The ABC's of Networking: B is for Brand

Coca-Cola has a brand.

Nike has a brand.

You have a brand.

It's true. In the old west they burned a brand onto the cattle so that they could instantly be identified to anyone who saw them. The same is true of you in your business community. Everything you have ever done and said is part of your brand. Your past actions are now part of how others instantly see you. Today and in the future.

I know a woman who claims that she does not have a "personal brand". And if she does, she says it does not matter what other people think. I beg to differ. Much like we discussed yesterday about "Attitude", your image in the business community is very important to opportunities that will come your way.

Major corporations spend millions of dollars and employ professional "brand managers". They do this because they understand the value of having a positive image to the outside world. Yet individuals often ignore the importance of managing their own brand.

You need to pay attention to how you behave under stress. I know one professional who thinks that his staff views him with admiration. His heart is in the right place, but when he gets over-worked, he becomes very difficult, irrational and mean-spirited. His brand is that he is an awful person with whom to work. He has paid no attention to his "brand" and allowed his reputation inside his company (and outside) to become tarnished.

Here are seven things you can do to improve your "brand":

1. Treat others with respect
2. Volunteer for business and charitable organizations
3. Always do a great job for your employer
4. Mentor others
5. Learn to be a better public speaker
6. Write articles for business publications
7. Refer business to those in your network

Have A Great Day.

Thom Singer
www.thomsinger.com
thom@thomsinger.com