‘I remember when I first saw you”. It’s a phrase our parents say that on our 21st birthday and our partners recall this on anniversaries – but do our clients do the same? It can be a glance, it can be as quick as a handshake or the way you introduce yourself but the impressions you develop in the business world are long lasting.
The way we talk, walk, work and think all relates to our own personal brand. Controlling our image and the aspects that people perceive from us in the first 10 seconds of an introduction, has the ability to set the benchmark base-point of a relationship. If business practice tells us anything, the higher we can position a product in the market place – the better, The lower you position, the more of a battle it is to get to the top and so it is always important to put your best foot forward.
Making an impression should not necessarily mean changing the fundamentals of who you are. Iconic in both their appearances, Richard Branson and the late Steve Irwin were both the personification of a very unique recognisable personal brand. The jeans and a tee-shirt, or the khaki look, did not diminish their presence. In-fact it created it. So it is not always about being conventional, it is about being authentic.
Below are 10 quick tips to create your personal brand.
1. Be genuine
When you speak, when you listen, when you respond.
2. Don’t fall in with the crowd
If you like wearing bow-ties, wear a bow-tie. Don’t be afraid to define who you are by what you wear.
3. Smile
It has an amazing affect
4. Handshakes.
We all remember bad handshakes.
Be firm, though breaking the other person’s hand does not make you awesome.
Don’t be afraid to practice.
5. Confidence
Be proud of who you are and your ideas. Don’t be intimidated by others who seem more confident that you. Most people carry around inside the scared little boy or girl afraid of being found out. We are all in the same boat.
6. Clothes
If you look good, you feel good.
Ensure you are wearing a watch and good shoes (yes, people still look to see if you are “down at the heel”).
7. Grooming
You aren’t planning to date the people you meet, but it really doesn’t hurt to pretend that a business introduction is a first date.
Keep clean and fresh. People do remember these things.
8. Names.
Never forget a name in a conversation. Develop techniques to help you remember their name. It might be by way of asking their origins of their name, or by associating their name with someone you have met in the past. Finish a conversation with a “it was nice to have met you <Name>” – It has a lasting affect.
9 Opinions.
Have a voice and let it be heard.
Remember that giving an opinion means you must be willing to have an opinion.
10. GOOGLE yourself.
It is amazing what is out there. Google yourself – if you find something that you think is not great, contact the person who put it online and see if you can have it removed. Be polite and ask nicely, otherwise you could create more challenging information to clean up.
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Brandrally provides comprehensive design solutions by offering strategic graphic design, Web design Brisbane and Internet marketing services. Servicing clients in Brisbane, throughout Australia and internationally, we apply significant emphasis on design, strategy formulation and process and deliver successful outcomes for our clients, every time, on-time and in-budget. From Corporate Identity, through to full content managed websites, we provide professional solutions to suit your business needs.
Visit: www.brandrally.com.au
Brandrally
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