In today’s fast paced, ever-changing world, it is not enough to simply be memorable. No, today it takes a lot of work to establish a brand for yourself whether you’re running for political office or trying to establish yourself in an industry where you passionately believe that your talents can make a positive difference.
I’ve become very conscious of the powerful personal brands in our own industry, and recently at United Fresh 2013 in San Diego, it hit me. There are several recurring attributes that each of the leaders I look up to possess and that I believe are necessary to be relevant and, well, outstanding. This is my list.
1. Memorable
I mentioned “memorable” at the top of the article because, alas, this is an attribute that I believe one must possess in order to build a personal brand. This quality takes years of practice and is a direct result of mastering the next six attributes on my list.
2. Authentic
I’m willing to bet that nobody has ever claimed that they’d like to model their career and personal brands after that of a used car salesman. While in many cases these folks are most likely quite genuine, the stereotype is that the used car salesman is neither authentic nor truthful. To establish a home run brand, we must model ourselves after those that are admired for their authenticity.
3. Energetic
When you’re establishing a name and brand for yourself, you must show up with enthusiasm and with a positive attitude for forward motion and growth! When you leave a room, you want the murmurs to sound like this, “Wow! She really owned the room, didn’t she? Her energy is precisely what this industry needs.”
4. Connected
Individuals with great personal brands are connected in more ways than one. They not only shake hands with and toast glasses with the movers and shakers of the world, but also with the up and coming generation of professionals. Great personal brands are typically also connected online via social networks. This helps them to reach movers, shakers and next generation leaders with the push of a button.
5. Consistent
Being a consistent nurturer and advocate of a personal brand is absolutely necessary in its evolution to greatness. Consistency helps to mold a personal brand by showing dedication to a thought, a cause or an industry and proves that this person is in it for the long haul.
6. Present
Being present is absolutely imperative in building a strong personal brand. Whether a person is engaged face to face or via social networks, whatever the circumstance, being present with a purpose helps to further expose the dedication and integrity of a person’s commitment to their brand and their cause.
7. Accountable
Over the last three weeks, I have heard stories from individuals with great personal brands being utterly transparent about the journeys that ultimately helped them to establish their personal brands within the fresh produce industry. The truth is, establishing an outstanding personal brand is work and mistakes must be made for us to learn and adapt accordingly. But when we are accountable for our mistakes and willing to share our stories with others, people will relate and, as a result, develop a stronger bond to your strengthening brand.
What attributes do you believe one should possess in order to rock a personal brand like Jagger? I’d like to hear about your strategies for establishing an outstanding personal brand for yourself. What measures will you take to mold your brand into something meaningful and impactful for others?
