I’d like to think that my blog and twitter feed is a one-way representation of myself, a self-monitored and censored presentation of life as how I’d prefer the world to see me.

I try my best not to define myself by what the rest of the social media collective believes me to be. I guess I can’t help but be influenced by comments and input, but maybe because my e-presence is low-key, it gives me more leeway to put on whatever mask I deem appropriate.

For me, authentic or authenticity means being true to what I represent. I like my blog. I like writing about dropping my cell phone in the toilet and buying stocks that go bankrupt. I like blogging about me burning cakes and being an overall man-child.

Sure, that personal brand might not be an authentic representation of who I am as a multilayered person…but that’s okay. I don’t want everyone to know everything about me. Just little pieces.

Since people are all unique as human beings, branding is a way to separate each person from the herd.

The new reality these days is perception. As a utility, branding allows an employed or unemployed professional to create a version of their truth/transparency that works.

Acquired skills become obsolete. Natural talent never does. The challenge is being able to apply the same talents in an ever changing global economy.

Learning never stops.

Randy

First, my disclaimer– I don’t know anything at all about branding, from a marketing standpoint. Nada.

I have to say, though, that this conversation about self and the construction of the self that is presented to the world reminds me of Frederick Douglass and his obsession with his self-image– he wrote three autobiographies, demonstrating that the creation of a self (or a determination of what aspect of self to present to the world) was constantly under revision.

I’m thinking, too, of Douglass’s conflict with Garrison, which was at root an assertion of his right to revise himself– to grow and change and especially to play an active role in his own self-creation. Remember– Garrison wanted Douglass to keep a little of that “plantation speech” and to show off the scars on his back– it was crucial that Douglass was believed to be an “authentic” ex-slave. But to remain defined by the scars of slavery is bondage of a different sort. (Back to Foucault?) Those scars were almost a literal branding that Douglass underwent twice– first when he was whipped, and then when his scars were shown to crowds. In response, Douglass told and retold his own story, of himself as the quintessential self-made man.

I’m not sure what kind of addition this makes to the conversation, but Douglass certainly seems like a relevant (or at least interesting?) figure to consider– he’s such a complicated case.

Such a great conversation that you’ve started – well done!

reading through the comments above, I can’t help think that a few peeps have missed the point as to what personal branding is and what it isn’t.

For a start, it’s something we all have, whether we like it or not. Your personal brand is what people say and think about you. The difference is that some people choose to manage theirs.

Secondly, the idea that people create their personal brand is an interesting one. Yes, we create our brands daily through our thoughts and actions. But, to create a personal brand that is NOT you, is going to be rumbled very quickly – inauthentic and lacking in transparency.

It may be easier to think about the control one may have over their personal brand in relation to flying a kite. Sure, you set the kite into the air (launch yourself, put yourself into a certain space), you can pull and tug (take actions), but ulitmately the wind will determine where the kite goes. Similarly, your thoughts and actions will be interpreted by others, and this is where you lose control. You do not know how others will interpret your actions and words. But, that is what your brand is.

Managing your personal brand takes enormours self awareness and understanding of who you really are. Many people when asked, don’t even know their own strengths, let alone their values, or their goals. Without awareness of these, your brand will lack direction and substance.

Understanding what your brand is and then refining it a fascinating process. I work with many people who start out thinking their brand is X when in fact it’s Y. The main error they were making is that they were only asking themselves, and that’s only one of places to look. You must also go to your market – the target of your efforts.

Alexia

For me, branding has never been about creating a facade. Those who approach it in such a way lose my interest completely. In fact, the word “brand” and the word “expert” are quickly becoming banished from my vocabulary.

Brands (ugh, I said it) find their foundation in self-awareness, not a carefully crafted logo, font, or wardrobe. As @CTK1 so eloquently said, “Otherwise I’d be selling my naughties on a street corner and BTW that’s very easy to BRAND.”

Explaining this fact to the textbook audience seems to be a challenge, as they don’t seem to understand that this is an organic process. Not a linear one.

I make the comparison to musicians. Musicians express themselves (their brand) through their music, with the hopes of capturing the attention of their natural audience. An audience that is naturally drawn to the “self” of the musician.

In the process of writing my own tunes,
Chris

Beyond that, I don’t talk about personal branding because it seems phony. Be who you are, put your best foot forward, but be real. It’s a johari window thing- you can pretend to be something other than who you are… but before long, everyone else sees it, even if you don’t.

thanks for giving voice to this. it’s been on my mind. Brogan says it best, be an agent of trust….

I had NO idea when I hopped online tonight to see what you were up to in the clubhouse that I would spend nearly 30 minutes reading all sides of the personal branding/authenticity discussion. KILLER comments people. Wow. I’m not going to add any new, deep or profound on this one… i’m just going to keep my mouth shut, clap my hands and stomp my feet for all ya’ll that did.

RIGHT ON.

*Muah* to you on this one Jen… ever and always the real-deal.

But most people that I work with have little or no social media presence, beyond personal ones in the likes of Facebook. Their personal brands are what they do every day, most of the time they are doing this sub-consciously because they are just being who they are. But on occasion they want to have a little more awareness of how they are perceived and how they impact those they come in to contact with.

That is where a personal branding process can be useful – not to create a personal brand with a false social media image but to clearly define and communicate one that is already there. And usually they are doing this not just for themselves but for the benefits of others and their communities at large – that to me is real personal branding.

Just my toonies worth.