SEVEN TRAITS OF ALL SUCCESSFUL PERSONAL BRANDS

 SEVEN TRAITS OF ALL SUCCESSFUL PERSONAL BRANDS

CONFIDENCE IS THE MOST ATTRACTIVE BRAND ATTRIBUTE.

Although the term “personal branding” might make you think me, me, me, putting yourself at the center of the world, effective personal branding is about being visible, available, and valuable to others.

By definition, every personal branding is different. There are no two successful professionals who have achieved the same success in the same way, but there are some traits that are common to those who have strong brands.  I’m fortunate to have to spent the past one decade working with people who have compelling brands that are worthy of remark.  They are respected and acknowledged by their colleagues, have fan clubs of people who want to support them and have built careers that inspire envy among their peers.  Although they are in different roles in different industries and at different levels in their organisation, they all have these seven attributes in common:

1.      THEY ARE PURPOSEFUL.  They know why they do what they do.  Most people focus on what they do and how they do it.  Strong personal brands have that awareness too, and they connect those actions and that differentiation to the reason behind those actions.  British-American author, motivational speaker, and organisational consultant “Simon Sinek” put it this way: “Because a true sense of purpose is deeply emotional, it serves as a compass to guide us to act in a way completely consistent with our values and beliefs.”

 

2.      THEY ARE CONFIDENT. Confidence is the most attractive brand attribute.  We are inspired by and attracted to those who are comfortable in their own shoes.  They exude poise and a strong sense of self.  Confidence often comes from living their authentic brand-being willing to be who they are without excuse or apology.  When they speak, we are willing to listen and are eager to believe exactly what they say.

 

 

3.      THEY DON’T WEAR BINDERS.  They think beyond their role. Of course, they commit to mastering the role they have and making a mark on the organization, but they seek to be influential in other domains.  This means they have a higher profile in the company they work for, outside their vision or department, tapping in the power of digital tools to help achieve this.  They’re involved in projects in other domains – connecting with people throughout the company.  They are also known in their community of colleagues both inside and outside the organization and they’re respected for their expertise and point of view.  They’re engaged and involved.

 

4.      THEY ARE GENEROUS.  Although the term “personal branding” might make you think “me, me, me,” putting yourself at the center of the world, effective personal branding is about being visible, available, and valuable to others.  Strong personal brands are generous with praise – acknowledging others regularly for their insights and contributions, online and in person.  They are quick to share information, content and advice.  They live in a world of abundance and are ready to expend time and energy to support others.

 

5.      THEY’RE LIFELONG LEARNERS.  They know that I f they are not learning and growing, they aren’t standing still, they are actually falling behind.  Their sense of curiosity compels them to try new things.  They take every opportunity to learn both through day-to-day, on-the-job activities and through more formal talent development programs.

 

6.      THEY’RE AMBITIOUS.  While over delivering what’s required of them today, they are focused on the future. They are always aware of or considering what’s next. Personal branding in authenticity, but there is an aspirational element to it. You need to be who you are while positioning yourself for the future. Strong personal brands demonstrate that they are not only competent where they are, they’re ready and eager for their next big gig.

 

7.      THEY’RE CURIOUS.  They’re at least interested as they are interesting. Their curiosity helps them to build stronger, more authentic relationships with others, and it helps them stay fresh by always discovering things and learning more about them.  One of the reasons I especially enjoy writing and is not just teaching; I’m learning from all the great follow-up questions I receive afterward from my new connections in the audience. Their curiosity inspires new content for future presentations.