2016 has taken some real talent from the planet, but they have left lessons we can learn from to enhance our own personal brand.
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Cherish your real gifts.
It’s not always the obvious that creates a strong personal brand.
George Michael was best known for his natural musical talent, often condemned and bullied by the press for his homosexuality, however on his death the World learned about his philanthropic heart and the incredibly generous value behind his personal brand.
Our beloved silver screen princess Carrie Fisher, was most identified by her cinnamon bun hairstyle and gold bikini, but it’s her best selling authorship that sets her star quality apart.
From books to screenwriting and plays, she was also a respected script doctor on famous movies including Hook, Sister Act, Lethal Weapon 3 and the Wedding Singer.
It’s the hidden talents, values and beliefs the give a personal brand real depth.
Never underestimate the value your real self can add to your brand.
What you are most proud of about yourself?
Your inner values are far more important than your external identity when it comes to personal branding.
It’s the hidden talents, values and beliefs the give a personal brand real depth
Stand out for being you.
Prince and Bowie dressed differently and saw themselves as different, not because they wanted to impress people, but because they loved it.
The rich tapestry of their personal brand created a distinct character with a unique essence everyone engaged with and loved.
Their personal brands spawned a culture of fashion and art as well as music.
Although it’s easy to conform and fit in, if you want to create impact you’ve got to brave and stand out.
So embrace your uniqueness and package it into your distinct flavour and brand personality.
Don’t be afraid to be different.
It might be your appearance, it might be the way you present, write or speak. Everyone has their own brand personality so make sure you embrace and enhance your distinct flair.
It’s easy to conform & fit in, if you want to create impact you’ve got to brave & stand out.
Create a legacy.
Visionary poet, singer-songwriter, author and painter Leonard Cohen was best known for his ability to touch raw emotions with his lyrics.
He had charisma, a compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
Charisma is a greek word meaning a divinely conferred power or talent.
Personal branding is all about impact and influence, the visceral reaction created by a charismatic personality.
Stop focusing on the facts and figures behind your expertise, the years you’ve been in business, qualification, awards or certifications.
These are all perfect for building trust, which is vital to the decision making process of your prospects, but in the end, people buy from those they like.
How do you make people feel?
What is the natural talent or power you have that can be conveyed via your brand?
What emotion does your brand conjure in the heart and soul of your fans?
What is your divinely conferred power or talent?
what can you learn from their legacy?
Consider the stars you loved and lost this year and what lessons they can teach you about simply being you.
They certainly taught me to have the resilience to keep going regardless of defeat, working at your craft and polishing a passion, reaching deep within yourself to create a personal brand that stands out to shine a bright light that many see and follow.
RIP to those amazing stars we lost this year, may they always shine brightly.