One of the things I love about the Gospels, is that Jesus was so clear about His influence and "personal brand." He knew what His purpose was and how He was to achieve it. He was a man on a mission and didn't get bogged down by the personal opinions of others.

I'm always amazed when I attend funerals and listen to what others say about the person. I particularly love when you see a theme developing in the comments. When everyone continually says the same things about a person. What do we see? Voila...a personal brand. The person's life was consistent and clear and lined up with what s/he put out to the world. Their lives spoke. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all had such clarity in our lives?  If we knew our influence, our purpose?  If we were consistent in our actions and beliefs and projected such to the world. 

Below are ways that we can brand ourselves more effectively and become more effective in the workplace, community and ministry.

Write a Mission Statement and Set Goals

Who do you want to be? Where do you want to go? I often ask people: "What do you want to be famous for?" Although most of us will never be an Oprah or Jay-Z, and for some of us, that is not our desire. However, we can and will be known for something in our own corner of the world. What do you want to accomplish and be known for in your world? Teaching? Speaking? Writing? Encouraging Women? A guru on Christian marriages? Or Entrepreneurship? A good way to influence is to write it down and gather a clear understanding of who you want to be and where you want to go.

Take Inventory

I once read that a good indicator of your future is to look at what you are reading, watching or buying right now. Look at your wardrobe and how you present yourself. Ask your closest friend and family what you are "saying" to the world. I once taught a class to women entitled "What is Your Fragrance?" and encouraged women to think about the fragrance they give out to the world, while encouraging them to become a sweet fragrance unto God and others.

Realize Your Influence and Build Upon It

Who are you influencing and how? One of the keys to great branding is knowing your "audience" inside and out. If women is your audience and who God has called you to minister to, know them.  The same for marriages, entrepreneurs, teens, or whomever it is that God has called you to influence.  Study them.  Go where they are. Seek them and immerse yourself in their world. 

There are are myriad of other ways to influence others and build your personal brand. Whether you are going back in the workforce or expanding your ministry - we can start with the tips mentioned above.  However,  more than anything - it must start with prayer and a foundation in the Word of God.  We cannot begin to know ourselves without knowing our Creator.  Find out who He created you to be and move forward with living that best self out for the world before you.