What is your Brand?; A Shameless Plug

Written by Anthony Demangone

Every day we make decisions.  We interact with colleagues and members.  We write emails.  We complete projects.  We dress a certain way. 

All of these little things add up to something larger - our personal reputation.  A personal brand?

"Personal brand" sums it up best. And it isn't my idea.  It belongs to John Spence.  In his words...

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Each of us, as a professional, and especially those of us that interact directly with our clients – need to consider the importance of creating a personal brand. In other words, what are the thoughts, beliefs, emotions you want to come into people’s minds when they hear… your name! Do they think: “trusted advisor,” do they think about someone who is highly competent, caring, a true expert? Or does your brand not have a distinctive and unique position in the customer’s mind? Today, to create a successful career as a person who delivers professional services – such as a lawyer, insurance salesperson, real estate agent, financial manager… or “business expert” such as myself, it’s critical that you take the time to think through the images, feelings, thoughts, emotions and connections that you want your clients to make when they think about you – and when they refer you to their friends and colleagues!!!

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Right on, John.  So let me ask you these questions.

1. Have you chosen your personal brand?
2. Have you achieved it?
3. If not, how will you get there?

Have a great week guys. 

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If you enjoy the thoughts and wisdom of John Spence, consider attending NAFCU's MDI conference, this November. John will lead a workshop on day one that will lead attendees on a journey through strategy and leadership.  It should be fantastic.  I'll be there, with bells on.  

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Comments

[Mike]

Great post, Anthony!

This topic is something I've believed in for a long time. Every seemingly insignificant e-mail and routine meeting can really add up. Check out this article by Tom Peters (of "In Search of Excellence" fame) from 1997, which is still very relevant to this day:

http://www.fastcompany.com/28905/brand-called-you

[Anthony Demangone]

Thanks, Mike! And thanks for forwarding that article. It was a fantastic read.