The Real Law of Attraction-How's Your Personal Brand?

Have you ever been driving down a city street or walking along a restaurant row and smelled the aroma’s of a succulent meal being prepared? Weren’t you drawn to discover where the smell was coming from ? Perhaps you followed your nose and rearranged your day to indulge in a meal from that restaurant. On the other hand do you recall a time when you smelled an offensive odor, maybe as you entered an unfamiliar grocery store or a restaurant? Your senses will either draw you toward or draw you away from an experience, much like your personal brand. What is a personal brand, you ask? Everyone has one. Like a company brand, a personal brand is the persona that you reflect that ignites, convincing, meaningful perceptions in those you come in contact with and how it may benefit or hinder them. Basically, it’s who you are, the actions you take and what makes you unique from someone else. People are either drawn to or away from you based on their perceptions and experiences they have with you. Consumers seeking a quick hamburger nearly anywhere in the world are more likely to seek out a McDonald’s over Clyde’s Hamburger Joint, because of the reliable brand McDonald’s has created. Why is a personal brand important? Well if you are an entrepreneur, a good brand is crucial to your ability to gain credibility and influence your targeted customer to increase business. If you are an employee, your personal brand is key to influencing those who have a say in your career advancement. A personal brand encompasses how you dress, talk, walk, where you live, what you drive, your character and your abilities. Unfortunately, people make judgments about you based more on the superficial areas of your persona than your actual abilities. Test it out, as you sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a latte, observe passersby. What are your perceptions about a fit, custom -suit- wearing gentleman, verses a short-sleeved -dress shirt- outdated tie wearing, beer belly of a guy with yesterday’s shampooed hair? Be honest. Regardless of the perception, one gets a better perception of one than the other.

How do you know if you need to improve your personal brand? Here are a few ways to test if you need a personal brand improvement:
1. You are not attracting the kinds of customers or attention that you intend to attract
2. You are earning considerably less than you know you are capable of
3. Your business is slow or inconsistent
4. Others perception of you does not line up with what you intend to project
5. You are passed over for promotions or unable to obtain business on repeated attempts.
6. Your credibility is threatened
7. You lack prestige
8. You or your business has no recognition
9. You lack visibility in the marketplace or workplace (you are a wallflower)
10. You have out dated or no marketing material

If you can relate to any of these areas of improvement, you may be in need of a brand makeover. If you need a brand development consultation, contact Launch Marketing Solutions at (240) 788-0670.