Definition
According to Wikipedia - Personal branding is the process whereby people and their careers are marked as brands. This includes but is not limited to the body, clothing, appearance and knowledge contained within, leading to an indelible impression that is uniquely distinguishable.
My definition - Personal branding isn't just about your clothes. It's about making your clients, customers, superiors, associates, friends, family and that all important significant other, feel comfortable around you. This comfort is created by your personality, attitude, voice, language, style, body type, self packaging, and knowledge. You create your personal brand at work, at home, socially, in print, and on-line.
Why care about your personal branding
Statistics
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 93% of executives studied said professional image influenced their chance for promotion and success.
Survey Results from CareerWoman.com
- 91% of employers said they believe dress and grooming reflected the employees' attitude toward the company.
- 61% said dress and grooming had an effect on subsequent promotions.
First impressions are formed in less than 30 seconds. In that time your financial position, social level, sophistication, trustworthiness, state of mind, level of education, and ability to organize and lead are judged. Our personal brand will draw people to us or turn them away.
Personal branding suggestions
Attitude
A positive attitude is a deliberate choice. Perhaps the first time you read about positive attitude you were a child reading "The Little Engine That Could" by Wally Piper. To get up the hill the engine repeated, "I think I can, I think I can". If you think you can, you can, if you think you can't, you are right. It is all a state of mind. Try to stay away from excuses and negative talk. For example: in these terrible economic times, I can't, if only the situation was different, under the circumstances. A positive attitude equals a positive personal brand.
Gossip
Gossip is dangerous. Nothing can tarnish your image more severely than talking negatively about others. To keep gossip in check ask yourself: Would I say, email, text message, or tweet this comment if I knew that person could hear or read it? Pretend they can hear your thoughts or are going to read what you have written. Would you still think, say, or write it?
Appearance
A positive first impression opens doors. Personal branding is about having your own style. It's perfectly acceptable to have a unique look. A distinctive appearance can leave a lasting image. Just know the guidelines for the environment you will be in. You don't want to offend others or break rules with your appearance and leave a lasting image you didn't expect.
In some instances, it is not what you are wearing but how it fits; your clothing should not be too big or too small. Proper tailoring can make a garment look and feel so much better. Check the fit, standing and sitting.
Personal branding does not give permission to be personally offensive. Hygiene, cleanliness and grooming are still important.
Everyone is different. Concentrate on your positive attributes, not the ones you are not so fond of. Take some time to explore what you like about you then express it with your unique personal brand.
The most important personal branding guideline
There are many rules and guidelines, written and unwritten, when developing your personal brand. It is impossible to know them all. Just when you think you have success, the rules change.
Here is the one guideline that will never change; if you strive to make the people around you feel comfortable and valued or if others remember you in a favorable way, you have succeeded in creating a positive personal brand.
