26 August 2010 13 Comments

Personal Branding: How to make your brand a showpiece

Author: yinkaolaito

Yinka Olaito is happy,excited and passionate Communications & Media specialist, Trainer and speaker. Yinka Olaito helps Profits and Non-profits with effective communication and positioning for premium service delivery and returns. Yinka Olaito also has special interest in Development Communication and has consulted for noted UN Agencies. Yinka Olaito is the CCO of Michael Sage Consulting(Communication/digital media), African Child Education Right Initiatives(NGO) and Content Director, Africa Development Talk( online Platform for discussion on Policy, Governance, development across Africa) and Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals


brand excellencebrand callRecently I was reading an interview in the latest edition of Personal Branding Magazine by Dan Schawbel. The interview is centred on Monica Von Neumann giving initiative. Some of the points  I gained from the interview informed the creation of this piece.

A peculiar trait issue I have noticed  in many people is  that they want every situation to be suitable before they make a commitment to go ahead with their dreams. There is no such time when everything will be at that peak. Even when we think that exist, who says there is a guarantee that things will work out as planned. But some, in the midst of the uncertainties go ahead to try out the thoughts running on their minds.  Often such steps lead them to where they should be.

Many of us have identified several areas where our talents can be channelled. But we keep hoping that a magic will happen. We always hope such magic wand will compel us to move. Nothing moves until we move and all object remains in a static form until a force is applied still rule here.

We do not win by wishing, we win through a consistent action on our well- thought out plans.

So from the interview I mentioned earlier, here my take-outs on how to start acting towards the achievement of making a meaningful point with your personal brand.

 People are curious and want to learn about you. Use that to your advantage. It may also be true that attention is scarce but you may not know who want to learn more from your brand. So you need to work extra mile to give this selected audience what they need from you. When that is done well, you can be sure you will enjoy great word of mouth that can enhance your brand’s profile  

Work on your passions –get your brand “out there” and become viral. Start by working on the few audience that is willing to listen to you and as you make progress, your brand will start gaining the buzz.

You have to give something to get something: Do not forget that excellent life is about giving first. Have the mind of giving as much as you can and the ripple effect will surprise you.

Use life experiences and have a plan to make yourself known. Being honest helps you. People know you are not perfect neither are they. So show your humanity, use your daily experiences to make the right impact. With these I think an individual is on his/her way to stardom.

Let me hear from you. What has worked for you? Share it in the comment section.

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