You.
Cuff-link #1: Build a credible philosophy that others trust by having integrity behind what you say and what you do. This is anchored in, not only being in touch with your core competencies, but also being able to accurately gauge your delivery. A key from Executive Coach, Kent Blumberg, that has really helped me tailor my suit is developing a personal branding philosophy. This is a statement that concisely conveys what you do. Mine is:
I bring form to concepts in business, entertainment & lifestyle that result in brand identity formation, consumer engagement & ultimately brand equity growth.
Cuff-link #2: Articulate consistent values through what you do best. Irrespective of industry or lifestyle, you should be participating in a craft that builds value for others by utlizing your strongest gifts. Let’s say you are an event marketing executive, this could be done by:
- creating an experiential conference with industry colleagues
- building and internship program at your alma mater
- publishing a newsletter/blog
Use your core competencies to consistently build value in others; help them tailor their suits. Not only is it an honorable ideal, but it also breeds prosperity.
Cuff Link #3: Project your image in aligment with your philosophy and values. It all starts with you-create your own custom channel to convey your brand. With the growth of web 2.0 social networking sites like www.linkedin.com, www.facebook.com & www.myspace.com we have unprecendented tools that allow us to showcase our value. Use them strategically to align yourself with other like-minded individuals and to inspire. These tools are like irons+starch to a slightly wrinkled garment and can sharply communicate your biography, photographs, multimedia and work history.
“Personal branding lets you control how other people perceive you… You’re telling them what you stand for — but in a way that’s so organic and unobtrusive that they think they’ve developed that perception all by themselves.… When done right, it’s irresistible. . .”
Peter Montoya, author of The Brand Called You
Remember, The best brand to project is the one you believe best reflects who you truly are. Be yourself. Be honest. Leave a comment to share your own personal branding testimony, or personal branding philosophy. I look forward to seeing your cuff-links shine.
Fashionably,
August 16, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Tradition.Class.Style.Noble.Renaissance.The Gentleman. This is my philosophy for not only me but for the joe dues brand! This advice will definitely stick with me. I appreciate the manner in which you intertwined fashion with your branding theories. I have taken cuff link 2 and basically branded myself bow rocking bow ties. The fact that I love wearing them has turned in to bow ties being the signature piece for the brand. Not only has this craft but love for fashion and understanding the “psychology of clothing” turned in to a business but I truly love adding value to a person’s life by teaching them how to tie different knots, how to tie a bow tie and which shirt collars they should pair with. We call this graduating someone at joe dues (got that from Horacio). All and all, good look Jesse, it’s a celebration b*@#$%^! I see that Bespoke Branding, you’re on it (like Biggie would say)! Like the Ac in 95!
August 16, 2008 at 10:08 pm
This is cool man, thanks.
September 5, 2008 at 12:23 am
Bold, Black, Nappy, Free. This is a start… I am still trying to truly figure out my brand but I realise as I get older it keeps changing, though my core stays the same. The wonderful thing about getting older, yes I said it getting older is that you finally feel free to truly settle into who you are no matter what people say and do around you. Most of all you realise you your parents actually have tought you everything you need to know to be the best person you are….Luv you guys…oh so mushy….bye!!!