Personal Brand Power: Amplifying Your Authenticity with Lori Milner

Today we had the privilege of hosting Lori Milner in an engaging webinar where she discussed the transformative potential of crafting your personal brand. I wanted to take a moment to recap some of the key insights we gained from her session. One central question that emerged during the webinar was: How can we recognize the strength of our personal brand? The answer, as Lori explained, is surprisingly simple.

Consider this: Are you someone who others are eager to collaborate with? What are the expectations people have when they engage with you? Drawing a parallel to our university or college days, we all recall that one group project member who contributed little yet claimed the accolades. While we didn't directly label them as having a weak personal brand, we subconsciously associated them with terms like unreliable, opportunistic, and indifferent.

Imagine fast-forwarding five years into the future, and this individual is now applying for a position at your organization. What's the immediate impression you hold of them? How do you mentally categorize them? Admittedly, people evolve, and it's only fair to give them a chance during an interview. Nevertheless, it's challenging to overlook our prior experiences.

So, how can we develop a commanding personal brand? Lori reminded us of a recent encounter that emphasized the essence of a powerful brand. Earlier this month, she needed assistance with a last-minute client order, and reached out to a supplier named Shirley, whom she hadn't spoken to since 2020.

Shirley's response was remarkable. Her voice radiated warmth and positivity, and she assured Lori that she could fulfill the order in time. Not only did she keep her promise, but her attitude of gratitude stood out to Lori the most. She treated the collaboration as a mutual opportunity, demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm. Furthermore, she even offered to send innovative samples to enhance the offerings, showing initiative and proactivity.

This experience left an indelible impression on Lori, transforming her into a loyal advocate of her brand. Shirley's consistency, unwavering commitment to excellence, and genuine care illustrated the four essential habits that create devoted followers:

1. Cultivate a Go-Giver Attitude: Approach challenges with a positive attitude, embracing the concept that hurdles can be overcome with the right perspective. Your attitude determines your impact regardless of external circumstances. An attitude of gratitude and service-oriented mindset guarantees an exceptional brand experience.
2. Consistency is Key: Just as a dependable coffee shop earns your loyalty through consistent quality, your brand's reliability shapes others' perception. Steady execution, support for colleagues, and accountability for mistakes build trust and admiration.
3. Keep Your Promises: Your brand is essentially the promise you make. Staying true to your commitments demonstrates integrity and reliability. Seek guidance when needed, as it showcases humility and dedication to doing things right.
4. Infuse Care: Much like a subtle yet impactful ingredient in a dish, genuine care elevates your work. Leading with care, whether at home, with your team, or through your brand, sets you apart and fosters deeper connections.

A powerful brand isn't about manipulation but intention. When you consistently provide value and contribute positively, opportunities gravitate towards you, and people advocate for you even in your absence. Just like I'm eager to recommend Shirley, your brand's reputation reflects on those who endorse you.

In closing, remember that your brand is not defined by a single action, but rather by a collection of consistent efforts over time. Each small interaction leaves an impression, contributing to the overall impact. As Martha Beck aptly states, "How you do anything is how you do everything."

?Here's to each of you creating your own powerful and impactful personal brands. To watch a recording please subscribe to ORT Jet JetFlix: ZOOM-Youtube Broadcast - YouTube

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