All things have a brand name such as food, fruits, cars, companies, clothes, hospitals and many more. Each brand name has its own logo to identify and to attract consumers. Apple, for example has a logo that says “Be different”. It is a short message but it has a great impact to people to buy. Well, not to mention Apple made it sure to eliminate those unnecessary features and to ensure the product is easy to use. Contrary to popular belief, the aim for Apple is not to compete with other products but to educate consumers and to make life easy and that make them different from the rest.
We, human, on the other hand, have branding too. This is not limited to those who are in a position in the company or own a business. This is not only to those rich people or affluent people in a high society. This is not solely for celebrities or politicians. Looking back from my past work experiences, people are too attached with their titles both before and after their names. There is nothing wrong with achieving those names. It is admirable and it is hard work. Also, people would know what you can do for them and your role in the community. A doctor, dentist, nurse, police, banker, recruiter, cleaner, janitor and others. Given those titles, we must never forget our character that attach to it. Just because you are good in excel you become a team leader right away but you are terrible in handling people. Your boss trained you to be a good customer service agent but never treated you with respect. Its funny isn’t it? Your head nurse advised you to be gentle with your patient but so harsh on you. A person is promoted to a higher rank and acting like knows everything and treated you a subordinate all of the sudden. Promotion is added responsibilities not a power to look down people. Instead, use that power to help people, to lift up others. Don’t get wrong, I am not jealous. I am not even impressed. You consider yourself intelligent but arrogant. It’s not a good combination, isn’t it? Perfect combination, for instance, are: Smart and Friendly. Competitive and Warm. Skilful and Humble and many more. As a matter of fact, you can make a blending on your own. And that’s what personal branding is all about.
Personal branding doesn’t need a title. However, your character and personality is what make you stood out from the rest. As the saying goes from Maya Angelou – “People will forget what you said and what you did but they will never forget what you made them feel.
This is absolutely true. No matter what you do in life, people would always remember your good sides. Your brand is your identity. Your reputation. Your true nature. It is actually contagious. It benefits others too. It has power. It can make or break your personal and professional life. It is not too late to create your own brand and let me share with you some tips:
1. Be authentic – authenticity does not automatically mean openness to everything in your life. In fact, you do not need to say that you are real because your action will show. It is actually come from within. It is from your heart. You always have a good intention genuinely. Take a look at Rolls- Royce car- you can’t see them advertising to any media outlet but only limited to ultra high end consumers it’s because they promote originality and authenticity. Same as human. I am sure you can figure it out. :)
2. Be kind – As Mark Twain said: “Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see”. To some people, it might mean weak or naive but you know what, it is strength not a weakness. Be kind to yourself and to others. Show some kindness every day. You don’t know how many people who need it. Give it freely and it will come back to you freely too.
3. Be likeable- Ahh. At the some point in your life, you met a person with a positive aura that even if you don’t know him or her you feel good and at ease being with that person. He/she knows the art and science of likeability. Being likeable creates good connection with respect and great relationship. This is mostly innate but it can be taught and can be learned. And for Pete’s sake please smile. Nothing makes you more attractive if you smile. People like people who smile. We never knew they need it. :D
Darling, don’t stress yourself too much. Take it easy. Make your branding simple and fun. Doesn’t need to be perfect. Just like Tesco “Every little helps”. Consider Nike “Just do it.”
You are beautiful.
You are awesome.
You are wonderful.
You are cheeky.
You are different.
This will do. This is perfect.
Well, unless if you have a better idea. :D
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