I’ve been avoiding working on this website for a long time now. I wish I could accurately convey the many months and years I have paid for the domain name and access to the webspace on my server…only to do nothing with it. Honestly, I’d have to look it up. I’d wager we are somewhere in the 5 year ballpark by now.

Why haven’t I done anything?

I mean, I have at times. I’ve started to…and then just stopped. To be fair (I see you LetterKenney fans), this is one of my biggest problem areas in my life. I start something and get super excited, only to drop it days, weeks, or sometimes a few months later. I’m really hoping that’s not what’s happening this time, because it feels resolute.

What’s happening? I’ve decided to finally create my Brand (oooh, capital B…it must be important). Yeah, I’ve said it, my Brand. That dirty word nowadays that is associated with tons of mindless and pointless blogging for the sole purpose of getting more visibility on search engines, leading to more website traffic, leading to more sales and business. Right? To a point, yes. But, mostly, no.

So, What is a Brand?

While many businesses have this same thought paradigm around branding, a Brand is actually something deeper when done correctly. A Brand is a lot like a unified Vision (oooh, another capital). Something that every facet of your work, design, intention, and creativity strive to move towards. It’s almost like your Brand is a more defined and refined statement of your (or your business’) lifestyle.

People already have a Brand, they just don’t realize, define, and speak its existence. The way you walk and carry yourself. How you speak to friends versus those you interact with professionally or in the general public. Your clothing choices, go to products or items, and even the technological services you choose to use. Your friends, family, and acquaintances begin to associate you with those things. You are unintentionally defining your Brand. You are creating the proficiencies and interests others will begin to come to you to chat and inquire advice.

Okay, I’m Intrigued. How do I Utilize My Brand?

Imagine what you could do if you took the time to refine that Brand and transform it into exactly what you wanted, but also what you wanted others to see? “Oh, that Thomas fellow is such a nice person! He’s so helpful! I can always depend on him to be patient with me if I need him to show me something!” I hear this often, but it’s not because I sit on my butt and watch the people around me struggle. It’s because I make an effort to help those around me in any ways I can with my skill sets and proficiencies. That is part of my Brand that I strive to portray. I want others in my professional circles to know I am able and willing to learn and help them learn what is needed for them to succeed in their tasks.

I want to refine my Brand more. I finally have found a reason to utilize this website to explore my Brand and define the person, both professionally and personally, that I want to be and want others to see. Take the time to see your Brand. Take the time to refine it. Journal. Blog. Just sit and chat with someone about it regularly. Do something! Otherwise your Brand will be defined by others and it may not be what you feel aligns with the Brand you see inside yourself.