As I walked towards dinner on a small pedestrian street in a European city, one neon sign stood out. I stopped, wondering how an Irish pub could be connected to a disco bar. My first thought was that there were two establishments. The entrance below the sign suggested otherwise. From every visible indicator, this was a single establishment offering three distinct propositions. An Irish Pub with a disco and a bar. I checked Google Maps and the confirmation of the offering was confirmed.
As I walked on, I wondered who would choose to go. I imagined a difficulty in choosing just one of the three. As improbable as this choice was, choosing all three seemed even more problematic. The signage did not make sense to me that evening, As I start a new day, I wonder how my brand will be seen by others through my actions.
Personal brands begin with what is within. I know many, including myself, who try to present something s/he is not. I know that when I see myself in the mirror of actions, words, and thoughts, there is an obvious inconsistency between what I am and what I think I want to convey to others. It is never a pretty picture. The more inconsistent it is, the more obvious it is that I am lost within a mess of my creation.
Brands grow through intent that is confirmed through action. The reminders across history reinforce the connection. As an example, Apple’s branding of “thinking differently” would have never worked if the company echoed its competitors. I have no idea what the Irish pub combined with disco and bar brand experience is. I do know that my brand challenge was described by Paul a long time ago; “Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you’ll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.” (Romans 14.18)
Today is a personal branding opportunity. May my revelation to others come through active listening, deep understanding, kindness, and care-filled action.
