Let your QUIRKs Stand Tall Against AI

As a brand enthusiast, I'm fascinated by the ever-evolving landscape of personal branding and more recently, how that juxtaposes against the increasing domination by AI. It’s easy to feel pressure to conform, to present a perfectly polished persona. Here's the thing though: AI can't replicate our quirks, nor our gifts therefore, we already have that competitive advantage.

Let's face it, AI can churn out generic content and interactions faster than you can shake a stick at it. Yet it can't capture the essence of who we are – our unique perspective, our infectious enthusiasm, or that slightly offbeat sense of style that makes people remember us.

Here's why embracing our quirks will create our branding masterstrokes:

• Stand Out From the Crowd: A sea of vanilla profiles is a snooze-fest. Yawn! Our quirks are what set us apart, making us more memorable and engaging. Think of Steve Bartlett’s unbridled authenticity or Marie Forleo's infectious positivity. Their quirks are woven into their brands, making them more recognisable.
• Build Genuine Connections: People connect with authenticity. When we embrace our quirks, we show the world the real person. This fosters trust and allows us to build deeper connections with our target audience. Think about how a quirky anecdote can break the ice and make us instantly relatable.
• Spark Creativity and Innovation: Quirky minds are often the breeding ground for fresh ideas. By embracing our unique perspective, we bring a new dimension to our content and spark innovative conversations. Think of Richard Branson's audacious ventures – they wouldn't be possible without his willingness to push boundaries. I hear he's launched a cruise for all ages. Nice one, Sir!
• Humanize Our Brands: In an age of automation, a touch of humanness goes a long way. Our quirks add a layer of warmth and personality to our brands, making us more approachable and fostering a sense of community. Think about how relatable it is to see a successful professional admit to having a slightly messy desk. That will be me!

As an Arsenal Football Fan, I have the occasional friendly spat with a few of my connections, especially the Tottenham Spurs fans.        

Here are some ways to incorporate your quirks authentically into your personal brands:

• Visual Flair: Let your quirks shine through in your profile picture or background. A touch of whimsy or a conversation-starting image can be a great starter. I tend to infuse my strong #Ghanaian Heritage by weaving #Kente into my outfits. See my profile picture taken by Brand Photographer Ally Whitlock .

• Embrace Your Passions: Does your love of knitting inspire problem-solving strategies? Share it! Unexpected connections between your hobbies and your expertise can spark curiosity and make you more memorable and likeable.?As an Arsenal Football Fan, I have the occasional friendly spat with a few of my connections, especially the Tottenham Spur fans.
• Content with Character: Infuse your writing or videos with your unique voice and perspective. Don't be afraid to inject humour or share a personal anecdote that showcases your quirks. Check what I do with my LinkedIn Live Videos – they are fun, yet informative.

Remember, AI can't compete with our genuine personalities. By embracing our quirks, we'll not only stand out from the crowd, but also attract the right kind of attention and build stronger, more meaningful connections. So, go forth, unleash your inner quirky self, and let your personal brand shine!

Now it's your turn! Share your thoughts in the comments below. What are your quirks, and how do you leverage them in your personal brand?

About me -- according to the LinkedIn AI Bot??

Lily Naadu Mensah is a multifaceted professional with over 30 years of international experience in branding and communication. She currently serves as the Director of Development, Event Host, and Moderator at Lyncs Media. Lily is also an author of #WorkYourQU and specialises in #PersonalBranding, job coaching, presentation coaching, and small business management. Her career has been marked by a commitment to helping others work their quirks and embrace their unique qualities.

Curious about #AI

If you need any support or have questions about how your personal brand can face-off the AI bot, make friends with it and anything in-between, send me a message via [email protected] #PersonalBranding #Authenticity #AI #Leadership