We all have those moments in our life when we either recognize or someone recognizes on our behalf that ‘something’ that defines us. Sometimes it can be so fabulous that it becomes our identity and, in some way, our legacy. It can be either positive or negative. How we drive our branding, our narrative, our storyline will determine how that shakes out.
Afterall, it’s your story. Own it, embrace it, and tell it
People will interpret it, right, wrong, or indifferent, but it is often left for interpretation, so take charge and communicate with conviction who you are, what you do, where you do it, why you do it and most importantly, will you add value? That’s what will define you – Your added value.
Salesmanship is a skill that allows us an opportunity to promote our core and our essence. Do we take it to an extreme that is so over the top that it could dilute who we are, provide a mixed message and create doubt? Many people do. They abuse that opportunity. They risk losing trust and when you sacrifice the ‘trust factor’, you set yourself up for failure. Eventually, it will catch up and in fact, get ahead of you. To the point that you are always chasing your own truth…..or lie. Don’t invent stuff to satisfy the moment. Think long term. What do you want people to think about you and what you do? Do you care enough about what defines you? Self-branding shouldn’t only apply to your professional self. No, it should apply to YOU.
How you support those around you, your self-worth, how you engage with people, the wisdom you share, your mere POSITIVE presence will allow your family and colleagues to see you as genuine, honest, dependable, reliable, trustworthy, right-minded and someone that has earned respect. Let that define you.
