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In this inaugural issue of Personal Brand BOOST, we'll focus on what makes you unique. After all, personal branding is all about standing out (in a good way) and attracting the attention of those you seek to impact and influence.

If you have met me, you know that I'm on a mission to banish conformity so every professional can bring their authentic self to work every day.

I think brand differentiation is the perfect topic for this first episode of what will be weekly doses of personal branding fuel to help you amp up the brand called YOU.

So you don't miss one weekly dose, if you haven't already subscribed, click 'Subscribe' above.

In this episode:

• Read
• Watch
• Soar

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Differentiators are among the most important drivers of your personal brand (the other drivers are values, passions, superpowers, purpose and goals). When you know what sets you apart from others, you can use that distinction to stand out and attract the attention you need to move your career forward.

We all have peers or competitors—people who do what we do, or who aspire to be doing what we’re also aiming to do in the future. Jobs that are free of competition are exceedingly rare. The King of England is the only person for that job—at least until he decides to give up the post or he passes away.

But if you are not wearing the crown, you can’t reach your goals if you don’t set yourself apart in the crowd. Your differentiators could come in a few different forms:

Your How

Unless you are in an extremely narrow field, like working as a Live Mannequin/Human Statue (it’s a real job—a form of advertising), it’s hard to differentiate yourself based merely on what you do. How you do it, though, can be a valuable way to demonstrate your uniqueness. Think about your method or process of doing what you do. What makes your techniques interesting or different?

Your POV

You may make a name for yourself because of your stance on your profession. For example, you could be the advertising executive who thinks marketing is an art and constantly tries things out, embracing new ideas to see what you can create that will be innovative, effective and unique. Or you could believe that marketing is all about science. For you, data is the key to successful advertising and you're a data geek.

Your Quirky Qualities

What sets you apart could even be something completely unrelated to—or unnecessary for—what you do, yet it makes you more interesting and intriguing. You might speak eight languages but work for a company that conducts all business in English. One executive I know was a world-class synchronized swimmer, yet she worked in finance for a tech company. She’s the only synchronized swimmer I ever met, which makes her interesting. And she connects her skill and passion for the sport with her commitment to the precision, harmony and collaboration she builds with her team.

Everyone has something unique and valuable to offer. When you're clear about your differentiators—and you apply them to your daily actions—you stand out, get noticed and expand your success.

Watch this 1-min. video and record your response to the brand discovery question.

Turn Learning into Action

Commit to bringing the unique you - your POV, signature skills and quirks - to every activity you engage in at work this week (and every week!). When you do, you'll deliver exceptional value. You'll stand out. You'll give those around you permission to exude their differentiation too! If you want some help getting clear on your brand differentiation, use the CareerBlast 360Reach Personal Brand Survey. 360Reach - Starter accounts are free! #UBU

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