“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Dr. Seuss
The best approach to personal branding is simply being YOU! You cannot approach your brand by what you think your clients want you to be or what you think you want to become sometime in the future. It has to be YOU as you are today…simply and honestly! Plus…and this is the secret…it is easily sustainable because it is the real you.
When it comes right down to it YOU are ALL you have to offer a client. It works every time because you can always deliver YOU! And it is easy for you to be you…right?
And nothing is more empowering than the moment you realize that your people (ideal clients) relate to the real YOU and acknowledge your uniqueness… whatever that may be!
Are you being honest with your personal brand?
Do you feel you must be the real you?
Or do you feel you must portray yourself as something you want to be?
Consumers are very savvy today. They can spot a fake a mile away. If you attempt to present a facade by acting like someone else you admire, by embellishing your skills, or by making false claims to fame…it won’t work. Short cuts lead to inconsistencies which can develop into mistrust when we don’t practice what we preach. More importantly, it can go very wrong and work against you, your brand and your personal/brand integrity.
Today, the lines have been blurred and your personal brand is most often your business brand. In this leveled playing field of online social media marketing…people want to know exactly who they are dealing with. If there is any hint of playing games…they will run. It is about building your brand through relationship building. It is about slow and steady, not hit and run. It is about establishing your brand by being yourself…putting yourself out there in and open and honest way that appeals to people. Best of all, it will attract your ideal cliets to YOU!
Branding is More than a Logo…
I read on The Branding Workshop website that it is said, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re out of the room.” So you should be telling them what you want them to say, as often and as well as you can. A brand is about creating the stories that demonstrate what you do and how you do it differently.
Brands are about differentiating yourself consistently with everything you do. It’s so much more than your logo! Read Be Different-Act Normal for more on this topic.
Be Different Act Normal
This post was inspired by a great discussion started by Rand MacIvor on LinkedIn Communication Arts Group.
Such a breath of fresh air! Its easy to get caught up in what you think you “should” be, especially when you are trying to sustain and grow an art business (always trying to stay ahead of the curve, on top of the trend…). But the truth is.. if you are not comfortable in your own shoes…you’ll be so busy trying to “get comfortable” that you can miss out on some really great opportunities AND some great creative expression. The trick is just figuring out who you are, your personal style, etc. Thankfully, I believe I have and its a relief !!! And thanks – so true about listening to what others say. Clarity might be right in front of you if you just listen.
beautiful thoughts Laine…i have an image of too tight, too small shoes pinching the life right out of your feet…ill-fitting images can do the same to your life and business, not to mention your creativity…thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts…i am always here to support your dreams
One of the things I first learned when I had my first photography studio was; I am the face, the brand, and the backbone of this business.
Once that realization comes to full fruition many things ultimately change in your life. You begin to talk to strangers differently. You tend to be more courteous and friendly, open to conversation, and you generally (and genuinely) smile more.
This is a good thing and something that every person (not just artists or business people) could use a bit more of in their lives.
Every thing you do, especially as an artist, leaves an impression on the people that you meet and greet every day and in every facet of your life.
You are your brand. Be the best brand you can be!
Damien:
great wisdom in your thoughts…thank you for sharing them…every thing leaves an impression…yes…glad to connect with you
R