Ackces.com........The Wow Factor.......

Creating Your Unique Personal Brand

Love it or loath it, most entrepreneurs know that “self-branding” is important if you want you (and your company) to get noticed.

Image is important. Whether you want to the next Donald Trump or have the aura and wealth of Oprah Winfrey, or even the all powerful Alan Sugar and Simon Cowell.

All these successful businesspeople know that their image commands respect,. They are what they say and they say what they are. They dress for success. And although behind the scene many have their carefully hired publicist, stylist, trainer, nutritionist and even spin doctor -they all have one thing in common. They have the wow factor!

So what about you? What happens when you enter a room? Are you forgettable or do you own that room? Do others stand up and take notice of you?

We all have a signature style - something that sets us apart from those around us; and if we don’t it is important that we cultivate one for ourselves.

So it is important that you create a strong brand in the way you move, speak, dress and present yourself.

When dressing for your body type, think in terms of a silhouette. You don’t want your signature style to showcase a part of your body you dislike. Instead, aim to camouflage your trouble areas while playing up your best features.

So how exactly can you brand yourself?

1. Identify your unique selling point (USP). This is simply what makes you unique. Remember that you are an original – there is no one else quite like you. What do you stand for? What are your philosophies? Try to sum up are your key strengths and talents in a few key words or phrases.
2. Develop a personal brand statement that tells the world who you are and what you do. Since your brand statement is the essence of you, incorporate it into all of your printed material. Make it a part of your introduction at networking and other functions. Communicate your brand statement in the way you conduct business and in your personal image.
3. Watch your appearance: If the visual image you are projecting is not a direct reflection of your personal brand statement, you are doing yourself and others a disservice. Consider your personal image as the packaging of your personal brand.
4. Check your brand behaviour: Packaging your brand includes not only your appearance but your conduct. Do you return phone calls and emails promptly? Do you deliver on your promises? Although it may seem obvious, being forgetful and stretching yourself so thin that you don’t deliver on what you promises can negatively affect the integrity of your personal brand.
5. Evaluate your brand regularly. Make an appointment with yourself twice a year to re-evaluate your personal brand statement. If your unique values and key attributes have undergone changes (we are continually growing and evolving and there are times when that growth is so great it alters our personal brand) compare those changes with your personal brand statement and adjust as needed.
8. Invest in your brand: Many people will make the excuse that they don’t have enough money, or time, to invest in themselves (or their brands). No brand is successful without making an investment. Whether that’s your appearance or your filing system - if it needs attention, find a way.

Now take a good look at yourself. Would you buy into you? What do you think would give you an edge and set you apart from your competitors?

The mirror should be your best friend. If you cannot confront yourself then you are spending too much time fooling yourself. If you were in a room with a handful of people and you had to choose one to run your company and make it a success - would you choose yourself? Could you be the face of the next billion dollar brand?

If it is yes: you are on your way to becoming a star.

If however you answer no: research…redefine...restyle…repackage…rebrand and then sell! Sell! Sell! And sell!

We hope to hear your success story soon on Ackces.com