Personal Branding…Ouch!

I need to focus.

I have been thinking about this blog and where I want to take it. I do believe I need to focus it in a general direction and I think I finally found it! Writing! Duh, I know, right. I have briefly discussed that I decided to self-publish one of my books, so I think I will take you on the journey with me. What better way to learn the “how to” process than following along with me as I stumble through the briars. You get fewer cuts and scratches while I must stock up on band-aids.

Things I have learned so far…I learned that I know NOTHING. I am ill prepared and scared! But…I am determined. So, I did what I do best and bought books. Right now, I am reading Personal Branding for Dummies. What a perfect topic to start with.

Did you know that you need a brand? Do you know what a brand is? I didn’t either, but apparently, it’s not just ritualistic burning of the flesh. Brands are important if you want to become “SOMEONE” in any arena you are delving into. What this means is- what image do you wish to portray? How do you want the general public to see you?

Did you know you already have a brand? Yup, are you the nice friend, the cook, the listener, or the talker? Popular, quiet, or flat out scary? Yes, those are brands. How you carry yourself every day is who the world sees. What that means is you need to evaluate who you show to the world and decide if it is good for your goals. Seriously, if, for example, you want to be known as a fashionista, then you can’t go bouncing around Wal-Mart in your pajama bottoms and a stained t-shirt. Nope, you must, always, BE YOUR BRAND. Crazy, right?

If you want to be taken seriously in your dream position, then dancing down the halls singing Bohemian Rhapsody off key with a tutu on your head is not the way to do it. Now, if being a comedian is your goal- feel free to steal this idea. I will laugh at you.

I AM a writer. I AM a great writer. I must show my skills and be willing and prepared at any time to prove it. I must be informed and educated in the world I wish to be included in. And…no dancing around Wal-Mart in my pajamas.

Let’s get real for a minute, branding yourself for what you want is important. You must know who you are. You cannot correct what you don’t acknowledge. Find your flaws and fix them so you can focus on your strongest qualities. Know your target audience. Who do you want to draw to you? Understand that you must be able to communicate comfortably with people about your chosen focus. Your brand is not limited to your person, it includes your online presence as well. If someone popped over to your Facebook account or Twitter what will they see? Would you be embarrassed by anything they may find? If you stop and think about your brand before you type up a post or response to someone you may rethink the things you put out there. It can all come back on what you are trying to build for yourself and your future.

It turns out I have a lot to learn, but I’m in it to win it. I have a general idea of who I am and what I show the world. And- I have a list of things I need to work on. Yup- a WHOLE list. It turns out I’m not perfect. Who knew?

Want to follow along? Wanna go on this journey with me? All you have to do is read along and hopefully learn from my stumbles and bruises.

Are you ready? Let’s do this.

Along the way, we may…

Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy.