Personal Brand

Live Your Brand

The working world – and even life itself – centers on your personal brand. Your personal brand is the persona you have. It’s the way you present yourself to others and it’s the image others have of you.

When people hear the word “amazing,” they associate it with me. And that’s because I’ve made it that way. I want to be known as innovative, connected, and inspired. I want to be known as someone who makes things happen. When people hear my name, I want them to be able to say, “Jackie made a difference.”

Defining your personal brand lies in the questions you ask yourself and with your answers, you can lay out an individualized plan for defining your path.

What do you want to be known for?

Think about the legacy you want to leave. What you create now is what you will leave behind.

What do you want people to recognize about you?

When people hear your name, what do you want them to think? Are you generous? Are you resourceful? Are you inventive? Reflect on your buzzwords.

What are your unshakeable core values?

Do you put integrity and transparency first? Or do you find more value in respect? Look inside yourself and resolve the principles you refuse to sacrifice. State your backbone.

What will I contribute to my industry? My community?

You are what you give and that is undoubtedly more important than what you undertake. Strive to contribute something new and inspired every day.

What do people ask me questions about?

Think about the questions you are asked the most often. This helps define what type of leader you are. The more you articulate your position in the world, the stronger your reputation will be.

Establishing your reputation lies in planning and execution. It’s being able to strategically define who you are so you can maximize your opportunities. Answering these questions helps you outline how you’ll reach out to the world.

But most importantly, everything you do should be an inspired action. What you do and who you are should be something that connects with people. And when you take the time to listen, appreciate the way people respond to you.

People don’t spend enough time figuring out who they are, what they want to be known for, or the mark they want to leave.

But the world is about reputation. It’s who you are and what you represent. What people think about you is more important than you know. Your character is the way others respond to you and wouldn’t you want to be able to have a say in that?

Wouldn’t you want to position yourself in a way that shows your character?