When Dr. Silk posed the thought-provoking question during class – “How do you make people feel?” – it prompted me to reevaluate my initial encounters and extended interactions with fellow members of the MMBA 5 cohort at LBS. From as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a bit shy at first, but once I’m comfortable with a person a completely different side to me emerges. Recognizing the potential challenges tied to this tendency – the fact that first impressions, largely influenced by how people felt during initial interactions, often shape others’ judgments – led me to take more proactive measures in my interactions. These measures were not about faking friendliness but rather ensuring that the first impression I conveyed was inviting and approachable. I aimed to create an atmosphere where anyone would feel at ease engaging in conversation with me, both initially and in subsequent interactions.
Beyond individual and small group interactions, how we’re seen in professional settings like work and school is crucial for personal growth and building social and professional connections. It is important, as we navigate various spaces in society, to remain consciously aware of the image we project – our personal brand – and how we effectively communicate this brand to those around us. A brand is a promise of value, and your personal brand is the unique amalgamation of your skills, values, and personality that sets you apart from the crowd. Honing these values and skills, and communicating them effectively can significantly impact your personal and professional success.
The first element of personal branding is value identification. It speaks to recognizing and highlighting the unique contributions and qualities that distinguish you as an individual. It begins with a deep introspection on your strengths, expertise, and distinctive qualities that set you apart from others. Ask yourself: What skills do I excel in? What unique perspectives and values do I bring to the table? What do you want to be known for? . Listening to what others have to say about you can also provide relevant insights that help compare how you see yourself versus how you are perceived by others. A well-defined purpose serves as a guiding light for your actions and decisions, ensuring consistency in your personal brand.
Value communication is a vital and strategic element of personal branding, representing the intentional and effective articulation of your unique contributions and qualities. In personal branding, value is not only about the skills and expertise one possesses but also the ability to convey and showcase these attributes to the intended audience. In this element, authenticity and consistency are key! Authenticity fosters trust, as people are more likely to connect with and support someone genuine, while consistency is key to building a recognizable personal brand, whether online or in-person. Effective value communication is multi-faceted, incorporating various mediums and platforms e.g. your resume, elevator pitch, LinkedIn profile, and other social mediums. It’s about telling a cohesive story across different channels, ensuring that your personal brand is reinforced and memorable, and adapting your message to different audiences.
Lastly, value delivery involves the practical application of your personal brand. It is the demonstration of your capabilities through real-world results, whether in the workplace, community, or other settings. This active delivery of value reinforces your personal brand and builds a reputation based on actual accomplishments. To effectively integrate value delivery into your personal brand, it’s essential to set clear goals and align them with your identified strengths. Regularly assess your progress, celebrate achievements, and learn from challenges to continually refine and enhance your ability to deliver value.
Your personal brand is not static; it evolves. It is important to regularly evaluate your brand against your goals and adjust as needed, seeking feedback from mentors or peers. By focusing on authenticity, clarity, and consistency, and by effectively communicating your brand across various channels, you can cultivate a distinctive and powerful personal brand that sets you on the path to achievement and fulfillment.
Juggling MBA, Work, Motherhood