My definition is a little more comprehensive than other thought leaders, and I attribute this to the fact that I specialize in this area. I don’t wear a dozen hats but I claim an authority in the field of personal branding. A God given assignment if you will.
Therefore, my definition isn’t a glib comment or an off the cuff quote; it is a well-considered and executable explanation of personal branding.
Personal branding is about promoting what is true and unique about you and letting everyone know about it. Rachel Quilty – Brand Yourself Blueprint.com
” Personal branding is the strategic and systematic process by which individuals determine, define, differentiate themselves from others or their competitors initially within a specific marketplace, industry or platform by their definable style, ability, message or values through a method of intentional positioning, building and leveraging of their unique purpose, attributes and expertise to be recognised as the authority or celebrity in their chosen field. ” Rachel Quilty
Personal branding applies traditional branding concepts to the individual.
Wikipedia® advises us that, ‘Personal branding is the process whereby people and their careers are marked as brands. The personal branding concept suggests that success comes from self-packaging.
Further defined as the creation of an asset that pertains to a particular person or individual; this includes but is not limited to the body, clothing, appearance and knowledge contained within, leading to an indelible impression that is uniquely distinguishable.’
Tom Peters provides that ‘Branding means nothing more (and nothing less) than creating a distinct personality … and telling the world about it.’ While Peter Montoya adds, ‘Personal branding is the process that takes your skills, personality and unique characteristics and packages them into a powerful identity that lifts you above the crowd of anonymous competitors.’
Dan Schawbel’s book, Web 2.0, provides a more extensive definition of what is personal branding. His collaborators define, personal branding as ‘the process by which individuals and entrepreneurs differentiate themselves and stand out from a crowd by identifying and articulating their unique value proposition, whether professional or personal, then leverage it across platforms with a consistent message and image to achieve a specific goal. In this way, individuals can enhance their recognition as experts in their field, establish a reputation and credibility, advance their careers and build self confidence.’
What does all that mean to you?
“Personal branding is really about how we market ourselves to others.”
Personal branding is about promoting what is true and unique about you and letting everyone know about it. As a brand, you are your own free agent – you have the freedom to create the career or business path that links your talents and interests with the right purpose and position.
‘Personal branding is about promoting what is true and unique about you and letting your target audience know about it.’
A compelling personal brand is one which:
- has an easy identifiable personal identity
- it stimulates a positive emotional response
- it embodies specific desired values or qualities
As an individual, you must acknowledge that you are a brand. And who better to market your personal brand than you? This means that at the end of the day, the success of your personal brand lies in your hands.
Brand Yourself! And Jump the Q! Your personal brand should reflect your abilities and potential. Rachel Quilty, Personal Brand Strategist and Chief Dream-caster at Jump the Q Inc. Rachel is known as ‘the Authority’ on personal branding and author of must- have instructional manual ‘Brand Yourself’. Grab a copy of Jump the Q’s FREE strategic brand blueprint and work journal.
We assist you to develop your Personal Brand Strategy by:
– Discovering your brand mission and purpose.
– Designing your signature personal brand style and voice.
– Developing your personal brand story.
– Deploy a personal Brand Yourself Action Plan.
Jump the Q assists you to strategically and systematically leverage your professional profile and build your personal brand to become the authority in your industry. Get your free personal brand strategy quick start guide today!
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