Own Your Personal Brand

Seth Godin, marketing guru and best selling author describes your brand as 'the promise' you make. What do people expect of you when they engage with you? Brands that keep their promises are consistent and trustworthy. From the minute you engage with your boss, colleagues, co-workers, customer, prospect or even with the person at the Avis rent a car counter, you have a brand.You are branded as the impatient customer who isn’t listening or you’re branded as the calm professional who gets the job done.Your brand is a story and it’s a story that helps people tell themselves a story about you. So you’re appearance, your handshake, your pricing, how long it takes you to deliver the goods, even the way you spell your name are all parts of the story that other people tell themselves about you. And most of the time these stories aren’t true because no one knows you as well as you do.”We all have days where we think ‘oh it's just an admin day and no client meetings so I don't have to make an effort’. But it is up to you to consistently and persistently show up in a way that amplifies your brand.It’s not just about the first impression, it’s signalling to your colleagues, suppliers, investors and customers that you are capable of bigger things. When they look at you, can they picture you as their trusted advisor? The rule of thumb is dress for the job you want, not the job you have.It really comes down to this – How do you show up in other people’s minds?Those days where you wake up feeling a bit despondent or not quite yourself... fake it. Put on a nice outfit and make an effort with your make up. I am suggesting this for 2 reasons: Number 1 - you will feel better about yourself and show up for the day even if it's just for your toddler or cat.Number 2 - you just never know: and believe me that bears repeating. You just never know!! I've bumped into very important people in the unlikeliest of places from the dry cleaner to the local health shop. Always take pride in yourself because you are showing up for you.My challenge to you is this – before leaving the house, ask yourself ‘If I bumped into my most profitable client today, would I be able to face them with confidence?’ That pretty much does the trick. If you actually create a conscious plan to be you on your best day when you show up then you’ll be able to show up that way. It’s not about manipulation. It’s about intention.Woody Allen once said that 80 percent of success is just showing up. So make sure you are showing up as the best version of yourself everyday.Here’s to owning your brand,Warm wishes,Lori