What You Have in Common With Apple, Nike and Amazon

Throughout this series I’ve tried to offer up a positive perspective on business; to support the notion that business in general is a good thing…a moral thing…and a noble pursuit.

 

Not everyone shares my views of business, I get that. But regardless of where you stand on the subject, there’s no denying that you and I have been hugely influenced by business. In fact I would guess that your life just today has been impacted by business in more ways than you think.

Let me ask you a few questions.

Where did you get your morning coffee? Starbucks? Tim Hortons? An independent cafe? Your home brewer?

How did you get to work? Did you drive a car, ride a bike or take public transit?

How are you reading this blog? On your laptop or smartphone?

What are you eating for dinner tonight? Where will you purchase your food?

What are you doing this weekend? Playing sports? Seeing a show or dining out?

The truth is virtually every area of our lives is impacted and improved because of business. Think about it. What you eat, where you work and how you get there, your hobbies, personal hygiene, finances, vacations, family dinner…all of it is influenced and supported by business. And you are intimately familiar with so many brands that make it possible. Nike, Apple, Amazon, Boston Pizza, Ford and Google to name a few.

From “mom & pop” shops to the largest corporations…everyone has a way of doing business…they have a BRAND.

BRAND: “The marketing practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a product from other products.”

But branding isn’t just a logo. Branding is about what they are known for. Who they are, what they do and how they do it. And more importantly, what others say about them.

It tells them what they can expect from your products and services, and it differentiates your offering from that of your competitors. Your brand is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be.

What’s Your BRAND? 

I’m not asking you what your favorite business is. I’m not asking whether you prefer Nike over Reebok, Apple over PC, or GM over Ford.

I’m asking you what YOUR BRAND is. Even if you have never given this a second of thought, you have a brand. You do. We all do. You may not have thought of it this way, but you have your own personal brand.

Look back to the definition I used and insert person where it says product. “The marketing practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a person from other people.”

Everyday you are crafting and refining your personal brand whether you know it or not. Whether you’re 14 or 40. You have a your own brand.

Q. What are you known for?

Q. What differentiates you from someone else?

Q. Who are you, really?

Q. Who do you want to be?

Q. How do others perceive you?

I would suggest that your personal brand is way more important than any of your favorite brands. And if you want to be successful in life, even in business, that you consider your personal brand.

Not sure where to start?

I love what Patrick Lencioni shares in his book, “The Ideal Team Player”. He talks about the 3 characteristics that he looks for in any team.

Are you…

Humble: Do you put the team above yourself, do the low-level jobs for the sake of the team, do you acknowledge weaknesses and offer and accept apologies?

Hungry: Do you do more than what’s required, desire to grow, take ownership for the success of the team?

Smart: Do you understand how you impact those around you, do you show empathy, are you a good listener?

So what do you think? What’s your brand, right now? How do you impact those around you and what do they say about you?

Are you…lazy, impatient, reckless, inconsistent or moody? Or are you thoughtful, faithful, reliable and have a strong wok ethic?

Do you…do the bare minimum, cut corners, cheat or steal? Or do you exceed expectations with honesty and integrity?

You have a brand. I have a brand. And we market ourselves everyday and people are paying attention.

Maybe you have aspirations to work for a big, well-know company with a popular brand. Maybe you already do. But your success in working for the popular brand will be directly proportional to your personal brand.

Feeling stuck? Not sure what to do next? Your life not where you want it to be? Life coaching can help. Contact me to arrange a free 45-minute discovery call. Let’s talk.