What is Your Self-Brand?

While you’re taught to dance like nobody is watching, it is important to remember that you’re always representing something greater than yourself.

It is important to be truthful and to be yourself as it helps you build relationships and establish credibility – in and out of the working world. You must be self-aware and mindful because you are associated with a larger crowd and represent a team – be it your family, your friends, or your colleagues.

Your self-brand is important to your success as an individual, and can also impact your company’s success, positively or negatively. I could hire an intelligent and personable person, but if they appear sloppy or if they act foolishly outside of the office, then this individual will not be as successful as they should be. This person will struggle to build professional relationships necessary to grow the business. Additionally, a poor personal brand will reflect poorly on myself, making others question my judgment and character, because I hired them.

I applaud those who dance like nobody is watching, but do so with dignity, self-respect and respect for those around you. While you must be truthful to yourself, you are also part of something larger – a circle of individual brands that together embody your company brand.