My most recent keynote and workshop that I am promoting is all around personal branding. It’s Me You Want is about positioning people in the workplace. Whether they are graduates starting in the world of work, people looking to be promoted internally, career changers as well as those who are self employed or entrepreneurs of startups and growing businesses.
Why personal branding?
Well think of it this way. If I mentioned the following people what would you think of?
Anita Roddick, Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Nelson Mandela, Jamie Oliver, Paris Hilton(!), Oprah Winfrey.
We have an image of these people in our mind and what they stand for or what organisations they represent. So I decided that I would do a little experiment with about 200 or so close colleagues who all know me. I asked them the following question.
If someone was to ask you on a professional level “What does Dave do?”and you didnt have access to my website, blog or business card, what would you say? In one sentence if you please. Honest as you will!!
Want the results?
Well you will just have to wait a minute.
Personal Branding is not some kind of ego trip. It is not your journey into narcissism but rather a way of positioning yourself to say this is what I do and this is how I could be of benefit to you. Whether you are positioning yourself to join a company, promoting your company to customers to companies or whatever. This is what people buy into. YOU! So in a crowded market if your message is to be heard, what better message to get out there than “It’s Me You Want!”. More to come…..
So back to the results of this survey (drum roll please…..)
1. An inspirational career speaker and trainer
2. A speaker who motivates and encourages young people
3. A mentor and career guide
4. A networker and connector of people.
These results have got me thinking is this how people see me first and foremost? Is this my brand? Is this brand consistent across wherever people see me both on and offline? Hmmm..
So here’s a test. Why not ask people who you know the same question?
Filed under: Uncategorized , its me you want, Personal Branding, positioning, professional speaker
David, good introduction to personal branding. Keep it up!
Thanks Dan, it is an exciting space to be in.
Very exciting approach i will ask the same question about me to see what happens.
See ya soon
Lily
Brilliant. Of course I am going to follow your recommendation and ask people the same question about me.
Thanks for your thoughts here Dave. I hope i gave the right answer here. Close I think I would get quite a varied mix of thoughts if I asked the same question. I am making a conscious effort these days to build core competencies into my company as well as my personal ‘brand’. Core competancies are interesting – for S
@Lily. Coolio. I look forward to hearing it.
@ Sherry. Likewise.
@Lucian. Let me know about this. I think people will buy into your personal brand but being clear about your core competencies is also essential.
I enjoyed that!!
You’ve got me thinking now…will I or won’t I ask the question.? This will be a revelation. (Just Do it Des!!!!)
I’ll keep you posted
Thanks
Hi David,
Another brilliant idea, I am on the case straight away and have asked for colleagues and friends to respond to the question “Is it me you want?”. I will let you know what comes back – very exciting.
Thanks always. Tx