You’re Branded Branded Branded Branded

The way you talk. The way you work with your team. The coffee you drink. The office you sit in. The technology partners you use. The shirts you wear. The things you stand for. The newspapers you read. The pen you use. The phone you carry. The car you drive. Everything about you, contributes to the brand you are.

You’re Branded Branded Branded.

Believe it? According to personal branding expert Nick Nichols, your personal brand is defined as “the firm impression or fixed image that comes to mind when people think of you or see you.”

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Fact is, it is very difficult to spot the geek from the serial killer, simply by looking at their faces. Indeed this side of the pond few people will have heard of Richard David Falco or David Berkowitz. Yet everyone has heard of ‘Son of Sam’? He was actually also known as Richard David Falco and subsequently David Berkowitz. Its obvious personal brands have had an effect here. The words ‘Son of Sam’ are associated to a vile personal brand.

Its a horrid example to use – but it illustrates that personal brands matter. There is awareness of ‘Son of Sam’ because the name carries value – and subsequently a mental association. And association is a vital ingredient of attention.

Get personal branding right – what do you think of when you see Steve Jobs? – and you become capable of being well known (recognised). Get it wrong and you are just another face. Oblivious. A no one. Particularly in IT (and Rock and Roll).

Each of us has unique gifts and a distinct purpose in life. Leverage it and expose it. In terms of personal branding, if you are an entrepreneur start thinking Me Ltd. And if like me you are responsible for technology brands – think about (and manage) the CEO’s personal brand and the Executive team’s brands.

Personal branding is a key ingredient of attention. And attention is a key ingredient of growth.

Filed under: Branding, Ideas and Riffs, Strategy, marketing