Approximately 15 years ago, Tom Peters wrote “The Brand Called You” in Fast Company. At the time, it seemed an odd concept of sorts in connecting the term “brand” with an individual. Looking back, his seminal work ignited a conversation that is quite pervasive today — as personal branding is one of the hottest topics in the digital age.
In this era of ubiquitous social media, everyone has a personal brand whether they acknowledge it or not. One does not have a choice of having or not having a personal brand. It includes both one’s personal and professional reputations. Are you skeptical? Go ahead and search your name in Google and see what comes up.
At that very moment, a judgment is being made about your personal brand. Like traditional corporate and product branding, you now have a choice in whether you wish to influence how the market views you, your experience, core competencies etc…Do you stand out? Are you memorable? What makes you different?
Mark Twain said it best, “Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.” If your success depends on connecting with others and building strong value-add relationships, then personal branding is not optional, but rather an absolute must for your long-term survival.
So, what is your personal brand?
Source: http://www.brandingbusiness.com/2011/12/personal-branding-corporate-branding-same-concepts-apply/