Don’t Make This Personal Branding Mistake

A couple of nights ago I was driving home after teaching my MBA class.  I passed a “gentleman’s club.”  They have a large LED sign out front. As I was driving by I noticed that a local CPA was advertising his tax preparation services on the sign.  I that that was odd.  I don’t know about you, but a tax preparer who advertises on the signage like http://www.exposeyourselfusa.com/banners/miami-beach-banners/, that belongs to a gentleman’s club isn’t likely to get my business.

Granted the club  — and sign — are in a highly traveled road here in Denver.  And, I did notice the ad.  And advertising is all about getting noticed.  But I don’t think that this is effective advertising or personal branding.

I suggest to my career mentoring members that the best way to create their personal brand is to think of the three or four words they want others to associate with them; then to consistently and constantly act in a manner that gets others to think of them that way.  For me, the personal brand “The Topless Bar Tax Guy” just doesn’t do it.  But that’s what came to mind when I drove by and saw the sign.

When crafting your personal brand think long and hard about how you want other people to think of you.  Then do everything you can to get people to think of you that way.  For example, if you want to attract customers who frequent gentleman’s clubs you might want to advertise at one.

My brand is the Common Sense Guy.  I reinforce this brand consistently and constantly.  I write blog posts that are simple and straight to the point.  I offer easy to understand and use advice to my career coaching clients.  And I do it with a sense of humor — because after all, I’m just a guy.

My common sense advice on personal branding.  Figure out how you want people to think of you — then consistently and constantly act in a manner that will get them to do just that.  It’s as simple as that.

Your career mentor,

Bud

PS: I write this blog to help people create the life and career success they want and deserve.  Now I’m going one step further.  I’ve created a membership site in which I’ve pulled together my best thoughts on success.  And, as a reader of this blog, you can become a member for free.  Just go to www.BudBilanich.com/join to claim your free membership.  You’ll be joining a vibrant and growing community of success minded professionals.  I hope to see you there.

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