Personal Brand More Than How You Look

When you hear the term “Personal Brand,” your first thought might wander to the outfit you are wearing or the color of your shoes. However, your Personal Brand is so much more than your exterior image. It’s how you think, how you treat others, how you make people feel and also how you communicate.

When I coach employees on career development, I ask about their relationships with peers and bosses. I inquire about how co-workers view them professionally. Is it the same viewpoint they have of themselves? Would managers say they are caring or negative? Hard working or lazy?

Often times, the responses are astonishing. Employees will discover that they have closed themselves off or haven’t represented their full Personal Brand in the best light to help further their careers and in turn, miss out on opportunities.

Your Personal Brand is a direct reflection of you. It’s your name. Your handshake. Your authentic self. The whole enchilada wrapped up in a bow called YOU.

Some Personal Brands are flashy. Some are reserved. All of this is exciting! Nobody else brings that exact same package to the table. But, it can hurt you if you aren’t aware of what that package means. Do you know what your Personal Brand says about you without even realizing it? When thinking about your Personal Brand, ask yourself these questions:

  • Would your bosses state that you are the first or last out of the office each day on a consistent basis?
  • How would your co-workers describe how you make them feel?
  • Would your peers say that you are open or closed off when approached at the water cooler?
  • Can you communicate effectively with clients and peers?
  • What are five words your boss would use to describe you?
  • If you had a hashtag, what would it be?
  • What are your three brand words?
  • What do you think is the most important quality that compliments career advancement?

Being cognizant about all aspects of your Personal Brand will allow you to leverage your positive attributes for career growth and in turn, live a happy, healthy life! Here’s wishing you a great week!

Shannon McKain is a motivational speaker, life coach, and entrepreneur from Kansas City, Missouri. She seeks to help people live their best lives through personal brand development, goal mapping, and work/life fusion.

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