In a workshop I ran this week on presentation skills, I came across someone who really didn’t want to be there. Okay she was there physically and attempted to participate and was given plenty of encouragement.
Day two came and only one person hadn’t done their homework or tried to improve on what they had presented on the first day – was guess who?
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We’re all different and not everyone wants to learn, grow, change or try something new.
Being pushed outside of your comfort zone – is uncomfortable. Yet handed an opportunity, (particularly by her boss in this example) to grow and step into your personal power can only be of benefit to your own career and personal growth.
My main mantra is personal branding. In my time working in this area I have seen different approaches to the topic and a lot of comment about personal brands both good and not so good. As my world of work changes, as it does for most of us, I need to stay on top of the constant evolution.
It takes learning, trying something new and at times perhaps a reinvention so that our unique qualities, strengths, passions and goals, which when realised and nurtured can help us to bring out our personal best and shine.
For me I have fundamentally stayed with my core message albeit delivered in several ways and believe that nurturing, growing and expressing the unique you, will bring work fulfilment.
You need to understand who you are and what may need to change; knowing what it is you offer and how to be seen and heard so you can impact other people.
Whether you are in your own business; the head of a company or an executive within a corporate environment – there are three areas I think are relevant to you in your personal brand growth.
1. Your Nook which is another word for your niche. What sets you and your brand apart? Knowing your strengths, skills and what you are passionate about can help you clarify what you love to do and the people you love to work with.
You also need to understand where your brand sits in the mind of your target market and if others really know who you are and how you can help them.
2. Your Look. In any role if you want to be seen as a leader, you need to act like one and also look like one. Your clothes and personal presentation really are the external image of your brand.
What brand image are you projecting not only through your communication collateral and the way you look but your presentation skills and networking confidence? Your presence and the visual and vocal impression you make, has an impact.
3. Your Hook. Once you’ve nailed your niche and expertise and have your brand image and presence working well for you, the next step is to communicate your message.
Your message needs to be communicated in numerous ways including social media, mainstream media and by face-to-face communication. Understanding the right steps and channels to reach your target audience will ensure you engage others and gain influence to grow your career or business.
Put simply my #nooklookhook message is just an updated way to say personal branding is the self-marketing tools of positioning, packaging and promoting the product which of course is YOU.
If you would like to know more about personal branding, sign up for my video series, NOOK, LOOK, HOOK, 3 Steps to Build a Stand Out Personal Brand.
Sue Currie is a speaker and the author of IMPRESSario, Present and Promote the Star Within You. She is recognised as a leading authority on personal branding to boost image, profile, brand and business. Through her image management programs, workshops, consulting and keynote presentations, Sue helps businesses and entrepreneurs present an influential brand image.
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