I am often asked in several meetings what is the place of talents in personal branding. My usual response is that talents are great but they do not determine success in anything. Personal branding inclusive. We all have talents in one thing or the other. No one is completely devoid of one. Mother Nature is not that dumb to create a full blooded mammal-in this case human being without a single talent. As much as this is correct, many do not place value on their own talents. They communize them when they compare themselves to others who “seem” to be highly talented and that become a measuring standard while they are not successful. The interesting thing may be that the other guy work more on his positive to gain visibility.

Having said this, I am beginning to be convinced that talents or no talent, if individual placed premium value on who he/she is and work hard on that he/she, he will make a success of his/her personal branding.

The best way to handle personal weakness, which everyone has is to realize even highly talented person do have a shortcoming in a certain area. All an individual needs is at least one refined talent to be successful.

To be successful in personal branding, all you need is a gut, a dedication to help, a willingness to contribute to the upliftment of many through which you gain followership and be recognized as a thought leader.

I also believe individual should forsake the valley of unnecessary parallelism and continually lighten his own corner making sure his influence and habits are not injurious to others but lifting, promoting community interest.

Your personal brand also needs to give dedication to your dedication, networked, share. The day of knowledge is power is gone for good. We are now in the days of sharing is power.

Does anyone out here have something to contribute, please do not deny us that privilege. Sharing is power remember!

A personal profile is a marketing tool. Many are not aware of this. It can be used as a direct sales tool as well as promo tool. Depending on the situation and circumstance that surrounds it usage. Since it is often a summary of one’s life existence, efforts must be taken to stuff it with necessary materials that will attract the person to your personal brand. What we have noticed after examination of couples of profile is that many are either overstuffed with irrelevant phrases or too much hypes( which the reader immediately sees) or it is badly packaged such that no one wants to handle it not to talk of given the owner a chance at all.

In the light of the above, it is expedient that individual knows his value offering, craft that and understand the direction of his/her life so that the other party can sense this. There is no personal profile that ever has the chances of first appraisal where the individual’s values are not exposed. We may say the world is corrupt but people still look for the individual value to give them a chance. Package your profile in a way that each word enhances your personal value and this must be reflected in your past achievements, projects you have handled and you have contributed to. So in packaging your personal profile, examine the following.

1. What is my Value: This has to do with individual differentiator. This is Personal face, standing in the world of business, career. This is expected to have been included in personal selling point statement that individual already crafted and is using.

2. Capabilities and responsibilities delivered: A personal profile must copiously show your personal capabilities and the responsibilities that you have handled and delivered which should include volunteer opportunities that you participated in which has helped you to display a unique skills. Many do not know being steering a working committee which delivers and enhances an NGO they belong to can be used as as a promo tool.

3. Exemplify your value creation duties: In addition to the above, make sure that every word used in your profile is used with meaning. While you need not be a “Harry Porter, Wole soyinka” among others, do remember the sequel of your sentences and their flow till the end will either make or mar your achievements. Being able to communicative your uniqueness with right words will go a long way to enhance the brand. A quick word for corporate brand owners, stop writing your corporate brand’s profile by yourself except you are damn too sure you can do justice to it.

4. Publish your awards: Do not forget to use the platform to diplomatically publish your awards and testimonials as well as positive media mentions. Do not be humble; you are not that great is a keyword here.

 Please remember in personal branding, there are no rehearsals, everything is life show. Ignorance of law is not an excuse. Use your profile to help people, niche picture your existence and relevance not to beg them to consider you. Make your profile a credible chance of meeting with a success and not failure.

Many entrepreneurs as well as corporate brand owners, drivers often asked me ‘what are the benefits of personal branding to corporate  bottom-line’. Recently, some one said it may not make sense to pursue personal branding if it will take much of people’s time. My first impression is what are the dividends that such ignorance can cause? Where will an individual be during this recession without a strong personal brand? Does drowning in the murky economic water equaled being at the top, visible and earning rewards for what individual is good at? Ignorance is not an excuse in law. Be that as it may, some brand owners feel that there are no returns for their corporate brands if they allow their staff to be involved in personal brand building. I as an expert have a contrary opinion to that. I also believe that as a result of this ignorance, many brand owners have not taken strong personal branding of their internal brands seriously. Rather it has been taken with such a high level of apathy.

