Strategy Case

Personal brand - your personal brand is what you are known for and what people seek you out for; the reason for why your personal development is based on connections you meet every day. You create one to align the perception people have of you to where you are today. Realizing development takes longer when trying to build lasting relationships. Most effective CEOs worked at entry level jobs prior to rising to the CEO position.

Everyone has a brand already. You need to control it, or someone else will.

personal branding statement:

1. defines the career that you want

2. gives you more confidence to show your value

3. helps you attract the right "eyes"

Four elements of a strong personal branding statement:

1. value - this is what you base your decisions upon. It is your personal mission statement with values to support your mission. The mission might be simple, obtain a high paying job. It might be complex, I want to be a CEO. The importance of values is they follow your mission statement.

2. unique - you want to standout. Above all else when competing for a position, your talents and resume must extend beyond the common applicant.

3. target audience - remember who you are trying to impress. The corporate CEO will not look at you twice if you look like the candidate sitting next to you.

4. emotional appeal - this can be the clincher. You need to appeal to the crowd on an emotional level. This isn't easy but knowing your audience makes it easier.

Strong relationships are the foundation of business development today. It is important to build lasting relationships with mutual respect.