Standing Out from the Crowd with a Personal Signature

From rock stars to Realtors, entrepreneurs to athletes, having personal signatures, gestures, and style can help build a personal brand quickly, bringing additional income and opportunities along with it.

Famous golfer Gary Player stood out from the crowd and significantly increased his marketing value by becoming the “Black Knight.” Player originally wore white outfits to reflect the sun and keep cooler. When he changed to all black, he told reporters he did it to absorb the sun’s energy. But the truth of the matter was that it made him easily identifiable, even at a distance. It became his trademark. A similar style also worked for Johnny Cash.

When I started Legendary Marketing in 1998, I decided to use orange as our signature color. It was bright, it stood out, and at that time I couldn’t find one major company using that color. It worked. Soon partners and prospects alike were calling our bright orange polo shirts Legendary Orange!

Stephen Jobs of Apple fame has his black crewneck shirt and jeans, while Bill Gates has his glasses. Richard Branson has his beard. Others opt for bow ties, different hairstyles, and power ties.

Generals also used little tools like this to build a reputation. Patton wore a steel helmet and six-shooters on both hips while MacArthur sported a flat cap, sunglasses, and a corncob pipe. Both generals stood out a mile and used their headgear and accessories as a kind of trademark for their personalities.

Churchill had his ever-present cigar and his V-for-victory sign. Einstein was defined by his cloud of gray hair. Gandhi by his simple white garment and round, steel eyeglasses. All of these people at the top of their professions understood the effect of using these seemingly insignificant symbols, colors, and gestures as a way to increase their power, charisma, and personal brand!

Having a color, symbol, accessory, or style that is unique to you will help you stand out in a crowded marketplace!