Why your personal brand is so important
For years I have advised on personal branding of key influencers in the business world. It's an interesting area, because sometimes when you give advice, it may be confronting, as many of us have an opinion of how people see us and when someone says something to the contrary, it makes us sit back.
Business for some, like myself, is important. How people see me in business is imperative to the success of the company and for that reason alone, I am mindful of what I do and who I am seen with.
Business for some, like myself, is important. How people see me in business is imperative to the success of the company and for that reason alone, I am mindful of what I do and who I am seen with.
I note, I know of some of the most successful people in the world business wise that hang out with drug dealers, jailbirds and alike - and it doesn't exactly harm, but puts another perspective on that person. Then you have people like your Donald Trumps or Shane Warne's of this world, and as long as they are not looking for respect, their behaviours certainly keep them top of mind.
I read this morning how it is believed that Kim Kardashians mother actually leaked her sex tape. Will it harm their brand? Not particularly, as everybody already knew it was an inside job to become famous and it worked. Being a porn star clearly works for many, but doesn't necessarily earn you respect.
Those who know me well, know that I am a hard worker. I am dedicated to building a business, and creating jobs in Charters Towers and that has become my life.
I am also the "mad dog lady" who travels everywhere with a pooch. But that's another story.
What is important to me as a business person is that I am respected for my own accomplishments and that someone else's tarnished brand doesn't influence how people perceive me in business.
In life, I am mindful not to be around people that don't hold the same values as I do; drug dealers, regular users, women who chase men with money, dishonest people, business scum (those who build successful companies then rape it of its money and places the assets into another without paying staff and suppliers) and in general those without morals who chase the dollar without caring about the people they step on to get to where they hope to be.
I know good people, who actually turn a blind eye to all of this, and I often wonder why. Sometimes they are just looking to be liked. Other times, perhaps they are not what they seem and only time tells.
I thought long and hard about this blog and I realised that the people who I respect and who I want brand association with are those that make difference, are entrepreneurial without playing dirty, are kind and gentle, thoughtful and honest. The latter is key to everything that I do. I find it hard to be around dishonest people, and bite my tongue.
Some people go around trying to tarnish people's brands, but usually an intelligent person sees straight through that. They realise that this person is trying to manipulate and if they say that about a certain person, they are likely to say it about you. They want influence and the way they view their personal currency is to ensure that "everyone likes them and trusts them" and that they influence how you think about others.
Your personal brand is important and managing it is critical. Be aware if you want to be taken seriously in business, don't:
- Say a bad word about anyone
- Inspire people, don't put them down
- Stay away from drugs and excess alcohol consumption
- Don't hang with the wrong crowd
- Be authentic, kind and generous
- If you are competitive, be careful how you communicate and act upon this
- Always be fair and bank on your brains and capacity to do a good job.
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comments ( 6 )
Brigida
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Ying Mo
11 Apr 2016Really appreciate your inspiration! My eyes were caught by the title at first glance. When I read this blog, my feelings are really resonant with your words. Can not agree more, personal brand is becoming much more important than ever, especially in the age of internet. In China, many younger generation choose to attract customers for their online stores by posting their life videos. Some of them get really good results because people like their personalities! At the age of YOU, be kind, be authentic, be real you!
ReplyKharisma Mahadewa
11 Apr 2016Hi Mellissah,
ReplySuch a inspired blog that you made. I totally agree with your views. Firstly, it's so true how environment can affects our lives. In other words, people can easily being manipulated by the trend and environment around them. I believed by holding same positive values between each other, it can result in a great success. Just like you said, to become your own personal brand, an individual has to follow some steps/requirement such as honesty, generous, kind and the most important out of all is to encourage and not to discourage.
Ying Mo
10 Apr 2016Really appreciate your inspiration! My eyes were caught by the title at first glance. When I read this blog, my feelings are really resonant with your words. Can not agree more, personal brand is becoming much more important than ever, especially in the age of internet. In China, many younger generation choose to attract customers for their online stores by posting their life videos. Some of them get really good results because people like their personalities! At the age of YOU, be kind, be authentic, be real you!
ReplyJessica Duca
04 Apr 2016I completely agree with your views! I personally try pursue a constant positive mind frame and outlook on every situation, however I find that this cannot be done when being situated around people who do not have these same values! People are so easily manipulated by others, particularly when hanging around with the wrong person, without even realising. Not only must you be honest and kind to others, but you must act the same toward yourself. You must be surrounded with similar people and allow your desired personalilty to become your personal brand!
ReplyWanfang
03 Apr 2016Frankly, it feels just so good when you can inspire people by yourself. Don't know why, but it just feels awesome. Especially when their eyes shines with the light of hope again, you know that your work is not vain and mean something to them.
Reply