chick-fil-A. Did America really need another chicken sandwich? Was it new for the market? No, but there is a “secret sauce” that is unique to them that people have grown to love and no one can match.
You are your brand! No one can match your “secret sauce”.
Now I ask you, “How are you showing up to your workplace?” Are you clear on your brand? What message are you sending to the world? Are you investing in being the best version of yourself? Zig Ziglar said, “If people like you they will listen to you, but if they trust you, they’ll do business with you.”
Don’t leave your personal brand to chance, be strategic, be authentic and be purposeful.
Cheering you on,
Coach Silvia
Note: This blog was previously published in the Crexent Business Newsletter.