Self-Branding

Guest blogger again...sorry, I just keep sneaking in here when the main author is not watching to throw some ideas at you. I want to talk about branding yourself. No, this doesn't require hot iron or self-inflicted burning of any kind, it has to do with a mindset that you carry with you daily and use to help your decision making. It also is something not just for managers.

When branding is used in an advertising setting, it means creating a strong impression (hopefully positive) between the product/service and the potential buyer. Advertisers want their widget to be looked at favorably by the general public so that when buying a widget becomes important, theirs is the first to be purchased in the buyer's mind. Sounds simple, right?

When it comes to you, however, it is not that simple. What am I good at? Where do I see myself in five years? What do I want from life and work and and and...You get the idea. Our filters get in the way of being objective about us as workers and as human beings. So I'm going to offer a starter exercise to get at finding your brand.

1) What one value best describes you? (Think lofty ones like honesty, compassion, etc)
2) If you could see yourself as an animal based on your personality, what would it be?
3) Favorite thing to do with your free time.
4) What would you want your epitaph to say (headstone on your grave...morbid, I know, but work with me here people!)
5) Greatest area for improvement and what you do to improve it.

These five questions are by no means exhaustive...as a matter of fact I just thought of them now. But I think they get to the heart of some key images of ourselves that we use to describe who we are as people and therefore who we are as workers/managers. We are people first before we lead others. Now that you have answered those questions, make a billboard displaying you as a product with a catchy slogan on why you are the greatest thing since sliced bread (For those who don't know billboards, they are the giant roadside signs you pass on the highway).

When it is done, put it on your desk to remind you of why you are the product of choice for the tasks you do everyday at work. On the days when you aren't at your best, you may find it perks you up and reminds you of who you want to be and what you want to be known for in your company. If they know who you are and what you stand for, the brand of You is created in that image. So, to borrow a famous brand hook, JUST DO IT!!