Personal Branding: The Michelangelo Principle

In a world increasingly defined by digital footprints and virtual personas, personal branding has become an essential facet of modern life. Just as Michelangelo sculpted David from a block of marble, we, too, are tasked with chiseling our online personas into unique and remarkable identities. But, much like the iconic statue, creating a compelling personal brand demands attention to detail, dedication, and a keen eye for the perfect form.

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The Michelangelo Principle

Likely more legend than reality, it has been said that Michelangelo once noted, “I created a vision of David in my mind and simply carved away everything that was not David.” this quote encapsulates the essence of craftsmanship and vision. If he didn’t actively chisel the stone to ensure all we see is David, he would be the only one to have this vision…. We would just see a big rock. Crafting a personal brand requires a similar commitment to discovering the unique essence within us and promoting it outward through our words, actions, and presence. Our digital presence should not be a mere reflection of reality but an aspiration, a representation of our best self.

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First, a Cautionary Tale

Meet Mark. Mark’s journey is a case study in how not to brand oneself effectively.

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1.?????? Inconsistent Online Presence: Mark’s social media accounts are a hodgepodge of content. He shares political rants, personal drama, and cat videos without rhyme or reason. Visitors to his profiles are left confused about who Mark really is and what he stands for.

2.?????? Over-Sharing Personal Life: Mark has no filter when it comes to personal matters. He broadcasts his relationship issues, medical conditions, and daily frustrations to the world. His friends and followers often cringe at the oversharing, which detracts from his professionalism.

3.?????? Lack of Professionalism: Mark often engages in heated online arguments with colleagues and clients. His confrontational approach has cost him business opportunities and strained professional relationships.

4.?????? Ignoring Feedback: Despite numerous friends and colleagues suggesting that he tones down his online presence and maintains a more professional demeanor, Mark continues to disregard their advice. He’s stubbornly stuck in his ways.

5.?????? Inflammatory and Controversial Posts: Mark enjoys stirring up controversy and often posts divisive content. This approach may earn him some attention, but it’s often negative and alienates potential connections.

6.?????? No Clear Personal Mission: Mark doesn’t seem to have a clear sense of his personal mission or values. He goes with the flow, following trends and the latest viral content without considering how it aligns with his identity.

7.?????? Inconsistent Brand Image: Mark’s appearance changes frequently, from his profile picture to his username. This inconsistency makes it hard for people to recognize and remember him.

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Poor Mark! But if we’re all being honest, we all have met a Mark before… God forbid we may have even BEEN a Mark in one or two of these examples. Mark serves as a stark reminder of the perils of mismanaging your personal brand. First impressions are often digital, failing to establish a clear, positive, and professional online persona can lead to missed opportunities, damaged relationships, and a personal brand that’s more confusing than compelling.

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The Stats Behind Brand

In today’s digital landscape, it’s imperative to ask, “So what?!” are my posts resonating with my audience? Do they inspire, educate, or entertain? More important, do I even care? There is plenty of research around building a corporate brand, but not so much on building a personal one. But are the principles REALLY that different? Here are just some findings on the subject that I found relevant.

1.?????? Consistency is Key: Consistent personal branding leads to increased trust and recognition. According to a survey by Lucidpress, consistent branding across all platforms can increase revenue by up to 33%.

2.?????? Alignment with Values: Studies have shown that organizations and individuals who align their actions with their core values tend to be more satisfied and successful in the long term.

3.?????? Authenticity Matters: In a Nielsen study, 63% of consumers said they like it when businesses and individuals are authentic on social media. Authenticity in personal branding builds credibility and rapport.

4.?????? Impact of Online Presence: A CareerBuilder survey revealed that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates. Your online presence is a crucial component of your personal brand. (Say “Hi!” to your future boss!)

5.?????? Mission-Driven Personal Brands: Brands that have a clear mission and purpose often attract more engaged followers. A survey by Deloitte found that mission-driven companies tend to outperform their peers.

6.?????? Long-Term Growth: Personal branding is not just about short-term gains. It's an investment in your long-term reputation and opportunities. This is reflected in career advancement and networking.

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Quotes That Inspire Brand

“Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” – Jeff Bezos

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” – Brené Brown

“In the world of Internet customer service, it’s important to remember your competitor is only one mouse click away.” – Doug Warner?

These quotes remind us that personal brand should convey authenticity, inspire trust, and provide value, just as companies aim to earn customer loyalty and positive reviews.

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The Importance of Staying “On Brand”

A personal brand, like a company’s reputation, hinges on consistency. Veering off brand can lead to confusion and loss of trust. While personal evolution is natural, I continually ask myself, “Does my online presence align with my mission, values, and goals?” Staying “on brand” ensures that my audience knows what to expect and can rely on the content and insights I provide.

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Defining Your Mission Statement and Avoiding the Babble

Just as companies have mission and vision statements, I have a personal one too. My mission is to empower and inspire others to unlock their full potential and harness their unique gifts for the betterment of our shared global community.

Anything I do or promote that veers from that mission would be off brand. That doesn’t mean I can’t be a fuller person than what’s contained in that short message, but what it does is fixes my focus on what I believe is most important to me. Adding too many layers on top creates what I call “Branding Babble”

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Taking Control of Your Personal Brand

While my mission guides my actions, I recognize the need to define and control my personal brand actively. This brand isn’t solely determined by external perceptions; it’s a reflection of my core values and intentions. I sculpt it, shape it, and present it to the world. I’m no Michelangelo, but I believe in the principles that guided his hands. If I don’t display what I want the world to see, how will they? I am my own Brand Ambassador and, while I continue to make mistakes, I actively work to create the art of who I am. Your role as your own personal Brand Ambassador is one of the most important ones you have. It determines how others see you, your trustworthiness, your relatability, and ultimately, your success. Don’t let other determine who you are…. SHOW them.

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Conclusion

In the digital age, personal branding is not a luxury but a necessity. Just as Michelangelo brought David to life through the careful chiseling of marble, we must craft our personal brands with precision and passion, casting away everything that ISN’T “David". From monitoring the stats that underpin our influence to upholding the values represented by our mission statements, we can actively shape and evolve our digital identities. By staying “on brand,” we ensure that our audience recognize us for the “David” we aim for the world to see...