What does your Personal Brand Stand for?

 

Personal branding is a concept that developed  as a  strategy in the competitive business scenario. When I started work in the year 1981, although it was still difficult to land a good job (it was pretty bad in the seventies in India),  the compelling need was yet to be felt for showcasing yourself to get  ahead of others. At that time most people were content to serve a single company and receive that 'Wrist watch' or similar  gift at the time of retirement, taking pride in themselves for having served the organization as  loyal employees.  

A lot has  changed over the years and it slowly became a norm to  jump as many jobs as possible for getting  ahead and leaving others far behind. By the time I neared the retirement age, the situation had changed so much that the feeling amongst corporate executives was "If a guy stays for more than three years in the same company, he must not be good or competent enough." Today, cultivating a personal brand has become very important . 

Personal branding differentiates you from the competiton and generates trust and confidence in the prospective clients and employers. Personal branding includes a brand statement in a couple of sentences that explains what you do and why you are unique in your field. It sums up your experience, skills and passion and gives a clear picture to people of what you stand for and are capable of accomplishing. As for example a person may have a brand statement that reads " I help people to reassess their life goals and find new paths to success". Notice how it is short, catchy and yet strong and compelling. Another statement could be "I develop sustainable business models and marketing strategies to fuel small business growth". Here, authenticity is an important element of branding apart from expertise, visibility, growing online presence, following experts in your field, networking etc.

Coming to the  Blogchatter #Bloghop prompt as to what "my personal brand stands for",  I would like to view my personal brand as not merely in the business sense but a personal brand for life itself. After my retirement, I have been engaged in corporate training, teaching MBA students and blogging. In all of these activities, the aim  is "to make a difference in the lives of  my clients / readers." As I also bring my life perspective into the branding, it would also read "Exhibiting compassion, love and respect for all". 

To my mind, if your personal branding for life as a human being is clear and in alignment with your natural and basic nature, it would work for you in all areas including that of the business. It need not then be seen as a mere strategy but a core that defines who you are and what it is that is important to you. In such a scenario, the steps for enhancing your personal brand would happen spontaneously, easily and effortlessly. 

• NB: This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop www.theblogchatter.com