Actually, that's precisely what she set out to do - but I see your point - be yourself, whatever that is.
I think that's probably the key place to start - figure out who YOU are - hint: You are not the person that everyone else thinks that you are - their perceptions of you are wrong especially if you still haven't defined "you" to yourself.
For all the Chris Brogan readers out there - just remember this, "You are unique - there isn't anyone else like you, and that makes you special."
Jim Kukral
· 2 years ago
Great thoughts Chris. Nice to meet you at blogworld as well.
You comment about "not writing a book" got me thinking that "is my blogging one of the reasons I'm not concentrating on the book I should be writing?"
Should I quit blogging so I can finally write the book?
Will
· 2 years ago
Great article on branding. 2 things I've learned:
1) Never sacrifice brand for business.
2) Its easy to grow a brand through someone else. Celebrities, partnerships..etc. (Pixar with Disney)
or we can always walk around saying "Do you know Chris Brogan?"
communicatrix
· 2 years ago
Great Branding 101. This is where I will now send people on the path to start, no matter where they are on the path.
Because as Julia Cameron (not a bad brand herself) pointed out, the path is a spiral, not a straight line.
Thank you, amazing Chris Brogan.
Thom Allen
· 2 years ago
@Will that's what I do, ask everyone if they know Chris Brogan, and surprisingly a lot do!
I learned something about my brand the other day, when someone said "I see you connect with a lot of people but what do you do?" Ouch, I never looked at it like that before. The brand I thought I had doesn't seem to exist. Maybe it never has except in my mind.
This is a great post Chris. It will keep my mind going all day.
Niamh Kiernan
· 2 years ago
Well as I procrastinated about writing a piece for tomorrow on personal branding I of course switched to Twitter. Got a shock when I arrived at this site. Read and then decided mine is going to be far superior in its superficiality so I need not worry.
PurpleCar
· 2 years ago
Chris, I really am learning a lot from your posts.
As a person who is toying with the idea of starting a website about using technology for mind development, personal branding is interesting to me.
I'm having a hard time understanding the differences between branding a product vs. branding a person (or a person's skillset?). Can you point me where there is a discussion about this, a post of yours, or could you post on that in the future? Thanks!
Niamh Kiernan
· 2 years ago
Ah Purple Car I will have a little guidance on that matter soon.
Shama Hyder
· 2 years ago
Fantastic Chris! Best post I have read today. I like the "Your Own Company" idea best.
Eric Rice
· 2 years ago
Do the unpopular. Don't fear the Angry. Tough love. Moderation in all things. Look at the mediocre and boring, too. Pay attention to the hype machine when needed. Fail.
Be unrelenting.
vicequeenmaria
· 2 years ago
This is one the best things I've read in a long time, Chris. Thank you. As one who is working on her journey to prosperity, I couldn't agree more on self-esteem and health being the foundation to EVERYTHING. You mentioned being reliable to others, but in the end that's also being reliable to yourself. Funny thing, is that yesterday I had to write something down in my prosperity-consciousness class about what my heart truly desired. I knew the answer immediately. This could only come if I implicitly trusted myself and what I have to offer others. I recently re-did my resume based on this principle and I was very pleased with what I saw in the paper in front of me. Truth, trust and faith -- it's all part of the personal package.
eric : gardenfork.tv
· 2 years ago
More than a few people have told me, that as they watch my video podcasts, that "I look comfortable in my own skin"
Its not really a conscious thing that I do, but it comes across to viewers. I think its the culmination of years to not being myself.
So, be yourself, within reason.
Brendan Cosgrove
· 2 years ago
Here is the Y that I can't get past: Being relevant is my biggest hurdle. right now its hard to blog about my strongest experiences/thoughts/ideas because they would potentially have an adverse impact with my current job. :)
laura15SecondPitch
· 2 years ago
Mitch Joel (or was it C.C.?) had the best line on this at podcamp boston. He said, "Stop trying to be someone else, because THEY are already taken." Everyone in the room had to think about it for about 2 seconds and then a burst of insane laugher. Yup, everyone else IS taken. So, just be yourself. (correct me if this is not the exact quote because it was hilarious and I want to get it right.) Of course, if I don't get it precisely right, I'm just being myself and I guess that's the point here...
