Keeping It Going

Now that you’ve got the basics of your brand YOU in place, you might start a log. Keep track of ideas that work for you and things that you want to work on. You might keep notes on feedback you get that applies to your brand strategy–statements folks make about you, such as “Gee, you’re always so good at getting things done.” Keeping track of such things is important because other folks really decide what your brand is. You only decide what you want it to be.

The first notes in your journal might include notes on leadership such as this.

2 Keys to Leadership

Leadership is an essential part of any personal brand. A living leadership brand has two vital keys–humanity and communication.

You show humanity when you accept your own mistakes and the mistakes others make. There is leadership in that big word forgiveness that too many would be leaders often miss. How nice it is to work for, and with, someone who not only forgives others, but forgives himself or herself as well. Leaders who never err, make everyone nervous, so don’t try to be perfect. That only makes others think they have to be perfect too.

Part of being human is talking to other humans. Communicate. The free flow of information is critical in any leadership role. Communication not only lets people know what is going on, it lets them know that you care about them. Share your thoughts with discretion, grace, and humility. They will return the favor by sharing their thoughts with you.

An Ongoing Task

Building a brand and keeping it going is an ongoing, organic, living, breathing task–just as being you is. Check in on your brand every day or so to see how it’s going. Check your desk to make sure that it still looks like your big idea, too. Each time you reach a benchmark–a great sale, a promotion, a new client–check in on your brand and decide whether it needs a new coat of paint.

Your personal brand is an investment in you and your future. You’re a leader now. Let’s work together to keep your brand a perfect example of the unique valuable you.

–ME “Liz” Strauss