Today my focus is to help someone to see what corporate brands stand to gain if they encourage their internal brands to build strong personal brands that are visible, credible, strong and stand out among the crowd. I must say that the followings are some of them and in anyway does not mean the list is exhaustive.

1. Strong personal brands give the corporate brands top of mind status. Everyone wants to know what makes all your internal brand great and why is it that your corporate brands command an array of stars while others are losing their or why many have disgruntled staff.

2. Improved influence: if a corporate brand has strong, visible personal brands such corporate brands always enjoy improved influence in it niche.

3. Improved “perceived” added value: a corporate brand that has strong personal brands often has a perceived added value even if it does not. Since perception is everything, who wins at the end? Is the corporate brand with perceived added value or the one that does not?

4. Reduces staff turnover: we all know what high staff turnover does to a corporate organization. Resources are wasted on hiring process, staff training expenditures are wasted, apathy among other staff among other factor. For corporate organization that has strong personal brands, they enjoyed “over subscription” on the numbers of application for employment.

5. It builds corporate reputation: Since the perceived added value is in place for such corporate brand, higher, positive corporate reputation is given.

Think about the personal brands in your corporate organization and invest in it. The ROI is very great.

Recently I was having a discussion with a friend who is known blogger in Nigeria. I could not but ask certain question as he ‘seems to have it made’. Anyway that is my impression. We talked about being successful and having to be known to have failed many times. This as it affects every area of one’s life adventure. Most of what we discussed and conclusions we drawn at the end were also applicable to personal branding success online. I thought why are many successful people associated and are known to have failed many times? Shouldn’t there be a short cut to success. Many times one has to try and keep trying before one hits the nail on the head.

So come along and see whether that was true or may be you have a contribution.

1. To proof any point you do not have to talk too much: in trying to establish our expertise, we go a long way to give beyond what is necessary. That you know it does not mean you know it all. You do not have to say all and bore everyone in other to proof any point. In any case there is nothing you are saying that has not been said before.

2. Share life experiences that people can relate with: it is good to engage in study and research that can help your community, but if all you are doing is just to relay new researches that you have no relationship with, you may not enjoy strong bonding that will attest to Brand You success.

3. Confidence: In whatever you are doing, ensure that you are not seen as copycat but original. Authenticity and originality are very important in personal branding. If you are seen as being lily liver and not proud of whom you are, your brand will lose out.

4. Build support system before you need one: Most people always ask for a link when they need it most. Life is built on relationship and we will once in a while need help from someone somewhere. Learn to connect, learn to give helping hands, learn to give part of your time to answer questions from those who need to know. Share the little you know as you do not know it all.

5. Do not be ‘humble’ you are not that great: Does that sound arrogant. That was a saying by one great man. The explanation he gave was that when you become great you need extra humility. When you are still growing your brand, you need to communicate; broadcast your achievements and the progress you have made otherwise no one will do that for you. That is not arrogance that is stupidity if you think no one needs to know about your influence. Loyalty is not given, it is earned. If you must earn loyalty, people need to note your own differentiation and contributions you have made to alleviate their problems and the rewards you have earned for doing that.

Before I violate point number one, let me stop here and please do give me your own opinion.

Waoh, the Personal Branding and corporate success seminar was successfully hosted last weekend. There were lots of funs. The facilitators did a good job. I opened the floor by taking the class on the need for urgent appraisal of individual personal brand. This was followed by Dayo Olomu (U.k) presentation on how to enhance personal branding through networking. Waoh That guy is on fire! He demonstrated his passion and shared his personal journey and adventure into fame through the use  of personal branding. His class was electric as people shouted and responded greatly. The Saturday early morning session by eight ‘o’ clock was great. Adeolu Akinyemi came with a dimension on The aspiring Gorrila story and he de-emphasized unnecessary competition. Then I took the class on managing personal brand reputation and how to take advantage of the cyber space. Lolu Mogaji talked on Image and personal branding. His presentation was an eye-opening session to many. Then came Meka Olowola , Head corporate communication- Oando Plc. This guy’s class rock and was a bomb! I do hope that you will not miss next session schedule for June 2009 ending. Details will be supplied later.

