Make a wise investment in your personal brand

An investment in personal branding is more of a worthwhile goal than in bygone days when corporate citizenship ruled the day. As the U.S. economy comes back to life, new strategic opportunities will arise, giving you the opportunity to leave your personal mark on the world.

With an assortment of large corporations sporting a black eye for questionable practices, your personal brand and business ethic are entirely under your control. (How many corporate executives wish that were the same case for their companies?)

Just as a corporation tracks and develops its internal and external assets, an aspiring business professional should adopt the same approach to personal branding. 

Begin with a tally of the personal assets you bring to the table. Unlike the onerous situation of in-office politics, your personal brand is under your control at all times. As the CEO of your own personal brand, you have the reins in hand!

Next build a fan base. No, we’re not talking about Hollywood-style drama. But adding a touch of electrifying stage presence can attract positive attention and could eventually lead to a lucrative opportunity to pursue a mutually favorable business relationship.

Now comes the fun part: Show off your brand. Add some flare. Polish your appearance to a high sheen. Then stand back and note how the whole dynamic has changed. It’s not just what you wear; it’s how you walk, how you talk. And most of all it’s how you engage others, both verbally and visually.

Lastly, work on the ability to remember names as if your life depended on it. Don’t be remembered as the business professional who stuttered over a name or forgot the person’s name altogether.

When you put all these elements together, rest assured you’ll make a hard-to-forget impression when you walk through that door!