The Charisma Factor
Posted on April 3, 2008
Filed Under General
What comes to mind when someone hears your name?
Personal Branding is all about leaving a positive and memorable mental image in the mind of your customers. The next level is having favorable name recognition among people who have yet to meet you. Further still in the hierarchy of Personal Branding is single name recognition, like Oprah, Tiger, or “The Donald.” But you don’t have to be a super celebrity to put Personal Branding to use.
Charisma is the fuel that drives success at Branding YOU. It’s having that “larger than life” persona that fills a room. Having character traits that could be easily mimicked on “Saturday Night Live” makes you distinctive.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you go out and invent a persona. That tactic would likely have you be perceived as inauthentic – and do you more harm than good.
What I am talking about is often referred to as “full self-expression.” It means allowing people to experience the unbridled aliveness that is uniquely you.
Our parents raise us to be cautious and guarded. These are appropriate instructions for a child. However, when you step into the public arena you need to stand out.
We’ve all seen politicians and public figures that appear to be uncomfortable in their own skin. You can’t quite put your figure on it but something seems out of sync when you watch them debate or give a speech. Others leave us with the opposite impression. They convey trust, compassion and sincerity.
So how do you raise your charisma quotient? Commit to being authentic. That means, give yourself permission to be real in your interactions with others. Don’t pretend. People don’t want perfection. They want sincerity.
Seek feedback from associates and clients about the distinctive traits and perhaps even quirks you have that work in your favor. Watch videotape of yourself in action. Make notes of what works and doesn’t work.
Charisma is like a magnet, but it requires an outflow of energy to complete the cycle. Tap into your own natural and expressive self. Greet the world with a smile. Be conscious of your energy level. Let it flow.
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Personal branding is about being yourself and showing that to others. You need to demonstrate value, so that others will want to do business with you.