As part of my gift to everyone that reads this blog, I have just released the much awaited new e-book On Personal Branding: Personal Branding For First Class Professionals.  Please download your copy at the side bar of the blog where you have free e-book offer. Here is the link in case you have issue in downloadingit:http://yinkaolaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/personal-branding-for-first-professionals.pdf

Product review:         MANHOOD MAGAZINE

This is to let you know that Kingsley Obom-egbulem just published a new magazine that is focused on manhood: issues that affect women and all that bothers on how to positively live a great example as a man. It is focused on redefining Manhood from the negative vibes associated with some men and how most men have not lived up to their responsibilities. It catalogue the stories of homes that suffer the absence of Men, where most have taken advantage of their “macho power to abuse womanhood’ among others. It will be a great read and reference magazine for men and women, singles, married, NGO owners among other. The Magazine is a must read on essence of manhood. For details you can send mails to editor@manhoodmagazine.com.

No one wishes to fail. But our actions or inactions will point to which direction we are all heading. Brand uniqueness guarantees profitability and success. The success of any personal brand is hinge on determination, persistence, strategy, communication with extra commitment to the commitment. Personal Branding is a journey not a destination. As you move along, you evolve the You and discover more of your innate ability that can strengthen the forces in you that makes you stand out. For any engine to function at the right speed, the driver must note the capacity of the engine, understand its shortcomings as well as follow the manufacturer’s instruction to detail. We are all individually wired to stand out in something. Personal discovery of the uniqueness must be followed with designing of the way to go while communication of the designed journey is essential. Effective monitoring and adherence to the journey chart will lead to success. Brand failure is dependent on how well You understand the following factors as well as their contributions to Personal Brand’s well being in the market place.

1. Innovation: Being original, advancing and improving your niche will go a long way to help your standing or failure on the journey. Your personal brand must aim to meet new expectation. There is a need to look at issues from different perspectives.

2. Creating true value: in addition to the above, inability to create value can lead to personal brand’s failure. Creating value starts with an incursion into insights that drive human motivation.

3. Ingredients: Every great soup has ingredients that are mixed together in a proportion that will enhance the final product. Having all the ingredients do not mean different cooks will get the same result. Each ingredient must be used not according to quantity or availability but according to the specification. Do you know what you need to guide against brand You failure, do you have all of them or do you need an expert to guide and give you instruction? If you are in doubt, be ready to attend the forthcoming Personal branding and corporate success seminar holding in Lagos Nigeria on April 17-18, 2009. for participation call 234 07029778785

We have noted that a personal brand is the total, combined efforts of individual’s personality, competencies that are positioned through differentiating factor. One of the major challenges we have noticed is that many personal brands are suffering from various kinds of complexes. This complex is either low self-esteem or over rated ego.

To escape these destructive explosives, individual must understand what personal branding is all about and watch against titling towards any of these destructive explosives. Brand you can not deny it if you have any of them. It shows in the attitude the personal brand manifests. To combat low self esteem, individual must believe in himself and stop over projecting what he/she does not have that are in others. The truth is that one will be shock to know that the other guys have nuances that are worst when one relates with the ‘perfect brand’ at a close range. Everyone has something he wants more. But the trick is playing on those things you have or what you have left in case there has been an accident, mistake somewhere.

To combat low self esteem, individual must believe in himself and not over amplified other qualities he does not have. Brand You gain more when you accept ‘The You’ and work on damage control of those features that are not congruent to the brand’s philosophy. This strong faith in your ability can be a positive signal to your audience.

Develop a strong confidence in your ability that will help you to follow through in anything irrespective of what it is.

