Today is Tuesday, so this post is on powerful personal impact.
As you recall people with powerful personal impact have three things in common:
- People with powerful personal impact have a great personal brand.
- People with powerful personal impact are impeccable in their presentation of self.
- People with powerful personal impact know and use the basic rules of etiquette.
Recently, I came across an article by Robin Good (www.RobinGood.com) on simple steps you can take to build your personal brand, standout and prosper in the new world of work. Mr. Cook provided the headline, the commentary is mine.
Think like a free agent. In today’s world, everyone is a free agent. So start thinking and acting like one. A strong personal brand can help you become a more effective free agent, as you will be the one who is in charge of how the world thinks of you.
Discover what sets you apart and market it shamelessly. For me, it’s common sense. Everything I do and say about myself reinforces that I’m the common sense guy. Who are you?
Get visible. I’m self employed, so I need to have a very visible brand. That’s why I have three websites: www.BudBilanich.com; www.CommonSenseCoach.com; and www.CommonSenseKynotes.com. I also have two blogs: www.CommonSenseGuy.com, and www.SuccessCommonSense.com. I use these five urls to get visibility on line. I appear as a guest on radio shows. I write books and ebooks. If you’re not in my position, and work for a company, get active in your local community and professional community. Those are two really good ways to get visible and known.
Stop networking, and build a network. Build your network by following one simple rule: give with no expectation of return. I can always be counted on to help other people. If they reciprocate, great. If not, that’s OK too. By helping others, I have built a rather large network of people on whom I can call when I need help. I’ve made a lot of deposits into the emotional bank accounts I have with a lot of people, and very few withdrawals.
Add value - and then some. Always do a good job. No, always do a great job. Go above and beyond, and you will become known as someone who provides good value.
Accelerate your brand power by getting in sync with a major trend in your field and moving to the head of it. The internet and social networking are redefining the coaching business. I’ve made it a high priority to learn everything I can about this area and to participate. As I’ve mentioned, I write two blogs, an e zine and I’ve published two of my books as e books. What’s happening in your field? What are you doing to capitalize on it?
Marry an important, ethical cause as a complement to what you like to do. If you look at the very bottom of this post, you’ll see a plea to contribute to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. As a cancer survivor, I support cancer research – especially pediatric cancer research. What cause makes sense for you? Has one of your loved ones suffered with breast cancer? Do you think global warming is an issue that needs to be addressed and quickly? Whatever cause speaks to you, I suggest you get involved – donate your time, not just your money.
Share before looking for profit. We all need to make money in order to support our lifestyle. Sharing your good fortune with others will give you the satisfaction of knowing that you work for more than just yourself and your family. Also, you will become known as a person with a big heart – not a bad personal brand characteristic.
Help others become as successful as you. I never turn down an honest request for help. I see it as my duty to help others become as successful as they can be – even if they become more successful than me. I help people who I know, and people who I don’t know. I have been amazed at the number of requests for help this blog has generated. I respond to each request with a personal e mail and do whatever I can to help the person who has asked.
Question yourself and your approach systematically - get forever curious. I love the term “forever curious”. I am always interested in learning more about everything. That’s one reason I love Google and Wikipedia. I have an insatiable curiosity about how the world works and the wonderful new things happening every day. My 81 year old mother spends several hours a day on the internet. I guess I get my curiosity from her. As I often say, “I may not know a lot about any one thing, but I know a little about a lot of things.” If nothing else, this makes me an interesting dinner guest. I can converse with almost anyone on any subject. I love to learn.
Mr. Good has provided ten great ideas for building your personal brand. I’ve tried to tell you how I use all ten of them. Now, I challenge you to put these ten ideas to work in building your personal brand. Send me an e mail, let me know how it’s going. I’ll be glad to help you in any way I can.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com to subscribe to my monthly ezine and for more common sense. Check out my other blog: www.CommonSenseGuy.com for common sense advice on leading people and running a small business.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open. Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.
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