What's Your Brand?
For important occasions, we all invest an amount of time, whether short or long considering what to wear. The most obvious example of this is your wedding. Getting your beautiful white dress or morning suit just right is a challenge, not least because of what your other half will say if you get it wrong! And what about an interview? Skirt or trouser suit? Double cuffs or single? What does your business card holder say about you? Don’t even get me started on the first date…
We’re all well-used to investing time in our physical appearance, but what about the rest of you? What personality traits do you want to put across? What do you want people to say about you when you leave a room? What do you want to be known for? It’s true first impressions count and these are so much more than just your appearance.
Take the example of a networking meeting. What’s your goal for the meeting? Perhaps it’s to meet two people who could introduce you to your next boss. Or maybe to get invited to speak at the next event. Whatever it is, think about the qualities you need to display to reach that goal. Qualities such as professionalism, confidence, leadership, amiability… And once you’ve identified what they are, consider how you’ll portray them; will you use body language, knowledge, conversation skills or a good firm handshake?
However it’s not enough to just display these qualities. You have to mean them. That’s the essence of Brand You – it’s genuine. You don’t need to ‘fake it until you make it’ because in everything you do, you’re authentic. And it’s so simple. All you’re doing is selecting a personality trait that’s already inside you – a hat, if you like – and wearing it as appropriate to the occasion. That’s why it works!
So,
1) What’s your goal for the event/occasion?
2) How do you want to come across to reach that goal?
3) What qualities do you need to show
4) Be true to yourself – where inside you have you already got those qualities?
5) Be individual, be authentic – be your own brand!