Over the years, I've worked with a number of men and women who have personal brands that enable them to shine brightly. It's their sense of wellbeing that's so striking. It's as if they don't have a care in the world. And while that's highly unlikely, they never convey any sense of ill feelings. Their personal brand is such that their intention and purpose to convey the best version of who they are is always present -- no matter what. This entails self-discipline, sacrifice, and a high level of emotional maturity and empathy. These are the strong underpinnings of an individual who is proud of their personal brand. These are the people who can be silent, yet still be compelling. Their ability to be the person we would all like to be is in some cases a gift. And this gift, or talent, is a wonderful asset, yet it's not enough. You need more than talent to be as glossy as these men and women are able to be.
And the very good news is each of us can acquire an enviable sheen. When our personal brand is supported by robust inner brand underpinnings, we are able to convey a sense of deep, yet quiet, pride. However, you need to want it as much the actor who strives for stardom. By adopting an attitude of wanting to achieve this, as much as you want success, be that materially or personally, will enable you to attain it. Like much of life, knowing what we want is a great start. Then, deciding how we will achieve our desired outcomes is next. Your personal brand is made up of many small and large parts of who you are, from your thoughts, to your shoes. It could be described as a head- to-toe approach.
Let's start at the top, the way we think is always a good place to begin. By learning how we can train ourselves to guide our thoughts to encourage feelings of positivity and joy, brings a sense of pride to us. These feelings enable us to do better work, experience improved relationships and enjoy our life more fully. Just acknowledging this is an excellent start for any self improvement we may want to achieve, or aspire to. And when our personal brand is underpinned by our self awareness and desire to grow, pride emerges almost by osmosis. There are many ways we can grow as human beings, and by using the numerous techniques that are available to us makes it easier than ever before to do so.
Now about your toes: as much time as I spend with individuals who teach the how-to's of self improvement, and irrespective of how good they are at doing it, when I see them wearing shoes that look way past their sell-by date, I'm less certain about their message. One reason for this is if you are purporting to be someone who helps others to increase confidence levels, inspire and enabling them to raise their game, all of your details needs to be in very good shape. Here, I'm referring to behaviour, integrity, manners, credibility and attire. When we meet someone for the first time, we judge them on their appearance. So when we come across an individual who is known to take care of others, subconsciously we want them to be someone who takes of themselves. This helps us to trust them.
To learn more about Malcolm Levene, visit www.malcolmlevene.com.
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Dorie Clark: Why Your Personal Brand Shouldn't Be Your Corporate Brand
I read your 'tips' with interest though I have to admit, they also raised a few questions. We often read this kind of advice for what to do when the inevitable doubts and challenges emerge. That said, at the core of our being are the elements that make each of us who we are. That essence expresses and if we are brave and courageous enough to explore it, we actually discover our unique 'HOW' - our implicit access to our individual expression. Kudos to you for opening this conversation!
Good to hear from you.
I agree with you about 'our unique HOW'. In fact, for me, it's how we can accomplish being our Best Us, that continues to enthrall me...
All the best,
Malcolm
I notice the straight back of my small grand daughter. The smile of another. An upbeat attitude of the other. The color and shape of my mother's eyes passed down to two of my grandsons and two of my daughters. The tone and voice of a daughter that sounds like my grandmother's voice. The teen with a bad attitude, but I know he will change (if we don't kill him first:-). All these things are important as far as doing well in life and being happy.
One thing that is very important is not to tease children about their looks and we shouldn't make them feel bad about how they look. Also they should have as much as their friends, but not more.
Probably the best thing we can do for our children is encourage them to be their best self and encourage the traits to do that.
Look your best, but you don't want to go into a crowd of blue jeans and tennis shoe wearers dressed in a $1,000 suit. If you are trying to sell something to someone who says ain't it wouldn't hurt to throw in a few ain'ts too. That is what a teacher told a friend who was training him to sell insurance.
Slowing down enables us to get more done in the world of our own personal development. I'm pleased you have discovered that.
That you've developed awareness is a gift, one that you can share with others. Therefore, providing them with a gift.
I totally agree with you regarding encouraging chidren to be their best self. In fact, my work is underpinned by helping adults to be their Best Self.
All the best,
Malcolm
Your branding from the inside out is very good. Style definitely begins within, from where the energy of presence and enthusiasm can radiate out. Attire can be the "icing on the cake".
Best to you,
Anne
My husband was always well liked. I couldn't see it:-) He didn't seem to go out of his way to make a person feel comfortable. He was witty and upbeat. I have gradually realized that he has a talent in dealing with people. He doesn't make himself the most important and have the attitude of, "Look at me, I am great."
It sounds as though your husband was provided with a gift/talent to be well liked. I think that being upbeat and witty is key to helping others feel good. We all like to be around people like that.
Good to speak to you.
Best,
Malcolm
The ideas about uplifting thoughts and using intuition are all spot on - but BRAND? No. That just gives the wrong image altogether.
I fully agree with you about 'self-image' and 'sense of self'. In my experience in business, 'Personal Branding' has become an alternative to Personal Development, personal growth and the like. And the way I talk about it focuses on our reputation. I think the word 'brand', is a way to enter the mindsets of a business that has a very strong commercial focus.
I think we are all 'selling' something, be that our services, products or ourselves. And if our reputation/brand is in good shape, we attract more clients and we feel better about ourselves.
One again, thank you for raising important points.
Regards,
Malcolm
I'm a bit concerned about the selling something idea, though. In the context of a job interview, then definitely; or if we're running a business (though that isn't ourselves but stuff-we-have or stuff-we-do, which is not us). But extending commercial phrasing, even as a metaphor, into the rest of life sets my alarm bells going. One of the frequent complaints made about US culture is how commercialised it is, how people are turned into commodities or seen as just things by the lords and masters of the corporate world. This has happened, though I suspect to a lesser degree as yet, in Australia, too. For me it's very much a matter of business and business concepts - which inevitably bring the idea of things being of value only if that means money - needing to be kept out of one's personal life or view of the world. Commercialisation of the personal is corrosive, in my view, and hence I'm dubious about the wisdom of using its terminology and hence passively/unintentionally letting its "values" sink their claws in even deeper.
I think your list works better without the business model framing, in fact. The points are all good advice, and for me the "brand" just puts a wearying not-$$$-again slant to them, which they don't deserve.
-Gail Kasper
www.gailkasper.com
I'm not familiar with Systematic Attitude-Technique, I will check your website to learn about it. That it helps people to achieve 'complete contentment and happiness' is a wonderful claim.
Once again, thanks for the upbeat comment.
Best,
Malcolm