Tell Me About Brand You!!

“Tell me something about yourself… What do you do?“ How many times would I have heard these self introductory questions...I don’t even remember how many times I would have answered this…. And being an HR professional, I have asked self introductory questions umpteen times myself...

Surprisingly, more often than not I have found executives fumbling for words while introducing themselves. Long back, when I was a consultant to an MBA preparatory organization, we would take special class to help the students successfully market themselves in a short duration of 15 - 30 mins.

Therefore in today’s competitive and ever changing market dynamics it is essential for executives to position themselves.

From my experience let me share 5 pointers while Self Positioning/ Branding yourself

1. Focus on your core offering – What is it that you best do. What are you most passionate about… Talking about your value and belief system helps you attract like-minded employers.

2. Find a Mentor – Mentors and coaches are experts who could be the much needed Guiding Lamp. Remember to talk about your Mentor/ Coach – it reflects on your openness to learn and grow, so don’t hide your Guiding lamp under the bushes.

3. Be Visible – Rejoice! You live in a time when the entire world could be your market. Social media /networking sites are the best platform to establish your presence. In today’s time of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google +, you must make yourself known on the internet.

4. Voice your opinion – People value and respect individuals with a point of view. It may not really matter if it is correct or not, what is more important is that you have a Point of View-an independent thinking and speaking mind.

5. Exhibit Versatility – People are looking for additional toppings. No more are we interested in just a Good cup of Coffee – we are constantly looking for what’s new and interesting on the menu.

In case you are looking for a branding expert's opnion on brand you, you may want to read this

Coach Yourself to be Happy & Successful - Part 2/2

Hi! here’s the second part of the earlier post… Few more simple, easy to follow tips to keep ourselves happy.

1. Exercise Exercise!… – Here I am not preaching about some elaborate exercise regimen or fancy gymming. It could be as simple as dancing to your favorite song, 20-30 minutes brisk walk in the neighbourhood or yoga for an 45-60 minutes 3-4 days a week. Believe me, it’s one of the best stress busters. Again, it adds to your self esteem. Even better, if you team up with your family, spouse or friend…it adds to the overall energy level.

2. Extend Help – Helping others makes you feel good about yourself; it could be helping your colleague with presentation skills or donating money for someone in need, giving an hour a month to an under-privileged school, giving some time to a neighbourhood cause, etc. Whenever I have given some time to others, I have felt happy.

3. Be close to nature – If nature is not close to you, you get close to nature…having a couple of potted plants or just a beautiful money plant on your kitchen window sill also helps. (I love mine on my window sill..)

4. Meditate – Don’t have time…Try for 5 minutes every day – you would learn the art and feel the power of meditation… It’s amazing. You can meditate sitting on your office chair, while commuting, while waiting for someone. In our busy lives creating that 5 minute oasis is often what will calm you and make you happy!

5. Be Child like – Let loose and be yourself…laugh, sing, dance, play pranks ….You are never too old to practice these things. Soon, you will notice people around you will love you for this.

Aren’t you already feeling a little good….I am:-)

P.S. In the picture above, it's my son's first bowl of pop corn which he made the day before. Enough to make our day blissful..