How to avoid being a stereotype in your personal branding
CARLII LYON
Former International Personal Publicist turned Speaker + Executive Coach (Topics- Influence, Visibility, Courage) | Forbes Contributor
I remember reading a story once about a Professor who loved speaking to strangers. So much so he would go out of his way to make sure he encountered them, especially while traveling.?
One day he took note of something interesting. Every time he made mention of the fact he was a Professor, the person he was speaking to seemed to immediately change. They would become in his words 'respectful, accepting and dull'. They assumed because he was a Professor, they had to show up and act a certain way. As a result, he made a point of not using his title to avoid disappointment.?
It reminds me of a conversation I had with a client who believed she couldn't really be herself on LinkedIn because she was trying to attract CEO's. She 'assumed' they would resonate with serious, intelligent, and strictly corporate messaging. When I asked her how many CEO's she knew that were serious, intelligent, and strictly corporate, despite working with many, she replied "none".
It is this thinking that leads so many people to play it safe when it comes to their personal branding. The assumptions of what their audience is like. Whilst I understand the convenience of stereotypes, especially when it comes to marketing, the truth is they can be dangerous and misleading.?
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When we cater our messaging to stereotypes we also end up becoming a stereotype. We tend to fade into the noise of everyone else who is trying to show up as a 'lawyer', 'engineer', 'designer', 'tech entrepreneur' etc. We look for examples of peers who are 'doing the same thing' as we are fearful of being the first.
If you are going to look at others as a measurement for what is right, make sure they are living a life you want to lead. If not, then following in their footsteps is surely not the wise path to take.
Titles are great, but just remember, behind every title is a flawed human just looking to belong and be accepted for who they are. The great gift we can give to others is to be proud of who we are and show up as ourselves. In doing so, we give others permission to do the same.
Award-Winning Strategist | Growth Architect | Personal & Corporate Brand Builder | Neuro-storyteller
3 年Carlii - I love your posts ??- really resonates well with me and quite thought provoking. A long time ago, I have been told that I have a “work” and a “private” persona. And come to think of it, the people that I allowed to get to know me personally, requested that I should show more of the real ME to the business/corporate world. It has taken me years to acknowledge and implement that “ask”. It’s frightening since I have to show my vulnerability but I am working on it. My goal is still to be true. Be ME. I’ve got ONE life and it’s short. I should not be anything less than my unique self! Thanks again Carlii ??
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3 年At age 24 I worked along side a family practitioner and within a few months realized that doctors are people too. Here I held him on this pedestal until that point. From there my mindset shifted from working for him to working with him in serving the patients in his practice. It was a great experience.
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3 年Be proud of who you are, where you are from and what you do.
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3 年Love the words "The great gift we can give to others is to be proud of who we are and show up as ourselves". This should apply to personal and business.
I help you figure out exactly who your target audience is, where to find them, and write crazy a*s copy which will make you stand out like a camel in a sea! ????
3 年It ultimately comes down to society's opinion, CARLII LYON They say, be yourself but follow my opinion.