ARROW

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Branding has never been that important in anyone's life until now.

Whatever you do, whether you're working as an employee, working on your business, perhaps a student or a stay-at-home parent, there's nothing like having a brand that works specifically for your purpose.

I was just one the phone with a friend who's looking to shift his employment to something better in terms of flexibility of the role and higher remuneration but within his field. 

He is thinking of having a personal website and also looking to write a book.

Writing a book nowadays is as easy as ordering a product online. Self-publishing has become a billion dollar concern and that everyone can access anytime. 

Who has never thought of having those in the past few months or years or so? 

No one.

Everyone does.

Branding is no longer a corporate or organization's monopoly to position oneself in the marketplace.

Individuals with aspirations of a more successful career or business platform are stepping up to be seen, heard, and followed. Obscurity is the number killer of inspirations.

Anyone who has joined a contest knows that it takes recognition to get a publishing deal, a record deal, a million-dollar contract, and a shot to fame.

Authentic branding is a major differentiator nowadays. When everyone has the same photo shots, same fashion, and same writing style using ChatGPT, it becomes boring quickly. 

To be different is to be your own self. 

There is no one in this world like you. 

Some will find similarities, common grounds on many areas but to be you is already taken. 

Your brand should represent the best of who you are, as with companies, their brand signified a promise of quality, reliability, and trustworthiness.

What's your personal brand? What qualities represent who you are? 

The second question, how do you want these qualities projected out to the public realm?

For example, as a Filipino-Canadian, my cultural heritage is something that can't be faked or imitated by someone that's not. I lived it out in the public in a way that strengthens their understanding of me and what I represent.

You are bullet in the gun. You are the arrow in your brand marketing message.

Whether you like or not, if you choose to play this game, be prepared to be you.

To divert from who you really are, hurts your self-concept and esteem, as well as hurts your brand.

Protect it, be comfortable in your own skin, and never underestimate your own worth in a noisy undifferentiated world.