The Power of Your Personal Brand
By Shannon Smith

According to a UCLA study, 85% of all decisions are made with our eyes. This holds true when we meet people for the first time. We make an impression in three ways: Visual, Verbal and Vocal. What's most interesting is that the visual component is the most important by far.

Whether you like it or not, the image you project, what we call your personal brand, affects other's decisions about you — your intelligence, character and ability — and further determines if they want to do business with you. Clients have told me that, because they dismissed the importance of personal branding, they lost the interview for that next position, the job they really wanted, and/or promotions and deals fell through.

If your personal brand is not congruent, attractive and attracting, you will be passed over — guaranteed. Therefore, to be competitive, to have a greater influence on others and attract more business, it's important to project a unique personal brand.

Before you sell anything — your product, company or service — you sell yourself first. Just like branding a product, when your personal brand is powerful and congruent, it's natural that you are perceived to be more desirable and "in demand".

Large, successful companies understand the power "branding" gives their products. They spend a lot of time, money and energy to create a brand that is eye catching and appealing enough to sell their product through to market. The buyer must feel a strong connection with their brand to buy it.

Do you think of yourself as a company of ONE?

How much time, money and energy have you spent in developing a personal brand that is unique enough to sell "you" to your market?

An individual who has a well-defined personal brand has more status and a tremendous advantage over the competition. When you are well branded, you are pre-sold, giving you a huge advantage over others selling themselves.

Have you given thought to how you are being perceived? If not, it may be time for you to take a personal assessment in the privacy of your home with an image consultant.

In today's global economy, competition has increased dramatically and business has become more conservative in attitude and business attire. The hallmarks of successful individuals are their confidence, manners and poise. It's not acceptable to dress inappropriately or eat with the wrong fork. In business and society today, there is a return to formality, elegance, manners and sophistication.

It's time to get "BRANDED." Learn the skills that are guaranteed to assist you present yourself like a winner! If you want to get noticed, be more persuasive, land that job, attract new clients and acquire greater success, now is the time to pay attention...

"You either create a brand that is distinct...or you become extinct".
Tom Peters, In Search of Excellence.

Watch for Shannon's next article on Hot Tips to Branding Yourself Successful.