Category Archives for "Personal Branding"

Famous condiment brand Heinz can no longer call itself ketchup because it does not have enough tomato solids in it’s sauce.

Israel's health department this week passed down the judgment after a concentrated lobbying campaign by the brands red sauce competitor in the region.

Former wicketkeeper Ian Healy has suggested that WAGS (Wives And Girlfriends) were a contributing factor behind the cricket woes of the Ashes 2015 Australian Cricket Team.

He said “cricket is a sport that requires complete concentration” and that perhaps having family and partners with you too much of a distraction.

Retiring Captain Michael Clarke has responded to this and other comments about disharmony in the team, by telling the media it was “A load of shit”. Further reinforcing his personal brand.

Is this the age of authentic Personal Branding?
A superstar shocked the world at the 2015 Oscars and it wasn’t because they did something scandalous.

It was because they proved they had something naturally astonishing.
Lady Gaga performed an incredible tribute to the Sound Of Music and with almost zero dramatic effect she stole the show.

She wasn’t wearing meat or some other outrageous outfit, her hair style was relaxed and her pale dress was untypical, old fashioned glamour. She simply demonstrated her extraordinary voice and it blew everyone away.

Lady Gaga was the talk of the entire event. Who knew, beneath all that make believe she could actually, really sing!

And she’s not the only ‘out there’ performer who’s personal brand has benefited from a more authentic approach.

What were they thinking?
Ben & Jerrys ice-cream was established in the 70's in the USA and had a distinctive difference. They added amazing chunks of all sorts of delicious treats - cookie dough, chocolate, peanuts, toffee and even pretzels.

They also decided early on to be a socially responsible brand, choosing sustainable business practices that supported their suppliers, employees, farmers, franchisees and customers.

Why am I so passionate about personal branding?

Because of bullies.

The society we live in discourages anyone who is different, anyone who stands out, anyone who challenges the norm.

From an early age we are encouraged to fit in, to conform, to be just like everyone else.

Children and teenagers can be especially hurtful to those who appear out of the ordinary and so we learn while we are young to hide our uniqueness, cover up our personality and squelch our individuality.

At work we are encouraged to blend in with the culture, keep our heads down and our opinions to ourselves, building on the belief that to be distinctive is not being part of a team.

That’s why so many go out on their own, as entrepreneurs, where they can find some peace, but unfortunately bullies live there too, as small minded competitors who want to push you down because they are threatened by your vitality and your capability.

?

The term Personal Brand has become very popular.

It is tossed about in social media, discussed in HR departments, posted on LinkedIN and presented at marketing conventions all over the world.

• Exactly what is a personal Brand?
• Why have one?
• How do you get one?

Learn the basics about Personal Brand in a few seconds with this very helpful infographic:

Consumers see 3000 messages each day, that's about 4 a minute... How on earth is your message going to cut through that and get noticed?

When it comes to marketing, most businesses are going around in circles, with no direction. That's because brand often takes a backseat to marketing. Most entrepreneurs have an amazing product or service they are trying to promote and it doesn't get noticed, because they don't have a unique brand position.

The trouble with flying in circles, is that eventually the fuel tank will be empty, there will be no money left to keep going and you will crash and burn. Your incredible solution to someones problem will never take off.