Everything you do is representative of your brand: social media, resumes, social interactions, what you wear, ect. It's a lot to manage and can easily feel like a lot of pressure. Since I'm all about the KISS principle (keep it simple sweetheart!) I found a simple new way to develop your personal brand.
Let's start with brands you know & love. Why do you love them? Chances are it's more than just cute clothes, I'm going to venture a guess that you love the values they have as a company even if you don't know exactly what they are. Brands (clothing especially) do a fantastic job of representing their brand through their merchandise and actions without telling you what they stand for. My three favorites?
Lilly Pulitzer,
Kate Spade &
Matchbook Magazine!
The Lilly girl is always full of surprises. She lives everyday like it's a celebration. Never has a dull moment, and makes every hour a happy hour.
she is quick and curious and playful and strong. she is a voracious reader and a fantastic dancer. she saves old snapshots, but always loses her umbrella. her emails pile up, but she never forgets to call her grandmother. she has $7 in change at the bottom of her handbag.
the matchbook girl... views the world through rose colored glasses • loves to throw dinner parties, but has known to burn the roast • values eccentricity over convention • is the first to laugh at her own bad jokes • knows the cha-cha, the charleston, and the tango • paints her nails bright coral when she's feeling blue • is infinitely curious • could happily live off of red velvet cake • pens hand written notes to her grandmother • has a signature shade of lipstick • secretly thinks she may be babe paley reincarnated • received an ipad for her birthday, but will never give up her library card • has a bucket list a mile long and dreams a dime a dozen • is smart, but never a show-off • listens to the day's forecast, but trusts her own intuition • never says no to a sunday matinee at the theater • is quick to blush, but never short of a witty reply • has a skip in her step and a twinkle in her eye • always shares her last piece of gum
Now, beyond having great brands & company values, I choose these three specifically because they sum up their business and customers in the same format. The ____ girl... This is a great way to think about your own personal brand. Who are you & what makes you, you?
The three above are all fun examples, but if you want this to apply to your career, which it most certainly can, make sure you tailor your statements appropriately!
The Lattes with Liv girl...
Will never turn down Sunday brunch
Always has a handwritten to do list
Appreciates the art of letter writing
Keeps emergency bus fare in the bottom of her handbag
Has infinite wanderlust
Loves a problem to solve
Listens thoughtfully but isn't afraid to speak up
Is task oriented but can always see the big picture
Lives everyday as an adventure
