Personal branding is effective when done through principles. These are those principles..

1. The 12 Principlesof Personal Branding

2. #1 Clarity Principle – Don’t wear multiple hats or try to be a jack of all trades. People need clarity as to what your brand is about. Get good in one industry and be the best. Find your niche.

3. #2 Waldo Principle – You need to be present. Where can you be found? Online or offline you and your brand has to be accessible everywhere. Connection is the key!

4. #3 Communication Principle- It’s about relationships. Relationships begin with conversations. Others want to connect with you through conversing. Marketing is no longer a monologue, it’s a dialogue.

5. # 4 Contribution Principle- Demonstrate your expertise or passion through providing quality content and insight to prospects. Use any medium at your disposal.

6. #5 Succinct Principle- Can you sum up your personal brand in 6 words or less? Can others? It should not take a 4 page resume for others to understand your brand. Whatever your brand is, it should be clear and pithy.

7. #6 Credibility Principle- It starts with being authentic. Do not pretend to be something you’re not. Your personal brand will not last if its not authentic. Lost credibility is hard to get back.

8. # 7 Torch Principle- Carry the torch for your category or industry. Evangelize your message. Become an advocate and promote both your peers and the industry you are in.

9. # 8 Association Principle- Being associated with and recognize by your peers will enhance your personal brand. Network and collaborate with other experts and learn from them.

10. #9 Username Principle- Personal branding begins with your name. You are building value around your name. If you have a common name use a nickname, “pen” name or “stage” name like writers or actors. (Mark Twain) Register your name asap.

11. #10 Constant Principle- You are the BRAND! You are now a brand manager. Everything around you has changed from your career to the economy but you remain. You are the constant therefore you are the brand. Treat your personal brand with the same care as fortune 500 companies.

12. #11 Image Principle- Be aware of your image. Not only your appearance but your logo and materials that bear your name. Just be sure you are sending the message you want others to see and hear.

13. #12 Flexibility Principle- If your personal brand is not yielding the results you desire you may want to change directions. You may want to revamp, rebuild or repackage. You should always have an eye on changing trends. Being the best 8 track maker will not work regardless of your branding efforts

14. Robert Earl ReedPersonal Growth & Personal Branding Trainer “Success from the Inside Out” Contact me @ www.RobertReed.mewww.brandyouclub.com