On the other hand of the divide, never be involved in ego-laundering because you think you are the best, it will eventually hurt your brand. I am sure you do not want to be a brand that is perceived as haughty, proud, egocentric etc. Brand you should be proud of his achievement and the journey so far but should watch against bragging to everyone about it.

N.B. Companies that hinder their employees from personal branding don’t understand that if done correctly and with the right intention and guidelines, personal branding efforts can greatly benefit the company – Charlene Li

Do not forget personal Branding and corporate success seminar, April 17-18,2009. Book your space early.

A diplomat represents the interest of his/her country in a foreign country. A diplomat is saddled with a great responsibility of maintaining solid diplomatic relationship between two countries.This involves negotiating and meditating cordial relationships between his country and the one he is sent to. In facilitating relationships they are usually accorded certain privileges that others do not have. They act fast to protect their citizens from dangers, crisis. We must note that diplomat is the screen cover for a whole lot of people like Ambassadors, attaché, counselors, cultural officer.

The duties of a diplomat also include giving advice to their nationals on political and economic situations in the country they sojourn. In time of crisis, the diplomat must also ensure they evacuate their citizen out of crisis; they must defend their countries negative or bad foreign policy and constantly realize that they are not ordinary citizen. This responsibility connotes lots of demands that must be taken care of. Let us examine few points that can enhance a diplomat’s personal branding.

1. Non-judgmental attitudes: every diplomat must pocket their own prejudices against any culture or people. He must understand that what is right to him is a question of belief, exposure, and knowledge. So he must wean himself of every biases otherwise he will have a lot of issues to attend to while performing his official duties in a foreign land.

2. Mediating disagreements and getting people to come to consensus: This is great skill that every diplomat must learn at the early part of their career. The ability to bargain and find the middle ground will help the personal brand of any successful diplomat. Being an organized mediator who can work through red tape and ceremonial protocol is really helpful to project strong personal brand.
3. Readiness to move: If you are very conservative and avowed to constant movement from one location to another, this may not be the best option for your personal brand.

4. Ready for challenges: The challenges of a diplomat can be demanding, stressful especially when there is a crisis, disorder in the country of assignment, being there for your nationals will require a lot of sacrifices. May be we can say that individual diplomat must has an adventurous, adaptable spirit.
5. Respectful, open minded, dedication to international relationships: we have noted earlier that personal brand of every diplomat must not be judgmental; being respectful and open-minded will help a diplomat’s personal brand.

6. Confident, and at ease when meeting others. To have a strong personal brand as a diplomat, being a great meeting facilitator as well as ‘networker’ will help brand you a lot. Be confident and having a high sense of integrity will promote brand You and your country’s brand. 7. Second language: With a second language, a diplomat’s personal brand stands a better chance.

The other points will be featured in my soon to be released free e-book “Personal Branding For First class Professionals”

#The picture above is that of His Excellency, Dr. Buba Marwa- Nigerian High commissioner To south Africa; His personal brand captures the essence of our discussion here.

Personal assitant/Executive Assistant evolved over the years as result of pressure on senior executive and the need to have someone who can help them solves other important details that they may not have time for. At the beginning, what is today called Executive/Personal  assiatnt is called Confidential secretary among other names.The role they played then was to help type document, keep some documents secret, manage people and the bosses’ itinerary. As time progresses, the role of a Personal Personal Assistant/Executive changed with greater demand for knowledges of activities like scheduling, task and project managements among others. Greater qualifications are now being demanded from an individual who want to fill this role. As long as we still still have executives, the job will remain but at a greater degree. It takes a choice person to get the best in this job. Particularly with the advent of Persaonal digital assiatants/phones. It is easier for executives to schedule their meetings with the assitant of a PDA now. So if all an individual knows is just scheduling, his job is already on the line.This has informed the need to have a strong personal brand as a differentiating factor.So lets examine what counts for a Personal Assistant.

