Kellogg, Nike, and Apple–what do they all have in common? For one, I own something created by each: Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (breakfast of champions), Nike Air Max (legit footwear that makes me taller–I like being tall), and Apple’s iAnything&Everything (because it is a cult, and you have to commit once you bought the phone–read the manual). Aside from taking all my money, they are better known as global consumer brands. Unless you bought into the tiny house craze and have lived in a remote location for the past decade, it is probably safe to assume that you have had a personal connection to at least one of the above listed brands.

I was going to mention Samsung, but they didn’t do so hot this past year with the whole exploding phone thing. (LOL! Get it? “Do so hot!”) All jokes aside, Samsung is a powerful example of the double edge sword that is branding. Once the notoriety of your brand becomes common knowledge, all affiliations, good and bad, are now directly aligned.

But Jess, “what is a brand?” I’m so glad that imaginary you asked. Merriam Webster Dictionary defines brand as “a class of goods identified by name as the product of a single firm manufacturer” or “a characteristic or distinctive kind.”

Throughout my career, I have had a few mentors (shout out to all the mentors out there making people better one coffee meeting at a time ) who have helped me hone in on one unifying life lesson: What do you want to be known for? Loosely translated: what is your brand? In my early years, I really had to ponder on that because I did not view myself as a product. I am not a tangible good. I refused to be bought! That my friends, is a bold face lie–I have been contracted for 261 days of the year every year for the past 5 years by–get this–my job! (ugh I feel so cheap ). Since I committed to doing something strange for a little (or a lot, depending on who you ask) piece of change, I may as well do it right. So when colleagues, clients, or higher ups ask about my work ethic and my final product, they receive the common response that I “specialize in timely superior results.” Meaning, I come in every day and do the DARN thing.

Now what about you? I have gifted this life lesson – free of charge I might add. What do you want to be known for; what is your brand?

#GetToWork