Make GIVING Your Personal Branding Success Strategy

Giving is rewarding. It's contagious. And it's good for your personal brand too.

The most successful brands know that building strong relationships is key. They understand the importance of having a vast, diverse and loyal community, and they're willing to give to that community with a sincere desire to support it. Their generosity comes from the heart, without any expectation of receiving anything in return, other than a sense of satisfaction.

As the great philosopher, Lao Tzu once said, "We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation. For there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers."

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Giving is more than just a good deed, it’s a fun way to strengthen connections and increase your happiness quotient! When you regularly give back to your network, you show them that you care and that you're there for them. Plus, it's a great way to shift the focus from your own endeavors to other people's needs, which can give you a new perspective and a boost of happiness.

Studies have shown that giving has a significant impact on personal fulfillment and happiness. In fact, a London School of Economics study found that people who helped others were 7% to 16% happier than those who didn't. So, not only does giving benefit others, it also benefits you!

Even just a simple thank-you can have a profound effect on someone. According to Harvard Business School Professor Francesca Gino,?“Receiving expressions of gratitude makes us feel a heightened sense of self-worth, and that in turn triggers other helpful behaviors toward both the person we are helping and other people, too.”

And let's not forget about the benefits giving has for your personal brand. It reinforces your brand attributes of being generous and caring, and it gives you opportunities to demonstrate what makes you exceptional. When you give your skills, knowledge, or advice, you're not only bolstering your brand, but you're also making it easier for others to understand and talk about it with people they know.

So, go give authentically, and watch your personal brand thrive!

This brief 2-minute video from my CareerBlast cofounder and friend Ora Shtull will give you some inspiration to give and express gratitude. I thank her for the wisdom and honesty she shares.

Here’s my three-step giving challenge. Are you up for it?

Step 1?

Do a quick Google search and find a quote on the topic of giving that resonates with you. Then, post it somewhere you will see it every day as a reminder of your commitment to give.

Step 2?

For the next five business days, practice each of these giving actions at least once each day:

• Express gratitude.?Give thanks, praise and acknowledgement. It’s one of the most potent gifts you can give. A simple ‘thank you’ is meaningful. Being acknowledged publicly - in front of your manager, colleagues or team – can be even more impactful. Shower the members of your network with praise in both the real and virtual world and watch what happens.
• Solve problems.?Listen and learn what people want or need and think about how you can use what makes you exceptional to help them achieve it. Look for people in your network who can benefit from the unique skills and expertise you can offer and take the time to step in. If you’re great at writing, offer to edit an important proposal. If you are exceptionally creative, volunteer to be part of a brainstorming session. If you are an expert in social media, show a colleague some tips for using LinkedIn or YouTube.
• Facilitate connections.?Open your network to others. Proactively connect members of your network for mutual benefit, adding value to each of them and strengthening your connections. When you meet someone for the first time, go through your mental contacts database and think about who would benefit from knowing this person. Then, send an email connecting them.

Step 3?

Keep it going. Now that you’ve spent a week deliberately giving to others, turn it into a habit. Watch how it makes those around you feel!

Giving is good for you, your network and your brand. How will you give today? To whom will you give? When?

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