I thought to begin with a small introspective exercise by asking our SELF a few very important questions…

SELF | Do I express to my target audience a unique business proposition?  Am I aware of the reasons my customers choose me? What are people saying when my name is mentioned?  Are people thinking what I want them to think about me? 

SELF | Now take a second – OK that’s enough time!  If you don’t have an absolute clear answer to all of these questions by now, then you are creating your reputation by default.

Infusing your personal brand attributes into your work plan is a critical action for surviving in business today.  In many industries, we are measured only by the success of our most recent contribution – sales quota, project management, account acquisition, or customer satisfaction index.  If you don’t stand out, you may find yourself standing alone.

EXAMPLE | You’ve worked for the same employer for 5, 10, 15+ years, yet recently received a layoff notice.  Why you? - If this is not you, then you’ve most likely heard someone tell a similar story; did you hear J lost his job – he said he was always on time – never took a sick day – kept his head down – and worked really hard… Sound familiar?

Most likely this layoff occurred because the decision maker was not aware of who this person was – they had little influence or contributing value.  By their lack of establishing a unique personal brand with their employer put this loyal, dependable and hardworking human being on a direct course toward the unemployment line.

How people perceive your personal value directly determines your power to influence. Your brand persona is powerful in the workplace. Whatever your role is, engagement is necessary!

SELF | The time has come to be outstanding.  Express your values – create your vision – exude your passion – become your purpose.  Be the ONE your employer and customer can’t live without!