“Have you? Given me your very best? Because I know there’s a lot more in you, a whole other level, that for some reason you just don’t want to go to!”-Herb Brooks to Jim Craig (Miracle, 2004)

As you’re probably aware, social media is the talk of the Internet these days, which has created both the ability and need to have a personal brand online. The age of anonymity online has all but ended, so you may as well be visible online and put your best foot forward for networking, job hunting, and other professional purposes.

I am a bit neurotic about what shows up when I Google my name. Yes, I am a self-proclaimed dork, but I am probably not the first or last person to say you are who Google says you are.

Attention all advertising agencies, marketing professionals, corporations, bloggers or human beings in general: Just stop faking it already! Why?

Everyone's personal brand is different, even if by the tiniest subtlety. So, there are very few "sins" of personal branding that universally apply to all. But, I'm confident that the seven personal branding sins listed below can be applied to everyone - including you!

Without further ado, here are 7 sinful characteristics of a personal brand that you should absolutely strive to avoid.

I’ve given up any illusion that I can control my personal brand, and I cringe when self-appointed gurus and advisors want you to believe that your personal image and reputation can be controlled and manipulated by social media profiles, networks, and websites.

They are lying to you. I know this because I’ve lived it.

The first time I heard the term "Personal Branding" my mind immediately jumped to thinking of how my husband refers to the particular pungency of his gasseous emissions as his "brand." Probably not the best place to start out for me to take the term seriously.

I have been to quite a few networking events and I guarantee you will hear the phrase, “Tell me about yourself.” Many people are able to answer this question with no problem, while others seem to struggle. If you find yourself experiencing the latter, one way to combat this issue is memorizing an elevator speech.

Last month, Patti Church and Treena Grevatt came in and gave a talk on Personal Branding for WISE. Patti’s one of the people behind WhyHire.me so it was great to have her come and speak to us.

The following 10 lessons are not aimed at just those who wish to move into managerial positions; they’re also for those who work as project managers, team leaders, thought leaders, relationship builders etc. Of particular note is that those holding senior positions in organizations should reflect on these lessons. It’s important to remember that management is an appointment of position; leadership is earned.

Quite a gutsy first proper post on this site given the popularity of this topic – but it is something I have been considering for a while and now I have a forum for it.

Confession. I know jack balls about personal branding.

“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dabblers are not much in vogue these days. It is much more popular to be hyper-focused. Passionate. Dedicated to one thing to the exclusion of all else. If you haven’t been earnestly pursuing your passion from the age of seven, how can you possibly succeed?

I have no shame in admitting that I google myself on a regular basis. And by regular basis, I mean once a week. It’s obsessive, I know. But it’s also smart. Or at least that’s how I justify it.

Status Quo

I have a lot of trouble with personal branding. I think most people do which is why there are so many personal branding coaches out there. Good ones.

I have worked for the same company since I graduated high school, when I first started it was a great job, it complimented my college schedule and as I would find out, would give me opportunities to advance. The job was in the transportation industry, something I had never considered a desirable career path, but I didn't see this as a career, I saw this as a stepping stone.

Until a few short months ago, I had absolutely never ever ever heard of the term Personal Branding. I studied urban planning and public policy in my undergrad and grad years, and the idea of speaking for oneself rather than a person in need was never really discussed. We studied inequality, racial disparity, global poverty and other critical issues.

I am a newbie to the world of ‘Personal Branding’ but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have a bit to say on the topic.

In today’s professional world, our influence extends only as far as our relationships. This is fantastic news for the Hollywood lookalikes and handshaking enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the majority of us lack the jawline and the forearm fortitude to become a master networker and develop a strong personal brand.

Right?

Not even close.