As I’m preparing today to speak on personal branding for an audience of administrative professionals, I opened my inbox this morning and found a fresh article by Ephesians Four Ministries. I subscribe to their weekly devotionals.
This particular one was quite timely and a great personal reminder for me, the speaker, to get and keep her act together!
Personal branding moves us from wearing masks to wearing hats. We all have many roles we play throughout our week. The issue many have is that they are trying to balance all of their roles and end up wearing a mask. They are pretentious in their actions and spend their days just trying to fake their way through.
I am a wife, mama, daughter, sister, friend, in-law, teacher, entrepreneur, business owner, volunteer, and speaker. Rather than wearing a mask and faking genuineness, I try to focus on the role of the moment. I don’t wear masks which attempt to hide who I really am. Rather, I try to develop my character and strengthen my personal brand, so that who I am is consistent no matter which role I am in. I have made the switch from wearing masks to wearing hats.
We cannot balance every role at all times. It’s too much, too distracting and non-productive. Rather, I change hats and attempt to dedicate my attention and mental strength on the hat of the moment. This mental switch helps me listen and respond so much better. Better behavior enhances my personal brand. Granted, this approach is not always easy and their are days I just want to hide behind a mask and hope nobody notices. We are all life in progress.
Here is a segment of the e-mail I mentioned above. For more of the article, subscribe to their free e-mail list here http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
“Coca-Cola is the number one “brand” in the world. Companies spend millions of dollars making their brands known in business. They want you to recognize their brand. When you think of their brand they hope you will have positive thoughts in hopes it will influence your next purchasing decision.
Every individual has a personal “brand” whether you want it or not. Cultures have a brand. Ethnic groups have a brand. Your brand is defined by your conduct. If you are always late, you’ll soon develop a brand or reputation for being late. Others will even show up late because they know you will be late. If you are a person who exaggerates the truth, others will soon fail to take you serious.
However, the opposite can also be true. Your brand can be incredibly positive. By being a man or woman of your word, who is consistent in dealing fairly and honestly with others, your brand becomes known as someone who is faithful in all aspects of life”.
Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.
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