personal brand Archives - Dennis E. Gilbert

14
Jul 20
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Just One Chance To Tell Your Story

Tags : future opportunity personal brand story success

Actually, there are many chances but there is only one first chance. If you had only one chance, what would your story be?

Your resume might be a story. Perhaps you tell a story in the job interview. Your reputation is a story and so are the things that keep your friends interested in what’s next.

Your life is full of stories.

There are the stories that you tell yourself as you start your day, the story in your mind before the meeting, and the story you consider as you check your progress on your goals.

Everyone around you has a story too. Some will listen to yours and some only want to tell their own.

The news media has a story. So does the politician, the financial analyst, and the meteorologist.

For every person what happens next depends on their story.

Perhaps the life lesson is to learn how to listen to your own story.

One Chance for Your Story

It is possible that you could tell a better story? How would that shape what will unfold for you tomorrow? What about overmorrow?

The story that you tell depends on you. If you want a better story can you create one? Do good stories lead to more good stories?

When you care about your story it may be important to consider how you’ll tell it better. What will make it more powerful with greater impact. Will it be a catalyst for others on a similar quest?

If you care about what happens next it might be wise to listen to your own story.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

06
Jul 20
-

Your Personal Brand Is Not Everything

Tags : commodity image personal brand value

What is your expertise? How do people recognize what you offer? Your personal brand is not everything to anyone.

In a general sense, we know what is on the menu at a McDonald’s or Burger King restaurant. Lasagna isn’t an option.

We can also be pretty sure that we won’t buy a new mattress at the Chevrolet car dealership. We won’t buy a new cell phone at a beauty salon, and we won’t get a freshly cooked rotisserie chicken at the office supplies store.

In the workplace, or for your career, recognizing that you can’t be everything to anyone doesn’t limit your value, it increases it.

Things that are available everywhere to anyone typically cost less.

In leisurely terms we often call these commodity products or services.

They cost less because the wide spread availability drives the price down. The economic guidelines of supply and demand prevail. Businesses selling commodity products or services largely compete on price.

Why Value Matters

What is the value add for a disposable pen? Probably not much.

What is the value if you can have your business name printed on it? Perhaps, a little more, but often this service is readily available.

Convenience stores gain some margin because of their location and of course, their convenience.

Convenience is a service, a value-add. Patrons pay a little more for the convenience.

Most married couples wouldn’t consider a convenience store for their ten-year wedding anniversary dinner. Most convenience stores wouldn’t try to offer this.

Your Personal Brand

Branding for each individual, in their job or their career, isn’t made up of being everything to anyone.

Certainly, lending a hand or helping out in a pinch is noteworthy, and sign of a positive workplace culture and caring. Great.

When your background and expertise is accounting, you may not also be in line to be the Chief Marketing Officer. If you are the CMO, you may not also be preparing for a CPA exam.

If this is not true and you cross paths of expertise often, what is your brand?

A lack of definition may make you nothing more than a disposable pen.

You can put your name on it, but is really doesn’t do much to change the value.

Build your brand.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

15
May 20
-

Building Personal Brand Is About Value

Tags : career personal brand price value

Mike Tyson has a different brand when compared with Sarah Jessica Parker. The same is true for Jim Parsons when compared with Daniel Tosh. Building personal brand depends on the value you are trying to create.

What is your value about? What is the image of your personal brand?

It is common when we speak about personal brand that the conversation may shift to money. Who can achieve the biggest salary, the most perks, and the best benefits?

Chances are great that there is a small local grocer who has a reputation for high quality food, friendly service, and a reasonable price. The same may be true for the hair salon, the hardware store, and the pizza shop.

People will go out of their way to get what they desire. If they are more interested in image, they may shop the trendiest place. Regardless of price or value.

For most, the workplace as we know it has been disrupted. Many are trying to reinvigorate commerce. When it comes to people and jobs, what will be most valuable now and in the future?

Building Personal Brand

You have to keep in mind your personal brand. What does that look like and who should hire you?

Employers will largely hire (or keep) based on their perceived need. From their perceived need, they’ll be considering value.

