After participating on a panel discussion recently, one of the questions that came out of the group discussion was, what is your personal brand? Can you define it for yourself? Can others? My response relating to the subject matter at hand was, “No. She could not define her personal brand because she could not identify her own to begin with so how could others?”
Know the Benefits of Having 3 C’s…
The benefits if being a strong brand are tremendous. As a strong brand, you can command a higher pay or fees for your product or service. You can pick and choose more selectively who your clients are, assignments you involve yourself in or the positions you want. If you are in transition with your business or career, it will be a smoother process if you are clear on what you have to offer and the direction you are going in. In addition, strong brands all have something in common, they all exhibit the “3 C’s” of branding.
- There is CLARITY in their message.
- The message and brand is CONSISTENT.
- The message, image and brand is CONSTANT.
Think of any brand you consider to be strong, any of them. Do they possess the qualities listed above? Does yours? (I ask myself this as well on a regular basis!) Can others recognize & identify with it on their own or outside of your presence? Keep working at it until it becomes “crystal clear” to you and others.
I wanted to share 8 Laws of Personal Branding by Peter Montoya that I found helpful to me in business and area of expertise & I hope you find it useful as well as you think about yours…
- The Law of Specialization: You can specialize in one of many ways: ability, behavior, lifestyle, mission, product, profession or service.
- The Law of Leadership: Your leadership will stem from excellence, position or recognition.
- The Law of Personality: Be your own authentic self! It is a law that removes some of the pressure laid on by the Law of Leadership: you’ve got to be good, but you don’t have to be perfect!
- The Law of Distinctiveness: You must separate yourself from the competition. An effective Personal brand needs to be expressed in a way that’s different from the competition.
- The Law of Visibility: Visibility creates the presumption of quality. People will assume because they see you all the time, that you must be superior to others offering the same product or service.
- The Law of Unity: Your personal life, your private conduct must mirror the public brand.
- The Law of Persistence: Stick with your personal brand without changing it; be unwavering and be patient.
- The Law of Goodwill: You must be associated with a value or idea that is recognized universally as positive & worthwhile.
How are you separating yourself from the pack? What tips would you share with us who are working on our own 3 C’s in our business? We would love to hear from you! Email me your personal testimonies at Shaunaw@todaysinnovativewoman.com
Guest Writer-Shauna Witherspoon
This SISCEO has a passion for helping people especially women, live their best lives. Her passion is showing people the power and possibilities of their dreams and helping them develop strategic plan to reach them. She believes that people have everything within them they need to realize that in order to win & be successful both professionally & personally.
Shauna has authored two books, “Self Esteem & Empowerment for Women” & PURE WEALTH 26 Ways of Crazy Profitability” which address women and professionals with real challenges and provides real solutions. She is a nationally recognized featured speaker and radio talk show guest.Shauna is a leading expert and power house in the business world with over 20 years of experience as business woman & entrepreneur.