This week I watched the Academy Awards on the big screen at HOTA (Home of the Arts) on the Gold Coast. It was fun to be part of the “Elvis” crowd who were cheering on the locally produced movie.
No gongs this time unfortunately but as Lady Gaga said while accepting her 2019 Best Original Song, Academy Award, "It’s not about winning but what it’s about is not giving up. If you have a dream, fight for it. If there’s a discipline for passion, and it’s not about how many times you get rejected or you fall down or you’re beaten up. It’s about how many times you stand up and are brave, and you keep on going."
Lady Gaga is in her prime, still performing, being nominated for awards and remaining top of mind and relevant to her audience and the public at large.
Another maybe not so famous face and the recipient of the Leading Actress Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards was Michelle Yeoh who said, "Ladies, don't ever let anyone tell you you are past your prime."
To become well-known and seen as a leader in your field, it’s never too late (or too early) to be “on show”, turn up, do the work and I like to add, look good while doing it!
Special events and award ceremonies are held worldwide. When done well they are entertaining, exciting, glamourous and will always be an important brand building and awareness exercise.
Many associations and organisations hold awards to highlight and promote their individual association or businesses, raise the bar and quality of work that is undertaken and to recognise those within the group. There are awards of all types, think film, media, literature, hairdressing, sport, music, fashion, architecture…and the list goes on.
When I was young and commencing a modeling career I instinctively knew that to be successful I’d have to be well-known so I entered into model quests and beauty pageants as I knew that was one way to be noticed. I did win a number of competitions and as a result had a successful modeling career for a number of years.
Now as a trained image consultant and member of the Association of Image Consultants International, I am working hard to achieve my next level of accreditation. I hope that one year at our convention and awards night I will receive a CIM award because I’ll know then that I have reached the pinnacle of the profession.
Entering and perhaps winning an award creates acknowledgement of your work and dedication, greater awareness of you and your personal brand or business.
Here are a few tips to celebrate you and help build your personal brand presence and influence.
1. Entering awards in your industry will add to your credibility. Many industries, associations and networks host award competitions. Seek out one in your area of expertise and participate. Entering and perhaps winning an award creates acknowledgement of your work and dedication. Being seen as a winner in someone else’s eyes will help you believe you are.
2. Become a qualified member of your industry’s association or gain qualifications in your field to demonstrate that you are good at what you do. That you walk the talk, are a leader in your field and are believable. This will add to your authority.
3. Belonging to your industry association will give you further insight. Deep learning and understanding of your topic will help you develop content and clearly communicate your knowledge to your audience with confidence. By developing significant insight into your field, you are in a better position to stand out when the media or clients come calling.
4. Put in the effort. You know the saying, “It takes ten years to become an overnight success.” Gain the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to become an expert in your field. Increasing your income potential and charging for the value you provide, will help back up your claims.
5. Do other people back up your claims? Do you have testimonials or endorsements and referrals from others or to say you are successful at what you do? Display these on marketing documents, proposals and your website.
No matter what your industry or calling – from being a creative through to corporate or coaching services – gaining credentials and qualifications will highlight your personal brand and add to your authority and influence.
To help you highlight a winning image and personal brand, take a look at my coaching and consulting programs.
Sue Currie is a speaker and the author of IMPRESSario, Present and Promote the Star Within You. She is passionate about helping business executives and entrepreneurial professionals elevate their personal brand, image and professional presence. Sue’s suite of image management services delivered through workshops, consulting, coaching and keynote presentations provides a multi-faceted approach to gain high transformation for her clients.
Learn more about image and brand in the free video series, NOOK, LOOK, HOOK 3 Steps to Build a Stand Out Personal Brand.