1.Trust,High Integrity: Because a Personal Assistant will have access to clasified information of the senior executive, it is important that the brand You of a personal assistant have a greater dose of Trust. Once again, trust is relaibility and Dependability. If this social capital account is in red, the PA is already out of the job.

2.Excellent People management skill: The role of executive assistant is like the role of chief-of-staff.He must know how to manage internal staff as well as external audience well. Many will insist on seeing the executive because they were old classmates before meanwhile they may not have an appointment. Ability to be diplomatic with such people is important. Many may even claim you are hoarding the executive.

3.Social intelligence: this has become the greatest intelligence that is now required today.Senior executive always attend parties, functions, get together among others. Part of the job duties of PA is to accompany the executive, manage the event to the advantage of the executive so that the image of the executive does not become dented; social intelligience, public relations skill will be required to handle all these so get it by all means.

4.Presence: this has to do with dress sense. Working with top executive demands that you dress for the office. Even if you do not like glamorous lifestyle, your jobs demands that you dress for the position. But if I may add caution here for ladies in this profession, avoid dressing to kill, you will end up in many beds or you may lose the job if you mainatain a ‘no’ stance. One can dress well without unnecessary exposure.Get wisdom to know what is right.

5.Computer skill, correspondence management: For some, their jobs will require preparing presentations for their bossess, this is where a great knowledge of computer skills and corresspondence management will work for your brand. Being a ‘pro’ in managing meetins, organizing will be good for your brand.

6.Constituency relations: The executive always have large constituency. Personal assistants must be able to screen information, liason with several associations, units.

#The other points will be featured in my soon to be released free e-book “Personal Branding For First class Professionals”.

Airline business is a very expensive one. Every investor knows that ROI in this business is a long term. Keeping expenses low is one of the priorities of airline business. No sane business men will hire too many hands which add costs. The need to pick the best of the available great hands makes this business unique. Cabin crew is basically point of contact internal audience of any airline. Interestingly anyone with a basic degree can be hired even though there may be greater opportunity for those who speak two languages. This may not be a major prerequisite. Giving the fact that many airlines will be cutting down their jobs in this crunch, an individual with strong personal brand will excel in this profession.

To secure a position as a cabin crew which is also called flight attendant, individual must endeavor to build a strong personal brand that has emotional attachment from his/her target audience-employer and the air travelers/passengers. Today we will discuss some of the major stuffs that can enhance cabin crew differentiation.

1. Positive attitude: More than ever before, this is a great and vital force that can enhance a cabin crew’s personal rating. There is enough danger associated with air traveling; a negative personality can not be given any chance. Individual must work so hard on his/her attitude. Being positive beyond measure will give your brand a great differentiation.

2. Excellent interpersonal relationship skill: Since your job bring you before people who come from different spheres of life: the low and high class, ability to relate with everyone with a great sense of dignity will help position your brand among your peers. Sometimes the passenger will annoys you, ability to always remain calm in the face of provocation will build a lot of credibility for your brand.

3. Good grooming: Ability to carry yourself with great pride, a well-laundered uniform, personal carriage, confidence will go a long way to help Brand You. Good grooming also speaks of your speech, intonation, phonetic that is exactly like the native speaker will help. Even if you are not a native speaker, consider a little investment in this regard as it would pay a greater dividend. Being approachable, enthusiastic will help brand YOU.

4. Bi-lingua: Ability to speak two languages as an international flight attendant will also give you a greater edge. I do understand that as international route cabin crew, you work for maximum of four days a week, investing the two days in learning new language will pay you a great dividend.

5. Athletic build: most airlines do not hire plump people, so a great athletic build, shape will help your brand retainership. Also realize that since you are to ensure safety of the passengers in case of any mishap, keeping fit will work for you to perform your duty.

6. Good customer service: a smiling face, a friendly nature, a cheerful face even in the face of distress, uncertainties will help brand You in this profession. You will always use the weapon of patient, consideration, etiquette. Because cabin crews are faces of the airline, they must excel in this skill. #The other points will be featured in my soon to be released free e-book “Personal Branding For First class Professionals”