Unveiling the Link: Building Your Personal Brand and Giving Back

The good news is that inner need for #giveback still exists!

In recent years, many of the professionals I work with for enhancing their personal brand, have Legacy & Give Back as their main driver for this process. This strong inner need is not necessarily correlated with age or professional seniority, but I have observed that it generally arises when professionals are ready to climb the second mountain in their lives! David Brooks introduces the concept of the "Second Mountain" (his book title) as a metaphor for finding purpose and fulfillment beyond individual ambitions, urging readers to prioritize values such as connection, compassion, and contribution to society.

And we should appreciate them and to be grateful to have them around! For the generosity with which they freely share their time, resources, knowledge, and experience for the community or for the causes they care about. When you encounter such a professional, honor them and do not abuse their resources!

However, I have also encountered professionals who cannot conceive the idea of engaging in volunteer/CSR/community activities for which there is no immediate remuneration or benefit - and I'm not referring to those who literally have no time to breathe on the verge of burnout, but rather to those who, despite having the availability of resources and time, have told me outright that they do not understand why they should teach others for free... and I remember that the financial potential and resources of those individuals were in the top 50 in my country.

And yes, I have met professionals who behind #giveback almost always have well-defined interests: the pursuit of recognition and visibility, material interests, obtaining subsequent benefits, etc. Somehow, they further erode the idea of generosity because they falsify it.

Can generosity be educated?

I believe so - by any means, it is a way of expressing our humanity!

Learn to share: whether it's your time, resources, or skills, find ways to share them with others in need. Involvement in volunteering and charitable activities can be an excellent way to do this.

Cultivate gratitude: Appreciate your own life and what you have. Gratitude can be a powerful motivator to help and support those around you.

Learn to say "no": Learn to set healthy boundaries and refuse requests that deplete your resources without feeling guilty. It is important to preserve your energy and mental health so that you can be genuinely generous when needed.

Is there a correlation between cultivating a robust personal brand and giving back?

I strongly believe that the answer is YES! Here are a few reasons why:

Values Alignment: Giving back is often rooted in personal values such as compassion, empathy, and social responsibility. When individuals incorporate giving back into their personal brand, it demonstrates alignment between their values and their public image, which can enhance authenticity and credibility.

Differentiation: In a competitive landscape, integrating giving back into your personal brand can help differentiate you from others in your field. It showcases a commitment to social good beyond professional success, which can resonate with audiences and set you apart as a socially conscious leader.

Positive Impact: Engaging in philanthropy or community service can have a positive impact on society, and highlighting these efforts as part of one's personal brand can inspire others to do the same. It can also attract like-minded individuals and organizations who share similar values and are drawn to the cause.

For many individuals, giving back is a way to leave a lasting impact and create a meaningful Legacy. By incorporating #givingback activities into their personal brand, individuals can shape how they are remembered and contribute to a greater good beyond their immediate sphere of influence.

Be an example of generosity for those around you!

Amalia

About author: Passionate about Leadership, Personal Branding and Wellbeing Curious, Amalia supports leaders in building their legacies!

**********************************************************************************

??Love what you're reading? Share the inspiration! ???? Spread the word by sharing or encourage your friends to subscribe to Career Transformers newsletter here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/newsletters/career-transformers-6734366017532805121.

Together, let's create a community fueled by positivity and growth!