A Brand With Something To Say.
I have to ask, “What has been your wow moment lately?”
I can remember mine; I found myself mid morning in a conversation regarding experts with a dear friend when she said something that startled me, I mean really, I was shocked, taken aback and literally left pondering without words. Nothing against my friend, as she was just sharing her perspective as we both always do and I’ve loved her for it and once again, she’d given me a glimpse into another viewpoint other than my own. Sigh.
It was at this moment that a single statement with 5 formative words stuck with me, “I THINK SHE’S TOO YOUNG.”
Gasp!
Like a video on repeat, from that point forward for the next few hours all I could hear was this phrase over and over again running through my head. When I got off the phone, my eyes welled up with tears. That moment was transcending and stuck with me.
Why was I so moved?
I kept thinking, I needed to just consolidate and condense my thoughts.
What made this such a wow moment?
Perspective: We all have one. Our perspective is unique and often formed based on our experiences and exposure. The woman we spoke of, I knew (well, not personally), a mega influencer, a leader. She’s a woman that has built an empire, a company and over the years has influenced and impacted so many lives, people from many different walks of life and in so many ways. Trust me, she’s just getting started.
Compassion. Ugh. My heart just hurt, sitting and thinking about how she must feel and how often she may get comments alike that are simple yet defining. Despite her many accomplishments, despite the impact that she has made as a leader, as mom, as owner, as influencer, as a woman that wears many hats, there will still be those who see her as too young. Comments and thoughts alike negate all her work and all her brand has worked so hard to stand for and in essence, the platform she has built. Here I sat thinking and just feeling for her, unbeknownst to her. As if I too had personally been judged.
Transcendence. In that moment I experienced purpose, meaning, and felt compelled. It was transcending. In essence, it captured a reason for diverse viewpoints and defining identity. It doesn’t matter how much we have done, how hard we have worked, how great the influence is that we have, we will always be up against the notion of pre-judgement. We’re left to articulate for ourselves who we are, what we are all about, and why others should care beyond what others may see and perceive of us.
This is why - if you're going to lead in various roles from community to business - the brand you build is absolutely essential to communicating your value and managing the perception of others.
The bottom line is your personal brand is the catalyst that helps you get a message across that answers the questions; 1) Who are you? 2) What are you all about? 3) Why should I care?
This is what I know;
We put so much attention towards developing an amazing product, providing the perfect service, building a stellar organization. Yet, many only see you, the owner, the leader, the creator as the image, the face, and not so much the work you represent. The empire your building lies subject to perception, managed by the brand that you're building for yourself. We live in a society that cannot get beyond the visual representation of what they see. This wows me.
Why we need to commit to building our brand just as much as our products and services:
Because it will open your eyes to how others perceive you in comparison to who you really are and how you view yourself.
Because it will bring clarity to who you are and what you’re all about.
Because it will reinforce what matters most, what you want the world to know about you and highlight your expertise.
Because it will enable you to build trust with others.
Because it will motivate you to push beyond perceptions and take action, showing the world what a purpose-filled woman you really are!
Reflections:
What’s your personal brand communicating?
How would you describe yourself as a person? As a leader? As an owner?
How would your family, friends, and a colleague describe you? A stranger? Ask them.
How would The Creator of all things, Jesus describe you?
What are 3 things that you want the world to know about your organization?
So much goodness in your heart, only good things in your future.
Let the world know what you're all about!
Cheering you on!
Sharnell Weathersby
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