All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts…
If the world is a stage, what part are you playing? The lead? A supporting role? Or maybe you’re trying to just be a rock or tree–just part of the background. The truth is, the part you play is of little difference and the inescapable fact is that people are watching and what they see and perceive about you , in whatever role you’re in, creates a lasting impression. To that end, you must know what they say about first impressions…you rarely get a second chance to make one. Often, those single encounters and first impressions have a meaningful impact on life opportunities or moreover, lack thereof. And very often it’s not just first impressions but infrequent encounters can be just as difficult to influence in a positive manner. Who you are, how its communicated, where and to whom are critical in establishing an authentic and meaningful impression. A personal brand impression that influences others about you in a positive way, no matter the part you play on life’s stage–particularly in this evolving digital world. You’re in charge of you and no one can know better than you those personal behavioral assets and traits that should be communicated to establish and/or sustain your brand. It’s one thing to establish a positive persona and personal brand with the colleagues, friends and customers that you interact with on a day-to-day basis but its something all together different to affect perceptions with your virtual associates on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and any number of other online interactions with people with whom you have something less than a close personal relationship. The same observation could likely be made of many of your email exchanges–both personal and professional. When someone sees your name in their inbox, what goes through their mind? They can’t wait to open, read and respond or do they yawn and think, “I’ll get to them later” or worse yet, immediately “delete” to their trash folder? Think about it…that’s your personal brand.
Are you in control of your brand? Are you effectively communicating who you are through every resource available to you? Have to invested the time to wordsmith each of your online profiles and been consistent related to what’s communicated about you in each of those profiles? Have you chosen a third party branding tool like About, Qnary or Brand Yourself to link your various online platforms to increase your visibility? Have you gotten around to purchasing your name as a dot com and centralizing your efforts in promoting YOUR name in order to receive the full benefits of your visibility efforts? One thing is for certain–it won’t happen unless you take control of it. And while there may not one single right way to maximize your brand and visibility there are certain things that should be expressly understood:
1. BE YOURSELF
It’s what you’re best at!
2. ACCENTUATE YOUR POSITIVES
We all do different things well.
3. BE VERY AWARE
Everything adds up and equals YOU.
4. BE NICE
Its central to every good personal brand.
What is it you do that’s distinguishable, unique or even remarkable? Tell the world…it’s your stage.
