In today’s world, a brand is an identity. What one stands for, what values one upholds and what others should expect of one. We live in a world of research where people know more about a place they are travelling to that they do about their own home because somewhere out there there is someone who talked about the place and immortalized their information by putting it on the internet. To have control over what the world knows about them, most companies have taken to providing relevant information on themselves on the said internet.
So what do people say about you? Whether you like it or not they will say it so the question of whether they will say anything is no longer relevant. How can you determine what and how much they will say about you? Or who will say it?
1. Define your Values
Be clear about what you stand for. This is not rocket science. Start with low hanging fruit like are you a christian or muslim, are you a parent, etc. Already these come with their expected set of values. Establish this and add some more values and own these.
2. Stand by your Values
When you tell someone you are a christian it means that you seek to be Christlike so things like integrity and the fruit of the spirit are a given. Avoid situations where a pagan for instance will show you up for claiming to be something you are not.
3. You are who you hang around
Surround yourself with people you admire, people who hold similar values and who will keep you accountable. They will help you appreciate your brand when you least expect to and will often remind you of what you stand for even when you are weak.
4. Never shirk responsibility
Take every opportunity to serve and to lead. It is your training ground. It is the place where you will horn your strengths and work on your weaknesses. It is the place where you will recruit brand ambassadors for yourself.
5. Be FAT
Faithful, available, teachable. Learning should never stop with you. Be available. Be known as the man for the job…the girl of the hour.Walk your talk always to build a brand of integrity.
6. The Buck stops with you.
Always finish what you start and always take responsibility. When someone calls you about a plumber, if you get them the plumber also follow up after to see that they were happy with said plumber. When you own your tasks it is easier for all to trust you with bigger responsibility.Try as much as you can to be a one stop service center for things you have total control over. Keep close tabs on tasks you have delegated to avoid nasty surprises as well.
7. Always imagine the worst case scenario.
This is not to have you live in fear but things like taking compromising photos or doing anything unsavory because it is in secret are always a cocked gun waiting for the trigger. Just always remember that it is not a secret once more than one person knows it. Be as transparent as possible and you will be afraid of less ghosts lurking in the dark.