A Chevrolet Sonic will get you across town, so will a cab. You could also drive a Bentley to get there. Price varies substantially, so does the cost of ownership.

If an organization does not see the value that you bring to them, they may make a different selection.

Not everyone is a Bentley, and not every employer would want to drive one.

Remember that some organizations will make hiring decisions that don’t seem to align with price.

Perhaps because they see value as more important than price. Yet, some will see price as an identifier of value.

Choose your market and build the appropriate brand.

Mike Tyson and Sarah Jessica Parker both have something to do with knockouts. A Sonic or a Bentley will both get you across town.

You decide.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

17
Jan 19
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Logo Power is Part of Your Personal Brand

Tags : logo personal brand power

Are you improving your personal brand? What does your personal brand say about you? What is your logo or logo power?

Personal brands are interesting. Inclusive of everything from leadership presence, to your shoes, or the car you drive.

Brands and Logos

“Dress for success,” remember that one? It is still relevant today, even if it is jeans and a plaid shirt that looks like you slept in it last night. Pajamas, maybe not so much, but perhaps, at a Walmart store, well, nearly anything goes.

Why do brands sponsor athletes or sports teams? Likely, at least in part, it is to get noticed.

What about the people wearing the Nike swoosh, the red sole shoe from Louboutin, or the motorcycle enthusiast with the Harley Davidson bar and shield logo?

These people are sharing the love and are wishing to make a statement. They support the brand, endorse the brand, and in part, are who they are because of the brand. Notice me or notice this, it matters and it is who I am.

You likely won’t wear a garment that misrepresents your beliefs.

What is your logo power?

Logo Power

In personal branding there is a lot at stake. Certainly, it may be connected to your style, how you dress, perhaps even your car or where you live.

Most people don’t appreciate materialistic judgment of others, yet most people still desire and seek respect.

On the job your brand comes from the work that you do. It is representative of how you get along, how you share knowledge or ideas, and even how well you navigate politics or work with the team.

The person who just flipped out in the meeting is avoided. Don’t sit with him or her in the cafeteria.

An employee who is unprofessionally challenging the boss will probably be a bit lonely at the coffee pot. The person who lost the biggest account, they might as well be a zombie.

Your logo power may involve a lot of things. The real question to ask yourself is, “Would anyone voluntarily share my logo?”

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

14
Nov 18
-

5 Tips To Help You Build Personal Brand

Tags : how to build opportunities personal brand tips

Do you care about your career? Have you ever wondered what leads some people to have many opportunities while others stay stuck? Certainly, there may be many reasons. Have you considered how you’ll build personal brand?

It comes up often. Frustrated, hardworking people, trying to navigate their current job, advance within the organization they work, or find a new employer. Don’t underestimate your personal brand.

Build Personal Brand

Here are just five tips of many to help build personal brand:

Be Responsive. Perhaps nothing shows more courtesy and respect than being responsive. This may be peers, direct reports, customers, vendors, and even your friends. Too busy doesn’t build relationships, it weakens them.
Give First. Many people are subconsciously (or consciously) asking themselves, “What are you going to do for me?” This should never be the question. The better approach is, “How can I help someone else?” Engage to give, not to take.
Social Networks. While there certainly are pros, cons, and danger zones, being at least moderately active on social networks is a good idea. Many people believe they don’t need to build a quality LinkedIn profile, until they do, and then it is too late.
Network. Yes, you can network through social networks, but that often is not as powerful as face-to-face. The best may be at the intersection of both. If you meet face-to-face, follow-up by connecting online. If you met online, when possible, build your relationship face-to-face.
Follow-up. This is simple, if you make promises, keep them. If you say you’ll call back, call. When you tell someone you’ll email them tomorrow, do it. If you have a great thought after making contact, send a short email or make a quick call.

Why Brand Matters

These five tips are critical if you are serious about building your brand. Your reputation is on the line.

Who gets picked for opportunities?

People who are visible with a great personal brand!

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

13
Nov 18
2

How Will You Become More Visible?

