Unlock Your Powerful, Instantly Recognizable Personal Brand

What's your brand excellence?

What is my personal brand anyway?

I speak a lot on branding and this question comes up almost every time...and for good reason.

Branding can be defined in many ways and the term 'brand' is often confusing for people because there are many elements that make up a brand and it can be difficult to pinpoint what a 'brand' really is.

A 'brand' is essentially how something is known; it is a unique promise of value.

Example:

When we think about Apple Computers, what words and qualities pop up in our minds? How do we know Apple? Perhaps words come up like 'innovation,' 'creativity,' and 'high-quality?' Over time, Apple has built a reputation through the corporation's marketing and through people's experiences with their products—so, this is how they are branded.

So for Apple, they set themselves apart from others in their industry by expressing their unique promise of continually creating the latest, cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of their creative worldly audience.

So, how are YOU known? What makes up your personal brand?

Personal branding for entrepreneurs is really about developing the whole core of the personality of your business in ways that honor your unique style of making a difference—because branding is of course more than just graphics and words.

And to really take your business to the next level, you need to get really clear about who you are as a brand, the powerful results you provide and be able to successfully communicate that with those people who you help through your work.

So, to begin unlocking your powerful, instantly recognizable presence within you that's part of what makes you known and part of what makes up your personal brand, starts with connecting with the core of who you are and one of the methods I use to do that is by helping people tap into your brand archetypes.

Brand Archetypes

Your brand archetypes are what capture the spirit, personality and passion of you and what you do, giving you the freedom and permission to integrate your authentic personality into your marketing, which helps to develop your personal brand.

Knowing what your brand archetypes are is going to help you to fully step into your true role as the leader of your business and the tremendous value that you provide for your clients.

Here's a story to help you see how you can make major shifts when you're clear on your brand archetypes and using what makes you incredible to get better results in your business.

Jan, Explorer/Alchemist

Sample Success Story - Jan

(See Jan's story and other success stories at http://www.brandbreakthroughsecrets.com)

Jan is an exceptional coach and experienced entrepreneur of multiple, successful businesses throughout the years.

Yet, when I first met her, she had not yet fully tapped into the value, experience and expertise she provides to her clients and this undervaluing showed up in many ways—from not charging the full worth of the transformations she helps people to achieve to telling herself, “who am I to offer this or charge that?”

Here's where Jan was at before. 

“I honestly didn't believe that what I had was of value. Clients had raved about my work, my entire 6-figure income business was built on referrals, yet somehow I missed the piece that I was offering something of incredible value. Kind of like not seeing the white elephant in the middle of the room.”

So, for Jan, her primary archetype is the Explorer and the archetype that influences how she does her work is an Alchemist. And for each one of the brand archetypes—there are 12—they each have their own meaning, personality, values, likes and dislikes, strengths, sense of purpose, and calling.

So for Jan, what knowing this meant for her is the ability to not just create good copy writing by using many of the words that are on the archetype cards, but it really captured the essence of who she is.

How Jan expresses the shift that happened for her...

“I realize now that I'm a pioneer, carving new paths for entrepreneurs and I am not conforming in any way, shape or form. Knowing my archetype somehow gave me full permission to be who I am AND to be able to market that without hesitation.”

I now understand that what I offer to my clients is completely life-changing and I will save them thousands, if not tens of thousands in dollars, because I know way more than I realized I did. It feels so amazing and that confidence is now oozing out to my clients.”

I just love how that shift happens for people when they realize how incredible they are and bring that excellence into their work and are able to more clearly express who they are as a brand to get results.

So, here's one action you can take today to begin unlocking your powerful, instantly recognizable personal brand: Ask yourself and write down answers to the following question: “What are the characteristics, qualities, and values that I bring to my work that attract and inspire people to hire me and refer me to their friends and colleagues?”

I'd love to hear your answers! Be sure you share them below in the comment area.

Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved

To learn more about discovering your brand archetypes and start getting better results through your marketing, visit: http://www.brandbreakthroughsecrets.com

If you would like to use this article on your blog or website, feel free as long as you include the following author information:

Known for her creativity, gentle disposition, enthusiasm, and passion, Lisa Hromada is a leading Personal Branding Strategist and Authentic Marketing Coach who specializes in empowering women entrepreneurs to manage their time and find the clarity and focus they need to create a thriving business while still having the time and energy to enjoy their other priorities. Find Lisa's FREE gifts and more at: http://www.lisahromada.com/bizsuccess

Personal Branding Predictions: Top Ten for 2010 | Search Journal

Personal Branding Predictions: Top Ten for 2010 | Search Journal

Every year since William Arruda founded his company, Reach, in 2001, he has made predictions about how the world of personal branding will evolve in the coming year. Here are his top 10 for 2010! (just click on the link above to be connected to the article at SYS-CON Media)

Where to Begin Discovering Your Personal Brand

The unique way in which you make a contribution to the world relates to your overall ‘personal brand.’ Your 'personal brand' relates to what you do both personally and professionally. It's about bringing your natural character and talents into your business to make it more profitable and compelling. A positive personal brand is partly about doing what you enjoy and the value that you provide to others through your work. I meet many people who desire to make a difference and provide a better life for themselves and their family.

