Developing Your Personal Brand

Okay so you hear the word ‘brand’... what comes to mind?

Most would say Nike, Gucci, Lululemon, etc.- like the big names in clothing and accessories right? 

My challenge for you today is to add <insert your name here> alongside those other names when you think of the word ‘brand’.  

Just as Nike or Lululemon have specific traits, sayings, missions and goals, as well as a unique company image, you as an individual have those too- excluding 50% off deals on boxing day of course. 

But seriously… think of yourself! What are your values, what is your mission, what do you want people to know you for, how do you want to present yourself to others, what do you bring to the table that no one else does, what quirks/interests/passions make you YOU. 

Branding is not just for industry, it is a way of setting yourself apart in your work space, friendships, relationships, life!! No one wants a copy paste version of someone they already know- they want authenticity!

Let's go back to Nike for a second (staring at my workout clothes while writing this I wonder where this brand inspo came from??). 

Nike’s mission is to “ Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *athlete defined as anyone with a body”. They have made this mission statement into a globally recognized slogan and mantra that has inspired millions of people- “Just do it.”. They made a fitness space for every person to feel welcomed, empowered, and represented- defining every human with a body as an athlete. Nike is everyone.

Now, I could go on about the power of Nike for hours, but taking the brief branding goals and mission statement they have, it opens conversation for how this can be done when finding your personal brand as well. spoiler alert… personal branding is just being yourself 

What is your mission? 

• Through your career, personal life, a feeling you want to give others, etc

What do you live by?

• What's a saying or mantra that resonates with you the most, or best explains how you live your life? 

What is your goal?

• What do you want to accomplish, who do you want to impact?

Who are you?

• Are you an extrovert? Are you curious and inquisitive? Are you confident? Are you adventurous? What characteristics are authentically you.

Put it all together… there you go! Your personal brand!! 

The best part about it all, is it is authentic to you- so when people ask you about ‘who you are’ or the classic ‘tell me a little bit about yourself”- you have a perfectly packaged personal brand statement to deliver! 

Now go and be you!!