Big brands and little brands work really hard clarify their message; what makes them different or better than the others.

They spend hours identifying how they want to be perceived in the market, who they want to emulate or personify as a brand.

What brands stand out in your mind? What thoughts come to mind when you hear Ford, Chevy, Starbucks, BP? Think about those brands for a minute.

Now, what’s your personal brand? Who are you? What do you stand for?

If you’re not sure, it’s time to develop your personal brand. If you don’t like what you see, it’s time to do some brand building exercises. How do you want to be remembered or what you want to be known for. Most importantly how do others perceive you?  It’s also very important to DELIVER on these brand promises so that what others remember is how you want it to be.

• What’s your mission?
• What are a few of your brand qualities?
• What do you value?
• How does your brand manifest itself?
• What do people see externally?

These are great questions to ask yourself. Spend some time thinking about your answers. Write down how you see these things today, and how you want them to be seen. Is there a difference?  If yes, what can you to do develop your personal brand?

Create a vision for who you want to be and how you can create your personal brand; Use pictures cut from magazines, headlines from articles you’ve read and words that describe you. Set your goals high and go for it! It’s your brand, and you are what you build.

Aspects of your personal brand are seen everywhere these days; on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, in meetings, social events and when people hear your name… everywhere. Is it where you want it to be?