Creating and maintaining the right personal image for you and your company

It's funny to see people and companies trying to make themselves special, to "brand" themselves. In my experience, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. However, 100% of the time, the "brand" depends on real facts about them, as well as "illusions" of what they want people to see them as. Branding, unfortunately, has become an arduous task, taught by business schools and large companies. Branding doesn't have to be such a calculated marketing exercise. It can be a fun, empowering experience. Some people talk about branding their image as something they control others to see. I take branding from another angle - just bring out your very best! Afterall, you cannot control 100% how others see you. I had a prospect who wanted customers to perceive him in a certain light. Some parts can be done, some cannot be. I explained how and why. He wanted a brand - something consistent in his grooming or wardrobe that stands out. So I said that he could wear a consistent style of a blazer, or a pair of nice glasses, or even highlighting his hair - those may serve as "trademarks" of his persona, so to speak. I have never had to work with someone like this - the restrictions this prospect put down made me end the client relationship early. Someone else can work for him - by helping him to find an illusion that isn't him - it's not my job to do so. I only bring out people's best, but not dressing someone in a style that is not consistent with the personality. So, how can you "brand" yourself? In my experience, everyone has their own set of personality and body designs. Everyone is unique. No one needs to try hard to bring out something special because it is already within. These elements are: your own range of colors, your body type, your personality. After that, just adapt the three elements into your wardrobe, which is determined by lifestyle. You don't need to copy other people's style, because in copying it's easy to lose something of your own. When you bring out the best within yourself, that's your brand. You no longer have to worry what others think because you are looking your best. Coupled with coaching on communication skills to bring out the best in the way you communicate, you are in your best image! Then, there is no stress in being conscious of what others think of you. With branding however, especially when it is based on an illusion, needs from time to time "re-branding", perhaps by bringing in different illusional elements. With bringng out your best, there is no "re-branding" but bringing out your best. You flow naturally along with changing times, adapting "in" styles every few seasons that fit you, and ignore the ones that don't. It is a natural process. Your best is always within you, not outside you.