Connie Bensen
· 2 years ago
Chris - it's always good news when you tweet about a new blog post. So I came over & I was nodding my head about Jeremiah O. (you met him first in person - I get my chance in Dec!). But then I was so humbled to see my name called out. Thank you for making my day & sharing my blog with your community. Your friends are my friends. In true Chris Brogan style - let me know how I can help. :)
(and I regret missing PodCamp Boston this year - next year I'll be there!)
Jon Ray
· 2 years ago
As always, great post, Chris!
One thing that I will add, which I think is important, is to be consistent in your message and communication.
I've recently taken on a lot of projects and moved into a new office. Due to these factors, I have stopped blogging as often and have had infrequent, jumbled posts. I feel that the valuable conversations I used to have with peers and clients have significantly decreased because of this.
I'm trying to correct that, because I've learned the hard way that an open stream of communication is always good for business, no matter how busy things get.
Thanks!
Geoff Livingston
· 2 years ago
Focusing on others, being of service is my mantra. It's important to remember that it's the generous web, not the me web. Anytime I feel off course, this service approach sets things straight.
Matt Ellsworth
· 2 years ago
Good tips - I'll be subscribing to this feed thats for sure. I've always just operated on helping others get what they want and you will end up with what you want.
David Sandusky
· 2 years ago
Fabulous post, Chris! Your brand was apparent in the comments.
A company, product service and personal brand are all about experiences people have. Smart strategies make sure message and experience equal to those who value unique value propositions, I see yours is true.
Your brand, Chris is apparent in the comments. The following and respect. I am glad I not so accidentally found your blog!
Maria Elena Duron
· 1 year ago
Chris, Excellent points and well written. Take your blog posts and compile them into a book, self publish it, and taadaa - you have a business "card" that compels others to speak positively on your behalf! You hit the nail on the head with communication - it's the internal and external communication you have that will determine your success. Best, Maria Elena Duron
Doug Lindsay
· 1 year ago
The personal brand is an evolving reflection of who you are at a given moment in time on your life journey. One aspect that is important is to explore the principles that will shape your journey. These principles will guide you and keep you on track.
jason Blanton
· 1 year ago
Two things really stick out that have helped me create my personal brand and accomplish the things I have accomplished.
First thing is I really try and turn my weaknesses into my strengths. Its not taking the path of least resistance but it is the path of most probable success.
Secondly I have had to face my fears of looking or sounding silly. Get yourself out there and put it on the line. You'll be pleasantly surprised how many people care what you have to say.
Louise Mowbray
· 1 year ago
Just came across your post Chris - great points.
So what do people say about you when you are not there? When we are actually present, we have the opportunity to influence people - perhaps to convince others that we are the right person for the opportunity, the role, the deal. However, more often than not, most of the important decisions are made when we are not present - and this is where our personal brands need to stand up for us.
Great personal brands are built on four key principles - we need to be compelling to our target market or audience, or in other words, memorable, interesting, different, unique. Secondly, we need to be authentic - without this, we are not believable. Next is consistent - it breeds trust. Last but not least, our personal brands need to be well known - no point in being amazing at something if no one knows about it.
Kaplan Mobray, Author, 10Ks of
· 1 year ago
Chris Great points on Personal Branding. I would add something that came across clearly in your post. "Be authentic". People see through those who are trying to brand themselves as something they are not for the sake of a quick gain or opportunity.
Personal branding is about being a living example of the behaviors and values that you consistently exude to make yourself unique. Consistency is key to branding and as you build a consistent personal brand you build trust. People buy products they trust, and buy into people they trust.
Susan
· 1 year ago
Great Post. I'm so glad to have found you via twitter. I'm learning so much from your posts. Thanks again.
Edie
· 1 year ago
Sounds good. Definitely starts me to thinking. I myself am developing a personal brand. I struggle with the negative mind talk. I want to identify with something positive. I have some positive things going on in my life and I have weeded out negative people and negative energy. Unfortunately, that leaves me with nobody, almost. So, I have to brand myself in relation to myself which should be enough. Sometimes I feel that it is inadequate and not enough. Anyway, I'm working on it. I know that "If I build it -- it will come". So, I will keep on building - my brand, that is. E. in Pennsylvania
Smith
· 10 months ago
I think we all are at the place of wondering what to do next especially in this economy. There is some great advice given here. Innovation, destination and self esteem are all really important to personal branding. In my experience with personal branding I have found www.personavita.com to be very helpful. Its a one stop shop in creating and maintaining your personal brand.
