Branding Yourself

There are over six billion people in the world, and the UN estimates that by 2050 there will be nine billion.

That's a lot of people! It is vitally important that you "stand out" if you are going to make it in today's world, which is why personal branding has become an increasingly popular concept.

Remember the movie, Pulp Fiction? When Vincent and Jules had a major problem, they hired Mr. Wolf. And the first thing he told them is, "I solve problems." Nothing more, nothing less. This is his personal brand, we know this because his reputation - his brand - was the very reason he was hired to begin with.

So, how does one develop his own personal brand? You want to find one or two words that describe you best, a catchy phrase or even a mantra. Something simple and quick, which makes you uniquely identifiable.

Here are a few key questions to help you along:

1. What are you best at?
2. What are you the "go to" person for?
3. When colleagues describe you to someone else, do they call you "The King of X"?
4. In what areas of your field do you have critical knowledge that others lack?

Once you decide what to brand yourself, don't forget to market that brand!