In a world drowning in noise and a lot of BS, how do you stand out? How do you become the Purple Cow? The answer is personal branding. It’s not just for influencers or CEOs – it’s for everyone who wants to make their mark, regardless of industry.
I recently gave a talk on this at the Women in Defense National Conference, and the response was, well, overwhelming. People were hungry for this message, and for good reason. Your personal brand is how you become unforgettable in a forgettable world.
Be Remarkable or Be Invisible
As the marketing guru Seth Godin says, “You’re either remarkable or invisible.” There’s no middle ground anymore. Your personal brand is how you become remarkable. It’s how you showcase your unique blend of skills, personality, and values.
Take it from me – when I founded 8THIRTYFOUR 15+ years ago, I threw out the industry-standard hourly billing and focused on deliverables and relationships instead. That became our purple cow, our differentiator. The Result: Well, we’re pretty damn awesome.
Embrace Your Inner Outsider
The world doesn’t need more people who fit in. It needs the changemakers, the purple cows, the outsiders. These are the people who see things differently and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo.
It isn’t easy, you need:
- Perseverance: You’ll face roadblocks and naysayers. Keep pushing.
- Selling skills: Your ideas are great, but can you convince others?
- Insight: Find comfort in the uncomfortable. That’s where growth happens.
Your Brand is Your Story
Your personal brand isn’t just a logo or a catchy tagline. It’s your story. It’s how you show up in the world, both online and offline. It’s the consistent thread that runs through everything you do.
For me, that means being unapologetically direct, embracing irreverent humor, and always prioritizing relationships (handwritten notes, giving versus receiving). It means rescuing dogs (okay, maybe hoarding them a little), advocating for my community, and never turning down a good happy hour.
Stand for Something
A strong personal brand isn’t afraid to take a stand. What do you believe in? What are you passionate about? For me, it’s supporting small businesses and empowering women. It’s why I serve on boards like the Small Business Association of Michigan and Women Impacting Public Policy.
Keep Evolving
Your personal brand isn’t set in stone. It should grow and evolve as you do. Don’t be afraid to pivot, to try new things, to fail spectacularly and then get back up again.
Remember, in the words of the great Seth Godin, “In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is failing. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.”
So, what’s your purple cow? How will you be remarkable? Your personal brand is waiting to be unleashed. It’s time to stop being invisible and start being unforgettable.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some dogs to rescue and some wine to drink. After all, that’s part of my brand too.
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