August Goals | Practice What You Preach

Last August was transformative for me. I made a major career change that, indirectly, lead me to do what I love today. I became unstuck. I leaped first and figured out how to land second.

 

One of the pillars of my consulting business is personal branding. You, yes you the individual, are a brand. We're all brands. We all have something to say, we all have something to sell, we all have something to teach everyone else. It used to be all about what we said, how we dressed, and how we behaved. Now it's all that plus the addition of the social web. I coach people on using their social networks and the internet to build their brand and become the best that they can be and reach their personal goals.

But sometimes the coach needs coaching. Sometimes the coach is too busy helping others that they forget to take care of themselves. Sometimes the coach needs to be hit in the head with a ball and see stars, the ones they want to reach themselves. Sometimes the coach needs to go back to the basics and take their own advice.

Here are the "rules" that I have set for myself this month that I teach others:

1. The 3-1-1 rule. Three (or more) pieces of information that a relevant to your industry, you're personal brand or your audience. One piece of information about you or your business. One off topic piece of information. Keep it relevant, keep it educational/informative, keep it engaging, keep it fun! And most importantly, show your value and expertise.
2. Keep it positive. No whining and complaining (unless it's warranted). 
3. No drama. Save it for your mama. 
4. No cursing. I met someone recently who had a gig pulled from them because they used a mild curse word a long time ago in a blog post. If it's part of your schtick, don't stop but do realize there may be repercussions and lost business down the road.
5. Help others. Give to give, not give to get. 
6. Don't be annoying. And along those lines, don't waste other people's time.
7. Keep personal things personal. Nobody needs to know about your bowel movements.
8. Ensure your information is accurate. If you're not sure, Google it or ask an expert.
9. Check your grammar and spelling. You would be surprised how much credibility you can lose with one mistake. 
10. Think before you click send.

Rules 1 and 2 will be the hardest for me personally and will require some discipline. I'm  also working on personal brand maps and on developing an organizational system that works best for me. Everyone loves the Day Designer and Erin Condren's Life Planners and it works for them, however, I need something completely custom for me. A hybrid version that includes in the Queen City, Kseniya Martin Consulting, Smartflyer Charlotte, Charlotte AMA, one for each client, and life. Oy! Suggestions welcomed!


What are you working on this month?