
Marketing principles and concepts can be applied to "Marketing persons", just as in the case of goods and services. How can you successfully market products and services, if you cannot market yourself? Marketing one self is critical for personal success, in terms of career, social life, leisure pursuits etc.
The starting point to marketing yourself, is to "know" yourself. This seems to basic, but do we really know ourselves, in terms of strengths, weaknesses, personal qualities, special talents etc. This is essential so that you could develop rational personal objectives and strategies. Therefore, spend some time and try to understand yourself. You could consult your loved one's, to clarify certain observations.
Consider yourself as a "brand".In marketing a brand is referred to as a name, sign, symbol etc. which is intended to provide a distinct identity and differentiate one brand from another. Hence, brands helps to identify and differentiate. We have all been given a name by our parents. This is because they wanted us to have an identity in society, so that we could also be different from others. As such it is upto us to capitalise on "our brand", in terms of brand marketing ourselves.
Just as in the case of a commercial brand, "our brand" is made of distinctive elements. Let us briefly examine them.
Brand Value - We all have certain personal values such as honesty, integrity, truthfulness etc. It is important to identify these values and examine how they help you, as a person.
Brand Image - What personal image do you have as a person? It is positive or negative? Does it correspond with the image, others have about you? Your personal image is an important element to market yourself. Hence, a positive image is a must.
Brand Name - What is the meaning of your name? Have you ever contemplated about this. When your name is called out, what message does it give. (Positive or negative). If you are fortunate enough to have a name which is sweet music to the ear and favourable in meaning, this must be exploited, in one's own marketing endeavours.
Brand Positioning - What mental picture crops up in the mind of others, when your name is mentioned? Is it positive, negative, obscure or confusing? Do they conjure up a positive, likened, respectful, mental picture or a negative, disliked, untrustful, mental picture? You will now realise that you must position yourself firmly and successfully, amongst your target audiences. i.e. superiors, peers, subordinates, professional associates, customers, friends, family etc.
Brand Perception - How do your target audiences perceive you as a person (personality brand)? A positive perception is required or success, but it is not easy to achieve this, across a diverse audience. This is a real challenge to any person, who wants to market himself or herself successfully.As outlined briefly, you will understand that the first step in marketing yourself successfully, is to truly know yourself.
Treat yourself as a special person (brand). Then, take the necessary steps required to market yourself, as a valuable brand.There are of course, no shortcuts in the process, only hardwork and perseverance will get you success. The fruits of success will be sweet, although the labour is stressful.
"Things do not change, we change."
"Goals are dreams with deadlines."
Abhishek Batra