BRANDING - Ah, you hear that word all over the place. With celeberties starting clothing lines, fragrances, and cosmetics - it is no wonder that word is everywhere. The difference between an artist and the rest of the population is that an artist has to work on their personal brand for their entire life. Their image, name, and brand is what they use to try to make a lucrative career out of what some would only consider a hobby. Personal branding however isn't only for artists and celebrities - you can have a personal brand too.
There are actually some benefits having a personal brand - after all you are more than a social security number. Having a good sense of who you are, what you like, and keeping track of your accomplishments are just one part of personal branding. The rest is believing in yourself and having the 4 things I list below.
The most important steps to having a personal brand are:
1. Examples of your work. If you do not have a portfolio - get one. No matter if you are showing a client, an employer or your friends - you need proof of what your capable of. Sure you might be a great flash designer and worked for a few large companies, but your style, aesthetic taste, flavor, is completely different from someone else - use it. What ever it is that you put into your work make sure it shows and trust your own judgement and options. No one is like you, thinks like you, or has the ability to be you - you are your brand.
2. A website. Almost everyone has a website, from hairdressers to energy consultants. No matter where you are in your career path or what company you are working for - don't be a robot! You are more than just an employee working for a large or small corporation, you are a brand. Even if it is just a website with your resume, interests, and a bio, it shows employers that you consider yourself a personal brand or an asset.
3. Create a Logo. OK, your wondering why a accountant needs a logo - it is simple: you are your own brand! Are you catching on yet? Even if the logo is just your name at the top of your website to look like a brand - how amazing is that! It shows you believe in yourself and what you can offer. Now I am not saying if you are in IT to go out and have business cards made with your logo on them, but you could use this logo for your blog or other activities you do to get involved in the community. Which brings be to the next item on the list.
4. Get involved. There are tons and tons of groups and affiliations that you can be a part of. This is so that although you think your amazing and have a great personal brand - your not completely narcissistic and you do care about other things besides yourself. This can be related to your career or not, more importantly it shows you make time for personal growth and others - and if nothing else you can function and work together in a group.
Creating your personal brand will set you apart from the 70% of the population that are just worker ants and don't want anything more than a 401k and a retirement plan. I guarantee that if nothing else, it will just make you feel good about yourself and your accomplishments. If you really take the time to look at what you want your brand to be - who knows you might finally change careers and do what you love!
Thanks for reading and I hope you start thinking of your personal brand!
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