Becoming a Prized Package (part 1)
By: Janet Adetu Date: 6 years agoComment: 0 Category: Articles
When you walk through the door in any gathering, instantly we can tell a number of things about you. Believe it or not up to 11 assumptions are made regarding your economic level, education level, social position, exposure level and many more. It takes seconds to form a good first impression; it may take a life time to get rid of a bad one.
Everybody is unique with their own style; the way you present yourself creates your image and that of your business. People will do business with you based on what they see. Do you look authoritative, approachable or aloof? You are a brand how you package yourself makes a big difference. Attractive packaging will set you apart from competition. Essentially the way you look and carry yourself is your very own Personal Brand. Believe it or not your self-brand is directly affected by your level of etiquette savvy. Identifying, recognizing and enhancing your personal brand is key today for career and professional success.
Putting it all into perspective you can consider yourself as a package that is boxed, labelled and priced both consciously and unconsciously by all. How do you set yourself apart for distinction, that package that stands tall among the rest.
You want to dawn with seven C’s including character, charisma, charm, class competence, credibility and clout. These will help you build and sustain both your elf and professional image.
Are you a prized package?
Let me leave you with 8 success strategies for becoming a prized package.
8 Success Strategies for a becoming prized package- (Self- Branding)
- Define who you are:
How would you feel if you discovered that someone has the same name as you? Almost like a case of stolen identity.
A friend of mine, a medical doctor had her identity stolen from her by someone who had been using her name for 8 years before she found out. The medical board could not and would not change her name on her qualification by virtue of their strict policy. Her medical career was ruined because that person had a stream of criminal records.
Brand your unique name it should have clarity, consistency and constancy.
Be clear and know who you are and what you stand for. If you are a banker; act like a banker at all times in the business and social settings. Be consistent in the way you communicate your brand when writing or talking or even through emails, text messages or on social media. Ensure that to all who need to see you, you are constantly visible.
- What are your unique attributes
- What makes you tick
- What motivates you
No matter how different we appear to be we all have unique characteristics.
Are you determined, dedicated, devoted, (what is most important to you?)
- Create and complete a SWOT Analysis:
This is quite a familiar term so take time out to :
- Identify your internal characteristics that accentuate your strengths
- Know your internal weaknesses that you must improve upon
- What does the environment offer you in terms of opportunities?
- Do not overlook the underlying threats that could also arise.
Take a moment to honestly assess yourself and find out your swot analysis.
- Identify your Grooming Style and Dress Sense
Be careful to pay attention to detail when it comes to good grooming as nothing goes unnoticed. If you cannot take care of yourself well; in the business world we look at that as one who will not pay attention to projects, assignments and duties. Simple things like wearing a signature fragrance, properly applied makeup (if a lady), wearing clothes that fit the body you have now and not the one you want or wish you had or praying to have. When you wear clothes ask yourself-
- Do they fit your profession, age and status
- Have you considered color coordination
- Do you look respectful, reliable and representative of your organization.
- Watch your Posture
Your posture shows signs of body language saying a lot without saying a single word. It makes all the difference when you do not carry yourself well. Our first impression of you is tied to what we see. 55% of the time, we look at your appearance, body language as well as attitude. Imagine being well dressed at a conference, slouching in your chair and picking your nose. It is about being conversant with the way you sit, stand and walk. Always sit upright, stand erect and walk with a purpose. if you are the boss the worst thing that could happen is if a client were to enter your office and walk right passed you looking for the boss.
Watch out for the remaining strategies for becoming a prized package.