Own Your Personal Brand | Jenni Flinders | TEDxBellevueCollege

Summary

Reiko Bovee emphasizes the significance of personal branding and first impressions in shaping both professional and personal success. She shares her own experience of presenting to an executive team and highlights the importance of preparing, dressing the part, and understanding body language. Bovee stresses the need for authenticity in building a personal brand that reflects one's true passions and strengths. She encourages self-reflection, seeking feedback, and maintaining consistency across social media platforms. Ultimately, the key to success lies in showing up authentically, confidently, and making every moment count.

Takeaways

• 😀 First impressions matter – within seconds, people form opinions based on your appearance, body language, and tone of voice.
• 😀 Your personal brand is the intellectual, visual, and emotional impression others have of you, and it’s crucial to be conscious of it.
• 😀 Building trust-based relationships takes time and requires authentic human interaction, not just digital connections.
• 😀 The way you show up in both professional and personal situations reflects how you want to be treated by others.
• 😀 You can't fake your personal brand. It must be authentic to be accurate and truly represent who you are.
• 😀 Your personal brand is a result of sustained effort to be the best version of yourself and should evolve over time.
• 😀 It's important to actively research yourself – ask questions about your passions, attributes, and how others perceive you.
• 😀 Consistency across social media profiles is essential. Your online presence should align with your professional brand to avoid confusion.
• 😀 Ask for feedback from family, friends, and colleagues to gain a better understanding of how your current brand is perceived.
• 😀 Practice telling your personal story. The more you practice, the better you’ll be at articulating your brand and making a great impression.
• 😀 Life is a series of moments, and showing up with authenticity and confidence can help make every moment count towards building your personal brand.

Q & A

Why is making a first impression so important?

First impressions are crucial because people form opinions about others within seconds of meeting them. These initial perceptions can impact future interactions and opportunities. A positive first impression can open doors, while a poor one may close them.

What role does personal brand play in professional success?

Your personal brand is the intellectual, visual, and emotional impression others have of you. It influences how you're perceived in both personal and professional settings. A strong, authentic personal brand can differentiate you, help you stand out, and create opportunities.

How did the speaker prepare for their big marketing strategy review?

The speaker prepared by arriving early to assess the room's dynamics, observing body language, and gauging the mood to adjust their delivery. They also dressed in what they called their 'power suit' and mentally rehearsed their presentation.

What is the significance of body language in creating a first impression?

Body language plays a significant role in shaping how others perceive you. Non-verbal cues such as posture, eye contact, and gestures contribute to how confident and professional you appear. In the transcript, the speaker emphasizes standing tall, making eye contact, and maintaining a warm smile.

What is the danger of faking your personal brand?

Faking your personal brand can lead to inauthenticity, which is easy to spot. An authentic personal brand is based on true self-awareness and growth, while faking it can result in inconsistency and a lack of trust from others.

What advice does the speaker give for improving one's personal brand?

The speaker advises self-reflection, asking yourself about your passions, strengths, and unique qualities. Additionally, seeking feedback from others can provide insights into how your personal brand is perceived. Consistency across all platforms, including social media, is also crucial.

How can you build a personal brand over time?

Building a personal brand is a continuous process. It requires sustained effort, consistent self-presentation, and authentic engagement with others. Experiences throughout your life and career will shape and improve your brand over time.

What role does social media play in shaping your personal brand?

Social media offers a platform to promote and represent your personal brand. However, it's important to ensure consistency across all platforms. Your online presence should align with the image you want to project professionally, as what you post can influence how others perceive you.

Why is it important to practice telling your personal brand story?

Practicing your personal brand story helps you articulate who you are and what you stand for in a compelling way. Being able to tell your story clearly can strengthen your brand and make you more memorable in professional and personal settings.

How can you assess the strength of your current personal brand?

You can assess your brand by asking yourself key questions about your passions, strengths, and how others perceive you. Seeking feedback from trusted friends, colleagues, and family can help you understand how your brand is perceived and what areas need improvement.