An Alternative Perspective on Personal Brand

Good Morning!

I have anguished over today's update!  That is why you are receiving it late!

This week I spent a significant amount of time "pondering" the short phrase "personal brand."

As with many others, it falls into the category of over-used and ill-defined...

This provides many "wanna-be" or self-proclaimed experts with the ability to gain income by selling value-less advice!

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Let's twist the meaning of "brand" ever so slightly...in order for us to pursue the truth behind a "brand's" real meaning and its value...

A "brand" is a unique mark...burned into a free-ranging, herd animal by an individual, as a claim of ownership.

Cow, horses and sometimes sheep are branded.

Most brands were scars...created by placing a hot iron with a unique shape...on to the skin of the animal and temporarily injuring them...resulting in permanent damage...after the 3rd degree-burn healed

Brands have been replaced with tattoos (most often placed on the animal's ear or inside of the lip)...which are generally less painful, yet still permanent...

In this context...brands are probably not something to be sought after or desired...

Just the thought of someone saying I want a brand makes me laugh!

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Although the brands discussed and promoted by personal coaches and marketeers appear significantly different...I do not see branding in a general sense much different...

Products have "Brands"...
Companies have "Brands"...

Brand recognition is a much sought after dream!

Think about this...

Imagine someone saying..."I see the scars deeply embedded on the cattle...and I know you we here!"

What they are saying is...

Brands are most often the result of a painful experience...

They can imagine the smell of burning hair and flesh...

They can still hear the "SCREAMS and CRIES" of  innocent animals as they are tied up, held motionless and...

OK...the mental image is even bothering me...

Next time someone says that they want to help you with your "brand"...may I suggest...

STAMPEDE...

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I have taken a rather biased view of brands and branding for a reason...

I believe that (another twist of words) an individual should pursue a "REPUTATION"

Why?

Brands are permanent and irreversible!

Reputations can be changed!

I have worked with leaders in the past that were branded as:

"Totally useless..."
"Adding no value..."
"A waste of payroll..."
"Complete and utter idiots..."
"Unethical and immoral and self-serving...hiding behind a curtain of religious piety"
"Lacking any personal integrity..."
"Thieves..."

After typing those descriptions...and thinking of these individuals...I believe that these people deserve to be branded!

They should not be given a chance to change!

They have caused permanent and irreparable damage...to others...and...

They too...should reap the benefit of their actions!

There needs to be the proverbial smell of burning hair and flesh...and "SCREAMING AND CRYING!"

For all others...pursue reputation!  Especially those who have committed to their Quantum Obligation!

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A person's reputation is built upon consistency of behavior...

It is based upon the simple "Cause and Effect" equation...

What is your reputation?

What results and behaviors are you known for?

What can you site consistently as "the way you act?"

Here is an exercise for you to try...

On a sheet of paper put the numbers 1 - 10 in a column...

Next to each number write an example of a specific event and/or behavior that supports an element of your reputation that your are pursuing.

If you can not EASILY cite 10 examples from the past month or so...that element is probably not part of your real reputation...and simply a personal delusion!

If you can name 10...give that list to a friend...and ask them if they agree that that list points to a piece of your reputation...

SCARY?

What do you think you are really going to see or hear...especially if you are honest with yourself...or your friend(s) is/are honest with you...

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Brands are easy...but usually facade...permanent...and the resulting from a painful experience...

They are usually not a positive thing...

In actuality...I do not believe that it is I who twisted the word...but today...we untwisted them...

Do not be deceived into chasing a brand!

Build a reputation...

ENOUGH SAID...

Short and Sweet (OK a bit bitter)

Pura Vida!