YOU, YOUR IMAGE AND YOUR BRAND!

Alot of misconceptions exist about Personal branding and this is not restricted to Nigeria or Nigerians alone; but I would like to clarify what ‘Branding made personal’ really is by addressing one of them here.

A common misconception is that your brand is the way you look. But while image is key to branding, if you have ever met someone who looks and talks like a consummate professional but has a poor reputation for delivery based on sloppy work, frequently missed deadlines and say perhaps plagiarism, then you understand what I am talking about. your image, although a key part of your brand, is not your whole brand.

A lovely lady that I met recently sent me a flyer advertising a Personal branding workshop because she correctly thought that I might be interested. my initial enthusiasm however, quickly turned to confusion and then surprise, when I realised it really was no more than a spa / style makeover day that was being advertised as a personal branding workshop. Your image serves to uphold your brand promise.

And while we are still on the topic of image, I am certain that you (like me), would hesitate to hire a Nanny who showed up for work in a tailored dress, inch long French manicured nails and four inch stiletto heels - for the simple reason that the qualities we require from the person we choose to do that job, go beyond a sleek appearance.

So in conclusion, while image is key, it does not on its own, constitute your Personal brand.

Next week, we will continue to look at common misconceptions.

“Your image, although a key part of your brand, is not your whole brand.”