Personal Brand. It is a BIG deal to me. It one thing you have influence over, control to choose what it is defined as, and accountability to how it is built day in and day out. For me, my brand has allow doors to open, some to shut, and the impossible to become possible. I work at it daily. I am intentional about the direction I take it. I am so aware of my personal brand that it allows for my awareness of self to be more prevalent with the passing day. Now don’t get me wrong…that doesn’t mean everyone loves my personal brand or always agrees with the decisions I make. However, there is consistency in the approach, clear and positive intent behind my actions because of it, and opportunities that have come through the wake it leaves.

Your brand is what is built when no one is looking. Your actions and your words build your brand. You cannot have one without the other…and they have to match. Many are good at one or the other, few are good at matching both up. For me, I find the hardest reason to do this is because emotions and feelings trigger us to react to a situation or an individual in manners that go against what we know and believe to be right. Many are not self aware enough to understand. Many cannot put egos aside to choose to breathe rather than react.

Your brand matters. It is watched. The more I am grow in my professional career this becomes more true. You don’t have the same grace you once had because you are accountable for delivering – both to your people and to the bottom line. The more I watch my two boys grow up this also become more true. They watch like hawks, absorbing like sponges. Every moment, every word, every gesture is mirroed.

So think to yourself…if your brand was written down in an editorial on the front page of the Wall Street Journal…what would it say? Would you read it? Would you want to meet that person that is being spoken of?

If the answer is yes…keep building on the strong foundation you have set.

If the answer is maybe…think about why…and pivot.

If the answer is no…stop doing that which doesn’t serve you. Start over.

Brands can be built over many years and crumble overnight. Be deliberate. Know that impermanence allows you to rebuild, to wipe slates clean, to being anew. That takes actions and words, coming together, consistently and deliberately.

Your brand matters. If influences more than you think…So….

You have a choice. To adapt to the energy around you or create and influence the energy around you. Being intentional about your personal brand determines which will occur…

Influence.