They usually feel that they have to do something ‘big’ in order to make a difference, whether it be making a difference in another individual or making a difference in the prosperity of their business, but in fact, many of the smallest actions in life and in your business for the benefit of others is what contributes to making the biggest differences. If it weren’t for all of the ‘little’ things that people do each day through their business, there would be no ‘big’ discoveries or advancements. I enjoy the aspects of personal branding and what it brings to others who are in the process of discovering and growing their personal brand excellence. It is an empowering feeling to do your life’s work in the excellence of who you are and not who you think that others want you to be. This brings me to what is personal branding.

One can begin to discover their personal brand by identifying what are their unique gifts, strengths, characteristics, and the passions they have in your professional and personal life. By going through the process of identifying these characteristics and defining your personal brand, you can create a compelling identifiable personality for your business, package your services and products more effectively and attract more of your ideal clients. Doesn't everyone want to stand out from others who offer the same types of products and services? Of course! Personal branding can help you stand out from others as well as give your business immediate and positive recognition in the eyes of your ideal clients.

Take the first step.

Figure out precisely what you want, how you are going to accomplish what you want, what steps that you need to take, and who was going to help you when you need help (don’t do it all yourself; you may burnout). To help organize your thoughts, write each one of these categories on a piece of paper and explore the answers.

What do I want for my business? What do I currently offer and what additional things do I want to offer in the future?

What steps do I need to take in order to accomplish what I want?

Who can help me with the specific things that I want to accomplish if I need help?

Also, open yourself up to seeing opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Once you know what you want and ways that you can accomplish what you want, you may find it easier to see opportunities that may be beneficial to you when they arise. Examples of opportunities may include opportunities of marketing your services better or opportunities for attracting more of your ideal clients. Taking the first steps to identifying your personal brand may take much inner exploration, but it can be well worth the time that you spend. I know you can make some great discoveries once you get started toward defining your personal brand for your business! Once you are able to identify the unique characteristics of your personal brand, you can utilize these characteristics in the marketing of your brand so that you are better able to attract more of your ideal clients and stand out from others who offer similar products and services.



Copyright 2009 Lisa Hromada lhcreativeidstudio.com - All Rights Reserved

First Lady Brands - Observations About Personal Branding From the Presidential Campaign

No one knows what will happen, lights flash around the newly victorious presidential campaigners, nervousness and hope is in the air. Some women revel in this new found visibility. While others, thrust into the national spotlight, stand more removed from the intrusions into their lives.

These women are having their first glimpse of the first lady advantage, a sudden national - even international - visibility, status, and scrutiny a woman receives from being part of a winning U.S. presidential campaign team. They start reshaping their personal brands, because its going to happen anyway. They need a plan to define and manage their brand, or someone else will do it for them whether or not they consent.

All the presidential candidates' wives and female candidates are on the campaign trail for a reason. One motivation is obviously political ambition, often both his and hers. Because the longer most people live, they more they realize how much politics matter, and it matters more than anyone really wants to admit.

In the sprint to the campaign finish, Michelle Obama toured to visit the military families, trying to understand the issues affecting them. In spite of her opposition to the war, she brought some recognition to lives often ignored amidst the controversies of war. Her tour probably softened a little angst in military quarters. It also signaled a pragmatic, nudge of acknowledgment to these voters.

Catherine McCain preferred taking a lower profile, but surfaced to emphasize her work and support for two international children charities. She adeptly side-stepped a broader examination of her wealth and beer franchise by leaving it off the table. It is private matter to her, but its a potential conflict of interest should the voter tide turn.

Sara Palin, as candidate for Vice President, received a boost to her political profile. She drew national attention to disabled children and the wrenching choices she confronted when her fetus displayed abnormalities. Thrown into a media frenzy, her ethics were tested by interrogations into activities as governor. Later, her readiness was tested in interviews about economic and foreign policy, where she showed a lack of preparation.

Hillary Clinton, of course, attained her first lady recognition over a decade ago and successfully converted it into a political career. Despite her early brand advantage, she was unable to successfully reposition herself with party voters. From first lady advantage to a northeastern power broker, she never rose above the scandals that people could not forget.

All these women are extending their personal brand into new territory. They started by aligning with family values and charities. It is a safe introduction, but much more is needed.

So how does anyone broaden and strengthen a personal or professional brand? First, recognize personal or business branding for what it is: Your brand is an expression of who you are, but it also depends on how well you communicate it. To other people, its how you look, act and behave, but filtered from their point of view.

But public perception is not the place to begin defining a brand. Author and life coach Brian Lee, of the Covey Leadership Center, believes "The leader who exercises power with honor will work from the inside out, starting with himself." So to build a resilient foundation, you need to know your core self and what you want to achieve before evaluating the opportunities ahead.

Its from our own integrity and personal strength that we build a lasting brand. But, there is much to be learned along the way. "What we actually learn, from any given set of circumstances, determines whether we become increasingly powerless or more powerful." Building a brand is a long term endeavor and learning process that starts from within. Intertwine it around something worthy because it will become part of you.

Mary W. Brophy has specialized in helping people enhance their personal, professional, and business brands for fifteen years. Her special report 10 Tips for Building Your Brand can be requested by email from http://www.id-bag.com/ which offers designer inspired logo bags that reflect your uniqueness and brand with style.