What does it mean to have a brand? Usually when we think about brands, we think of businesses. Apple means cool devices. Starbucks means a consistent cup of coffee anywhere in the world. Toyota means reliable cars. But what about personal brands?
Similar to the way a name of a well-known business makes us think of certain things, a person’s name brings to mind certain qualities: positive, hard-working, happy, giving, loud, etc. This is a personal brand. What are the things people say or think about you when you leave the room. Have you ever given any thought to what your personal brand is?
I think a personal brand is important because it impacts how people see us and treat us, even influencing the moods and actions of those around us. Some people inspire those around them. Or act so negative that they bring people down. If I’m going to have an influence on this world, I’d like it to be a positive one.
Some might argue that you should be who you are, people can take it or leave it. Can you change your personal brand? Should you? Do YOU try to convey a certain brand?
The CrossFit Genesis Running Group has moved to 9:30am on Saturdays. Photo from 1/7/12
January 26, 2012 WOD
Overhead squat
3 sets of 5 reps
Then:
Handstand pushup x 15
One-legged squat x 30
3 rounds, with a partner
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Mother Theresa, words I try to live by:
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
No brand for me. Generic. I guess I am trying to change my brand to healthier and fitter. The new and improved Scott, he’s now less soft, droopy and saggy. Beth your post is good stuff.
Tim Ferriss talks about the idea of a personal brand. I think it’s more of an impression and message you want to send other people, whatever that may be. It’s a different way of looking at how you’re “communicating” with the people around you.
I can’t remember where I read it but it was something to the effect of: There are three YOUs. There is the person you see yourself as, the person others see you as and the real person you are. For the sake of this post, each of those could be, and often are a different “brand.” I think the real trick is to try and bring each of those in line with the other so we and others get a real picture of who we are and who we want to be.
I think if we asked someone whose opinion we valued and who has the cojones to be honest with us what they really think your “brand” is and it, we might be surprised to find what good and less desirable qualities others see in us.
It seems from a self-improvment standpoint (that is why we are all here right, self-improvement both mentally and physically), if your personal opinion of what your real brad is is too far out of sync with what others see, it will be tough to move forward.
For the record: I would like my brand to be Swashbuckling.
I think that everyone has a brand and that brand can change. But when we are put to the test and push our limits to the max, our true brand usually comes out. If we are a fighter it comes out. If we are someone who crumbles under pressure we will crumble.
We all want to be fighters, so we have to practice fighting. It takes consistant intentional effort to change the brand we become under pressure.
If you are looking for your personal brand but don’t know where to start, here is a tool that might be helpful:
http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/discover.asp
It is a test that shows you your personality type (categorized into 9 types). It also offers 7 tools for personal growth. This test has been used in business and for spiritual growth as well.
Here is more about the ennegram on wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enneagram_of_Personality
Such a good thing to think about!! I hope and pray that my life and my actions will always be one that encourages and brightens people’s days. My sarcasm tends to get the better of me sometimes, but like it has been said already, we can always improve!!
Interesting ideas all around.
Rick, I like the point you make.. if your view of yourself if out-of-whack with what others see, it can lead to big problems. What if what others see is also out-of-whack with the REAL you?
Casey, I really like your point about our true self coming out when were are tested and Scott J, I think you have more of a brand than that!
Hi,
Had to comment as this post really got me thinking about what I put out there, so to speak. My thoughts were about the same as Rick’s, sometimes there are several “YOUs” and I hope the brand(s) I feel I project are inline with what others see too.
Though I don’t think my brand would be “swashbuckling”.