133: The Five Elements of Your Personal Brand, with Heather Backstrom

Heather Backstrom: Executive Coach What is a personal brand? Personal brand is who a person is from the inside out. It’s not about external looks – that is personal image (also important, but different). 1. Values Knowing our values can provide clarity on the kind of work and work environment we choose. To help get clarity on your values, you may wish to utilize Dave’s values exercise at this link. Consider experiences in your life that really brought you joy – what values show up? For more on values, check out Coaching for Leaders episode 20. 2. Vision It’s about where you are now and where you wish to go. Create a target for yourself by defining it visually or in writing. “You can’t hit a target you don’t even have.” -Zig Ziglar For a journaling app, check out Day One. For more on vision, check out Coaching for Leaders episode 22. 3. Purpose Vision is where your head is and purpose is how you get there. Vision is the future and purpose is what’s happening in the present. Dave spoke about being a “curator of wisdom about people.” Without purpose, we tend to get caught up in other people’s lives and lose our own way. 4. Authenticity Personal brand is about bringing out the best of who you are. Borrow wisdom from others, but make it your own. 5. Perception We define our world and other people by our perceptions. The language we use can change how people perceive us. Heather and Dave both mentioned that they struggled most with this element. What action will you take enhance one of these five elements of your personal brand? Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.