What do we cover?

We know what a business brand is, but do we all agree on what a personal brand is? While it’s not entirely clear, we like to think of a personal brand as what people say about us when we’re not with them. Basically, it’s our reputation—the good, the bad, and the ugly—that we’ve become known for.

So what do people say about you?

Near or at the top of the list is whether you follow through on what you said you would do. That’s trust, and it’s the number one characteristic of any leader. Full stop. There’s really nothing more important that you can do to build or destroy your reputation with others.

If you don’t follow through on what you said you’d do, it’s easy to make people feel unimportant and under-appreciated. Like Maya Angelou said, “It’s not about what you said or did, it’s how you made them feel.” Find out what your personal brand is saying about you—and how to improve it.

Key Components Include:

• The power of your personal brand
• The platinum rule
• Social media dos and don’ts
• How and why to be you, boo
• Fast ways to build or destroy trust

Why Is it Important?

In the land of word of mouth, reputation is king and referrals are the currency of the realm. If you botch your personal brand with unfulfilled action, then your words become as hollow as an empty chest. Good luck to you when you’re trying to leverage new business or repeat clients, if that happens.

So build a strong personal brand. Found it on doing what you’d say you’d do by when you said you’d do it. Follow through for others. Put them first and yourself second. Become known for doing a few things outstandingly well. Get other people talking about how you always come through for them when needed.

Remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “You’re actions speak so loudly I cannot hear what you are saying.”

How Will You Use It?

• Meet people where they are
• Mix personal and professional relationships
• Utilize 3 ways to be truly memorable
• Get people to work and more importantly, like you
• Remove the “fun” from your personal brand