Personal Branding For Women Leaders

Branding and personal branding are hot topics inTop leaders know what to say yes to and when to
business and personal development now. Why all thesay no, which I find is a skill women often need to
buzz? Businesses and people with the strongestlearn. You strengthen your personal brand and
brands are the most successful and make the mostleadership style when you understand when to say
money. You may think it is odd that a person wouldyes and when to say no.
have a brand. A brand is more than a logo. In theI firmly believe that women can be leaders in
case of a personal brand, your brand is a sum ofrestoring the economy by focusing on who they are
your behaviors, attitudes, actions and personal style.and what they do best. It's a great time to identify
It's what you are known for and makes up youryour personal brand of leadership.
reputation and image.To get started on your personal brand:
It's the same for business, except businesses use1. List three to five areas where you really shine.
logos, websites and marketing materials to representIdentify situations where you felt the most satisfied.
those qualities. To be noticed and be a successfulOne of my personal examples is a team sales pitch I
leader, you should be able to define your personalled for a former employer that resulted in winning a
brand. Your personal brand is a combination of wholarge account with a Fortune 500 company. The skills
you are and what you stand for.and talents I used to lead that process are part of
Wildly successful, Oprah clearly knows who she ismy personal brand.
and what she stands for - empowering women. Her2. Purchase the book, "Now, Discover Your
personality, vision for and commitment to womenStrengths" by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O.
has contributed to her phenomenal success.Clifton. It comes with a code for an online
Who do you admire? What are her personal qualities?assessment that will identify your top five talents.
What contributes to her success?The book offers suggestions for each talent
You can strengthen your presence, your leadership,identified.
your results by focusing on and identifying yourTo know what you stand for, take some time to
personal strengths and talents (who you are) andthink about:
what difference you want to make and what results1. What do I want to create? What results? What
you want to create (what you stand for.)relationships?
You'll know you have a strong personal brand when2. Where are my passions? What difference do I
you show up and people say about you:want to make?
I need to meet herMother Teresa stood for ending poverty and hunger.
She is someone I need to knowAnita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, stood for
Or other people will say, "You need to know her"helping tribes in indigenous cultures create
about you.micro-economies. Women like Mary Kay Ash and
Other ways you'll know you have a strong personalEstee Lauder had a unique vision and used their
brand are that you are top-of-mind for specialtalents to innovate both cosmetics and a business
projects, promotions, big opportunities, new clients.model that supports women.
People trust you because they know who you areYour personal brand is already within you. When you
and what you stand for.are clear on who you are and what you offer, you
Women don't always take time to focus on whocan be unstoppable. Defining your personal brand will
they are. We try to be everything to everybody inenhance your reputation, build your confidence and
order to avoid conflict, be helpful, keep theempower you as a leader.
relationships. This comes from that outdated© 2009 Kathy Garland, all rights reserved.
superwoman myth. Time to abolish that notion!