You’ve worked really hard all year to build your Wow Factor. You’ve developed your skills and competencies and have learned how to present them in a way that’s charismatic and authentic. When you walk into a room, the air shifts, heads turn and people gravitate to your conversation circle, spellbound. [Okay, maybe not that last bit.]
This festive season, don’t go ruining it all with one too many drinks and one too many buttons undone. Men, that includes you. You’ve worked too hard to blow it all at the stroke of midnight. Rather focus on ways you can keep building your personal brand while everyone else abandons theirs.
Ready?
1. Show gratitude
The holiday season is about saying thank you to clients, suppliers, friends and most importantly, the family that sees you at your worst. Don’t just thank the people you’ve had recent contact with. Extend your gratitude to those you worked with with earlier in the year. They’ll appreciate the thought and it’ll give you the opportunity to reconnect.
2. Be social
At the office party, talk to people you don’t usually mix with. This is a great opportunity to get to know others and have them get to know you. At social events people are much more willing to look beyond your title or job description and find out about the real you. Let’s face it, the spirit of the festive season helps reduce the tension.
3. Give thoughtful gifts
If you’re gift giving, keep it simple, delicious or thoughtful. No need to break the bank, but do give thought to aligning the gift with your brand. One way to stand out is by keeping your festive gifts the same each year. By way of example, I always bake Christmas mince pies, but instead of the traditional star on top, I cookie-cut a heart because it works with my logo. One year somebody named the pies Brand Tarts and the name stuck. Now I’m delighted to say, they’ve become a little bit iconic.
4. Plan ahead
Tis the season for contemplative thought and reflection. If you haven’t yet defined your personal brand, or created your personal mission statement, then now’s a good time to start. Look at ways you can adopt new habits* that will grow your brand. Ask yourself questions like: What worked for you this year? What didn’t work? Why? Where are the gaps in your knowledge? What training can you take advantage of? In the year ahead, who are the key players who can support you, partner with you, inspire you and mentor you?
* see my next post on 18 December
5. Take a break
You absolutely, 100% deserve it! And I don’t just mean from the office. What if you were to take a break from credit cards, consumerism, clutter, guilt gifting, gift-wrap, debt, deprivation, overtime, over-indulgence and overwhelm? And instead indulge in love, life, laughter, sharing, space and sleep? Go on.
Whatever you decide to do, keep it real. Have fun. Drive safe.