Tags : career coaching new job personal brand visibility

Out of bed and off to work. It’s a ritual that millions perform each day. Yet every day at best estimates at least half of them are thinking about making a job or career change. Have you considered how you’ll become more visible?

The numbers are staggering. The number of people searching for jobs or career advancement may be at an all-time high.

It once was a lot of work to type a resume, a cover letter, and an envelope. Today it digitally happens in just a few minutes. It makes it easier and easier to apply. The reality is that it makes it even harder to be found.

Being Discovered

Imagine I paint with watercolors, create masterful pictures with clever and inspirational messages, put a few in a frame and hang them on the wall in my office. How many people will know?

If I bake a cake, make a great Italian dinner, or grill a steak to perfection, how many people will know?

You might be the very best at what you do. You may be the next Tony Couch, Duff Goldman, or Seth Levine, but who will ever know if you aren’t visible?

More Visible

Your next career move may have a lot to do with your resume, what is on it, how it looks, and the masterful use of keywords. It won’t mean much when the hiring managers asks the staff, “Who do we know that would be perfect for this job?”

I talk with and coach a lot of people who are frustrated with their attempt to make a career move. They are frustrated about their resume or wonder if their card is appropriately punched. These things matter, but they aren’t everything.

Who you know, or perhaps said in a different way, who knows you, may matter the most.

Have a well stacked resume, but think more about building your personal brand.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

09
Aug 17
-

Why Responding Is Important For Your Personal Brand

Tags : customer service personal brand responsive sales

Giving an excuse often feels like a good escape. In business, it may mean you won’t get the big contract, you may damage your reputation, and it can easily hurt sales efforts. Being responsive is important for your personal brand. More than that, not being responsive is just wrong.

It seems almost popular or trendy today. Business to business or even friend-to-friend, people often just don’t call back. Today’s business environment might leave the impression that being too busy to call is a signal of success, for many it is just an excuse.

Excuses Are Useless

You get many excuses. Here are a few popular ones:

“Sorry I didn’t get back to you. I’m really bad at that.”

“Things got crazy and no one could make a decision. It just fell off the plate.”

“Don’t take it personal. It isn’t about you, it is about me. I’ve been on overload.”

Always About Relationships

If you’re in business, or even expect to maintain healthy personal relationships you might want to think differently. It may seem surprising, but when I speak with business executives about customer service or sales, the no return email, telephone call, or ball drops are common discussion points.

Here are three things that might help you or someone you know improve:

Find value. Sometimes we feel like interaction is painful. Actually, it is something to be valued. When people respect you enough to attempt to engage, tap into your wisdom, or even sell you something consider the alternative of no communication or contact. The question then might become, “Why are you needed?”
Schedule. If you have to find the time, try planning for it. Return calls at the end of every day or choose to arrive at work a half hour early to catch up on return email messages. In a world of poor response and follow-up, you’ll be a hero. This is always better than the alternative, a zero.
Commit. It is easy to adopt an attitude of skip it everyone does it to me. Don’t allow that to become your excuse. Make a commitment that you will stand above the rest. Plan to return calls or emails within 24 hours or less. Commit to doing it.

Personal Brand

When you consider your personal brand, you’ll never stand out being like all of the rest. You’ll stand out when you are different. Don’t be lazy about delivering exceptional levels of personal customer service. Be the one who returns the call, follows up promptly, and keeps commitments.

Doing nothing or following a poor performance trend may feel accepted or even trendy.

Start a new trend. Stand out. Brand well.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a four-time author and some of his work includes, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce and Pivot and Accelerate, The Next Move Is Yours! Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

Tag Archives: personal brand

Jul 20

-

One Chance for Your Story

Jul 20

-

Why Value Matters

Your Personal Brand

May 20

-

Building Personal Brand

Jan 19

-

Brands and Logos

Logo Power

Nov 18

-

Build Personal Brand

Why Brand Matters

Nov 18

Being Discovered

More Visible

Aug 17

-

Excuses Are Useless

Always About Relationships

Personal Brand

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