No doubt you’ve heard the phrase, “He’s just not into you”, in relation to the dating scene. It’s not too much different in business – we’re not always the perfect fit for a particular client or role.
You come in various shapes and sizes with different outlooks and ideas on life and business, so it stands to reason that one approach does not suit all. That applies to any management, consulting, designing, training or branding undertaking. What might be appealing to one client might not be right for the next.
Yes, I know it’s hard when people, particularly prospects and recruiters, “ghost” you. I don’t understand it either. I do still like to get feedback, but I have learnt not to take it personally.
It could be personality differences, ideology, methodology – maybe we “just don’t get it.” Now I’m not suggesting you change your strategy to suit everyone but to home in on what makes you special, so you do stand out with the right customers or clients.
People will have a perception of you, what you offer and how you help them, so having clarity around your personal brand and strategy will help you feel much more confident and attract the right opportunities.
The clients you are looking for are looking for you.
It is the same when I work with my clients. Some will want some of “this” or maybe a bit of “that”, to help them position, present or grow their personal brand.
My methodology and approach offer various solutions under one umbrella of personal branding. Let me explain:
POSITIONING
What sets you and your brand apart? Knowing your strengths, skills and what you are passionate about can help you clarify what you love to do and the people you love to work with.
You also need to understand where your brand sits in the mind of your target market and if they really know who you are and how you can help them.
One client, a CEO establishing himself in a new role and market had a clear idea on his long-term goal. However, to achieve that goal we needed to step back, look at his current personal brand, gain an understanding of perceptions from others and craft the brand identity and messaging.
Through questioning and analysis, we were able to develop a clear strategy for his long-term career goals.
Sue’s guidance has been invaluable! Before working with Sue, I knew I needed a plan and clear direction to achieve my strategic networking goals and establish myself as a leader within the new community that I recently moved to.
I needed a brand coach to help me understand more about myself – my tendencies, preferences and style – and how they fit in my new environment, as well as all the opportunities that I could take advantage of or even create myself to connect strongly with other leaders and key stakeholders.
At the end of our time together I have an extensive portfolio of actions and opportunities to progress both in-person and virtually that I am sure will make a big difference to me.
PRESENCE
In any role if you want to be seen as a leader, you need to act like one and look like one. Your clothes and personal presentation really are the external image of your brand.
For my client, brand image and the way she presented herself needed up-leveling. The client approached us as she is working in a very competitive industry and wanted to look professional, feel comfortable and confident.
Her brief to us was to stand out from her competitors and update her personal look with the end resulting in a revised image and range of new professional photographs.
Sue's advice and assistance in refreshing my personal brand image was invaluable. As a real estate agent in a highly competitive area, Sue guided me through the process to update my personal style in a way that helped me to stand out from the crowd, yet still reflect my own personality.
My confidence levels have improved with the style changes and the results from the photo shoot were very pleasing.
PRESENTATION
What brand image are you projecting not only through your communication materials and social media and the way you look but your presentation skills and confidence? Brand presentation and the verbal and vocal impression you make, has an impact.
Public speaking and delivering key messages, is an extremely important communication tool for managers, leaders and entrepreneurs, whether in-person or remote, presenting well has become a required asset for almost anyone in a business environment.
Our client needed presentation skills coaching for her upcoming series of investor presentations. Through comprehensive coaching plus planning, interaction and lots of practise, we worked together to develop her skills and helped to increase her speaking confidence.
The presentation skills training definitely made a big difference. I was able to put into practise your tips on how to start my speech with a strong opening, the importance of structure and rehearsal!
Working with you was an enjoyable experience, and with your help I felt truly comfortable and confident with my series of investor presentations. I have learned a vital life skill from your training.
To help you stop trying to appeal to everyone and start attracting the right people, learn more about personal branding when you sign up for my free eBook, The Secret to Your Personal Brand Revolution. Get Your Free eBook Now!
Sue Currie is an image entrepreneur who guides and empowers business leaders and entrepreneurs to have “Spotlight Confidence”. She is passionate about helping professionals elevate their personal and professional brand through her speaking, coaching and training programs on Self Brand, Style and Speaking Skills, providing a multi-faceted approach to gain high transformation for her clients.