John (Human3rror)
· 8 months ago
Chris, you inspired me for a new "Personal Branding Wordpress Theme." Thanks so much for all your work and all that you do!
All Comments
Actually, that's precisely what she set out to do - but I see your point - be yourself, whatever that is.
I think that's probably the key place to start - figure out who YOU are - hint: You are not the person that everyone else thinks that you are - their perceptions of you are wrong especially if you still haven't defined "you" to yourself.
For all the Chris Brogan readers out there - just remember this, "You are unique - there isn't anyone else like you, and that makes you special."
You comment about "not writing a book" got me thinking that "is my blogging one of the reasons I'm not concentrating on the book I should be writing?"
Should I quit blogging so I can finally write the book?
1) Never sacrifice brand for business.
2) Its easy to grow a brand through someone else. Celebrities, partnerships..etc. (Pixar with Disney)
or we can always walk around saying "Do you know Chris Brogan?"
Because as Julia Cameron (not a bad brand herself) pointed out, the path is a spiral, not a straight line.
Thank you, amazing Chris Brogan.
I learned something about my brand the other day, when someone said "I see you connect with a lot of people but what do you do?" Ouch, I never looked at it like that before. The brand I thought I had doesn't seem to exist. Maybe it never has except in my mind.
This is a great post Chris. It will keep my mind going all day.
As a person who is toying with the idea of starting a website about using technology for mind development, personal branding is interesting to me.
I'm having a hard time understanding the differences between branding a product vs. branding a person (or a person's skillset?). Can you point me where there is a discussion about this, a post of yours, or could you post on that in the future? Thanks!
Don't fear the Angry.
Tough love.
Moderation in all things.
Look at the mediocre and boring, too.
Pay attention to the hype machine when needed.
Fail.
Be unrelenting.
Its not really a conscious thing that I do, but it comes across to viewers. I think its the culmination of years to not being myself.
So, be yourself, within reason.
(and I regret missing PodCamp Boston this year - next year I'll be there!)
One thing that I will add, which I think is important, is to be consistent in your message and communication.
I've recently taken on a lot of projects and moved into a new office. Due to these factors, I have stopped blogging as often and have had infrequent, jumbled posts. I feel that the valuable conversations I used to have with peers and clients have significantly decreased because of this.
I'm trying to correct that, because I've learned the hard way that an open stream of communication is always good for business, no matter how busy things get.
Thanks!
A company, product service and personal brand are all about experiences people have. Smart strategies make sure message and experience equal to those who value unique value propositions, I see yours is true.
Your brand, Chris is apparent in the comments. The following and respect. I am glad I not so accidentally found your blog!
Excellent points and well written. Take your blog posts and compile them into a book, self publish it, and taadaa - you have a business "card" that compels others to speak positively on your behalf!
You hit the nail on the head with communication - it's the internal and external communication you have that will determine your success.
Best,
Maria Elena Duron
First thing is I really try and turn my weaknesses into my strengths. Its not taking the path of least resistance but it is the path of most probable success.
Secondly I have had to face my fears of looking or sounding silly. Get yourself out there and put it on the line. You'll be pleasantly surprised how many people care what you have to say.
So what do people say about you when you are not there? When we are actually present, we have the opportunity to influence people - perhaps to convince others that we are the right person for the opportunity, the role, the deal. However, more often than not, most of the important decisions are made when we are not present - and this is where our personal brands need to stand up for us.
Great personal brands are built on four key principles - we need to be compelling to our target market or audience, or in other words, memorable, interesting, different, unique. Secondly, we need to be authentic - without this, we are not believable. Next is consistent - it breeds trust. Last but not least, our personal brands need to be well known - no point in being amazing at something if no one knows about it.
Great points on Personal Branding. I would add something that came across clearly in your post. "Be authentic". People see through those who are trying to brand themselves as something they are not for the sake of a quick gain or opportunity.
Personal branding is about being a living example of the behaviors and values that you consistently exude to make yourself unique. Consistency is key to branding and as you build a consistent personal brand you build trust. People buy products they trust, and buy into people they trust.
http://human3rror.com/2009/03/31/ipseity-person...
Continue to rock it!
Thankx